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Hamaca paraguaya (2006)
Brilliantly Simple and Simply Brilliant!
I just came back from my fifth TIFF film of 2006 - Hamaca Paraguaya. The film is less than 80 minutes long, and contains maybe a total of about 10 scenes, with no cuts, just long continuous still shots, observing two characters from a distance that made it all so intimate. Such a classic story (war and death) told in a most unexpected angle and a daring way. In my opinion, it's minimalist delivery is parallel to Lars Von Tier's Dogville - "less is more". I have to say it is one of my best TIFF experiences - one-of-a-kind low-budget international films deserves to be promoted.
I thought the director really put herself up for a real challenge and managed to far exceed it - bravo! Both my friend and I loved it. Amazing. I was very happy that I saw it on the big screen, where this film is meant to be seen.
Dreaming Lhasa (2005)
Good film - Could Be Better
I saw this film at the 2005 Toronto International Film Festival. Resonating soundtracks, beautiful cinematography and original story brought alive a story of two lost souls struggling to find the past/truth that they fear to uncover. The directors picked an interesting angle to look at how the Tibetan exile community continues to fight for their land and at the same time deals with the temptations from the "outside" world. Shot along very scenery Tibet-India border, the setting alone was worth to watch.
On the down side, unfortunately the leading actress still has a long way to go before reaching the same performance level as the rest of key cast members. Also the pacing was great at the beginning, but somehow went flat towards the end.
Great job for a low-budget film.