Fall 2003

If I wasn’t such a busy body then maybe, just maybe, I may have sent this report to my editors within a month after the actual festival, but they know that wouldn’t be the Mark Flora they’ve grown accustom to.

Just spanning a little over a week, the 23rd Annual Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) was a huge success. The festival brought people from all over the world and literally jam packed them in the beautiful Dole Cannery Signature Theatres. The festival is blooming every year and each step is taken towards a bright future. Specializing in Asian films, there was an astounding amount of movies making its way from China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan and even the Philippines.

As difficult a task it was for the Hawaii KFCC crew, a team of just 2 guys might I add, we worked hard to sort through the rubbish and find the films that really catered to you, our hardcore Asian film fanatics. We thought of YOU only. Yeah right! We got in for free! We watched what we wanted, when we wanted, ha! Okay, okay bragging rights aside, Francis Mawae and I really did choose the films you wanted to know about. There were some letdowns and some awe-inspiring films, but we were expecting that. However, there were a few surprising films. We hope you enjoy this report as much as we enjoyed getting into the festival for free (okay I’ll stop now).

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Saturday, Nov. 1, 2003

Lumpia – 3p.m.


Hailed as the “ultimate home made movie,” I knew I had to take a glimpse of the Filipino flick, Lumpia. I read the synopsis in the HIFF guide and decided to watch it since I adored the film The Debut. The makers of The Debut were almost all onboard for this unbelievable ride. If you’re looking for a surprise hit, then this is it! Lumpia has got to be my second favorite of the festival. Filmed entirely on an 8mm camcorder, director Patricio Ginelsa Jr. and friends lived a childhood dream; directing and starring in their very own tribute to the action/comedy genre. Lumpia was a riotous blend of comic mischief, hilarious storytelling and B-movie type action that entertains on all levels. Mixing stereotypical Filipino humor and interesting characters, Ginelsa Jr.’s ambitious film is nothing short of noteworthy. A movie made for all aspiring film makers to see, Lumpia is a film that will make you feel the true magic of the movies.

This one was surely a hot movie. Seats were filling up quick and people were anticipating a fun film. Coming off their DVD debut at Tower Videos, the cast and crew of The Debut rushed to Dole Cannery to join the festivities. After the film, they gave a brief question and answer portion. One of the highlights of the question and answer segment had to be when one of the local Filipino’s in the audience asked, “The film was very funny and it seems you got the whole Filipino stereotype down, but why weren’t there any knife scenes?” The question simply dumbfounded the cast and crew as they have never heard of the knife stereotype we locals knew so well. The whole crowd erupted in laughter as the crew stood there puzzled and gazing at one another with troubled faces. That was a Kodak moment. Oh yeah and did I mention I took pictures with the narrator of the film Joy Bisco of The Debut? I’m sorry it must’ve slipped my mind.
(Mark Flora)

Sunday, Nov. 2, 2003

SAMURAI NIGHT!

Twilight Samurai – 7p.m.

Starring one of my most favorite Japanese actors right now, Hiroyuki Sanada was no doubt the man of the hour. Twilight Samurai won the Golden Maile which is the HIFF’s most coveted award. A remarkable period piece set in the last stages of the samurai era; the drama that enfolded was gripping and engaging. Sanada’s portrayal of a poverty stricken samurai was magnificent. Everyone in the audience could see how superb his skills were in acting and no one could nor would question that. His brilliance shown till the credits rolled and the lights were out. Some of the audience members stayed glued to their seats thinking and some even in tears. Twilight Samurai is true film making at its best. Fresh and beautifully scripted, it will leave you with the most uplifting sense of warmth in your heart. Twilight Samurai was the best movie showcased this year at the HIFF hands down. If you still have not watched this unforgettable film, then you simply cannot call yourself an Asian Cinema fan.

It seemed the film was very popular as the line grew and grew. However, The Cooler was showing the same time and that was the most anticipated film that night. When things finally settled in the theater, Anderson Le introduced the film calling it a “throwback to chambara films.” There was a considerable amount of Japanese folks there, most of whom looked in there seventies. These were the same ones in tears after the film ended and I could see why as the film probably hit them on a level only they could explain.
(Mark Flora)

Aragami – 10p.m.

I have to say this was the film I was so hyped on seeing. One of the films of the now famous Duel Project in which Ryuhei Kitamura and Yukihiko Tsutsumi (2LDK) proposed a bet on who would make the better film, Aragami was an insane ride into the world of the supernatural samurai. The way Kitamura bombards our senses with flashing lights and wild rock music was stunning and gorgeous. Some of the scenes were a bit too dark for my partner, but it never bothered me since I was really into the film by that point. It seems we were at opposing ends on this movie. Not to say we would’ve kicked others’ asses for hating or liking it, but where I thought the action was superb, Francis thought it was too flashy with a lot of cut scenes. One thing we did agree on though was the fact that Kitamura should’ve engaged the action throughout the castle instead of just one room, ala 2LDK where the girls went from living room to bathroom to where ever the action took them. However, to say flat out that it was the better of the two dueling films would be a very tough call. I felt Kitamura’s Alive molded better for the “one room” chaos than did Aragami. There were guidelines set by the two directors for their films. One being that the films have only two main speaking actors and that they had to fight to the death. Despite the uber characters in this film, the girls in 2LDK were much more entertaining. It was up in the air for me.

After getting some refreshments, Francis and I quickly got into the line hoping we’d beat the crowd except the line never did form. For a film with all the makings of a blockbuster, no one was in the theater to enjoy it. There was bunch of guys scattered around the theater and a few couples here and there, but there couldn’t have been more than 75 people present. Anderson Le gave a brief introduction about the Duel Project and little background on the actual stake of the bet. Whoever lost had to shave their head bald.
(Mark Flora)

Monday, Nov. 3, 2003

2LDK – 10p.m.

Simply one of the most bizarre stories you’ll encounter, 2LDK is every guy’s worst nightmare or sexual fantasy if you’re really kinky. The other film in the Duel Project, Yukihiko Tsutsumi’s film is a surreal peek in the lives’ of two young actresses. Tsutsumi’s style was quite original and very entertaining. Tsutsumi is a true storyteller as he took us not only into the lives’ of his characters but also their thoughts, which of course was insanely comical. Things start to get a bit feisty in the apartment when nerves and tensions start to grow wildly out of control. A little spark here and there turns into a barn burner when the spacious apartment becomes too small for their growing egos. An all out cat fight ensues and Tsutsumi even manages to throw in a whole array of household weaponry that would make good ol’ Bruce Campbell very happy. Stirring and completely innovative, this film was a bit more “out there” when compared to even Ryuhei Kitamura’s outlandish material. Go watch the Duel Project and see which one you prefer. I loved both in different ways, sort of like having two girlfriends and each one with their own good traits. (Okay so I’ve never had two girlfriends at once, sue me.)

I just came off work and I was exhausted by the time I got to the theater and met up with Francis. The crowd was much bigger for this film since the plot was much more appealing for the general viewers. There were more ladies in the theater and I could smell the excitement in the atmosphere. Everyone was ready for an all out chick war and the exhaustion that held me had lost its grip by then. Ooh, we couldn’t wait for it!
(Mark Flora)

Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2003

Goodbye Dragon Inn – 6:45p.m.

A Taiwanese film, directed by Tsai Ming-Liang, about the patrons of a run-down theater. What can I say about this film? It promises to give us an interesting look into the experiences of a few people as they wander about a theater. Well, it's quite painful to watch and I don’t mean that in a good way.

I'd say there were fewer than 50 people in the theater; about one third of who would leave before the film finished! I actually heard someone say, "Tell me when something happens in this movie," before he, I assume, had a nap. The problem is just that. For the most part, there's nothing going on on-screen. There were many, many lengthy takes of nothing in particular. Okay, so I see a woman and she's holding a manapua (Chinese bread with marinated pork fillings) or something . . . and then . . . what? Nada. Surely she’s thinking of something, but the films narrative style is so inaccessible to us that nothing really gets across. In Goodbye Dragon Inn’s favor, it is peppered with a few funny scenes. There was a certain "ghostly" encounter in the theater and another in the public restroom. There are also a few where the underlying humor is in exposing those little irritating behaviors other people do that forever bug moviegoers. But these scenes are few and far between, and in any case, not what the film is about. Well certainly watching a movie about people watching a movie is fascinatingly surreal and a little fun, initially. Eventually though, you will most likely get bored. Despite Goodbye Dragon Inn having later won the Special Jury Prize at the HIFF, I recommend this film only to those with loads of patience.
(Francis Mawae)

Battlefield Baseball – 10p.m.

This was the ride you’ve been waiting for. Mind boggling and extremely over-the-top, Battlefield Baseball was the most funniest and gruesome film in the festival. If you were looking for the best comic book to film adaptation then look no further, this is THE movie you have to, I mean HAVE TO watch. The world of baseball and the living dead meet in this belly-aching laugh out loud riot of a movie. Pushing the limits of stupidity closer and closer to the breaking point, producer Ryuhei Kitamura and director Yudai Yamaguchi came out with a winner that redefines the horror/comedy genre and making it their own. Special effects CGI and even intentional film screw ups run aplenty in this chaotic masterpiece. Bats, baseballs, gloves, chainsaws, a super wind up pitch that blow peoples’ heads off, a stupid blonde gang leader who dies and is reborn into someone else, and freakin’ hilarious karaoke sequences are just some of the things awaiting you. Trust me, the things mentioned are nothing compared to what you’ll eventually see. Battlefield Baseball is a splatter house gore fest spoofing films from all over the Asian cinema scene. Watch it and I challenge you to say there was a movie more undeniably idiotic than this baby. I dare you.

So once again I had to rush my sorry butt over from a short night shift at work again. Man, I was beginning to feel the results of the late night shows coupled with an early wake-up call to go to my second job. I met up with Francis again that night and he just came off a viewing of Goodbye Dragon Inn, which he described as “okay, not bad . . . it had its moments.” I wanted to watch that but after that mediocre response from my partner, the film just lost my interest. The theater wasn’t so filled when we got in. It seems films that were geared for true hardcore Asian action fans weren’t so popular with the rest of festival goers. Fine by me. It just means I got more leg room to enjoy this awesome film. Hell, I even laughed as hard as I could without feeling like there was a hot chick in the room listening to me.
(Mark Flora)

Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2003

No Lonely Angels – 10:15p.m.

Lang loves Jia. Jia falls out of the picture. Lang loves Ye. Jia comes back. Lang loves Jia again. Lang goes away. Jia loves Bian. Ye... oh forget it! If that sounds a little bewildering, well, if you ever see this film by Zhang Fanfan, just you wait.

Oh where to begin? Well, as I went into the theater complex, there was already a line formed right in front of the Dole Cannery 18 Theater! This was proof that people did not follow the "go outside after your movie before you come back in to see another one" rule. I admit having cut in front a bit, but come on. Can you say Press Pass? Rules are rules, and you should follow them (especially if they work in your favor.) Although the heart of the story deals with simple love between four people, it's a bit more complicated than that. The characters are pretty well traveled, and they come and go, so without much helpful expository clues, it’s quite easy getting lost. But the weirdest thing is if you go along with it, it won't disappoint . . . at least not until the very end. The intricate plot took a turn for the worse as it became increasingly more confusing toward the conclusion. I suspect a bit of the exposition was lost in translation as some of the subtitles were pretty nonsensical. I don't know what to say. I suppose if you understand Mandarin you should see it as you'd have more of a grip on what's going on, no doubt.
(Francis Mawae)

Thursday, Nov. 6, 2003

Long Life, Happiness and Prosperity – 7p.m.

Mindy Ho is a precocious little girl who attempts to use Chinese magic to improve her mother's life. However, "fate" twists things a bit when a spell goes wrong and more people are affected in ways unintended by the young charmer. Set in a Chinese Canadian community and directed by Mina Shum.

This film turned out to be the first of only two English language films I’d see at the HIFF! The theater was pretty full, except for the front section. Unfortunately, when the film began I was driven to distraction and missed a bit of dialogue because of an annoying reverberating buzz in the audio. It was fixed after about 5 minutes! Problems like that should be caught sooner. That aside, this film is magic! It's fascinating to watch the relationships of these characters and how they connect; the “sub-plots” in Long Life… are really more than just excursions from the main plot, indeed they are quite central to the story. It is this notion that gives the film a wonderful touch, an intangible feeling of the “ether” underlying life. Now I don't want to spoil this one, but I'll never forget a little musical scene where one character serenades Mindy's mom. Altogether humorous and moving, that scene personifies the film pretty well. I urge you to see Long Life, Happiness and Prosperity.
(Francis Mawae)

Save the Green Planet – 10p.m.

Painstakingly powerful in its approach, Save the Green Planet was a breakthrough in film making. Its intelligent mixture of different genres is a true revelation that needs to be experienced by all movie lovers. “Never judge a book by its cover” or should I say “never judge a film by its poster?” The vibrant and silly advertisement for this film is very misleading. You are led to believe that Green Planet is yet another comical outing by the South Korean film industry. But let me tell you, you WILL be floored at how potent this remarkable film is. Sci-fi, serial killers, a murder mystery, and some dark comedy intertwine to make Green Planet a bona fide crowd pleaser. It is genuine in its heartfelt moments yet awfully vicious in others, Green Planet will leave you in a state of frenzy while even comforting your soul. This being his directorial debut, Jang Jun-Hwan set such an extraordinarily high standard for himself that it will be difficult to top this with his next outing. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Okay, so it was a late night flick again where we both were hoping for a better turn out for this film. And once again, just a bunch of Asian Cinema fans were present along with their buddies. My guess that they all were very excited about watching this crazy film. Might I add that impact wise, this film gave my partner some misty eyes. Heh.
(Mark Flora)

Friday, Nov. 7, 2003

Shara – 3:45p.m.

Directed by Naomi Kawase; Shara looks at the life of Shun (who lost a twin brother some years ago), his family, and girlfriend as they come to terms with finally moving on from that tragic day. Or so I had read.

Some funky deal was going on with TheBus (our transit system) and as a result I missed the first 30 minutes of this film. I imagine I must've missed a ton of exposition as well! I really can't do this thoroughly. I caught about 70 minutes though. That’s right, despite having seen over half of the film; there were no explanations in those moments about the supposed heart of it all: whatever happened to that twin. Well, from what I saw, it is not a bad film. And I definitely found the character of Yu, who is Shun's girlfriend, attractive. With nothing else to run with, what else would I have latched on to?! The only scene that really sticks out in my mind is the Basara Festival in which Yu and just about the whole town participates. Very cool music and dance… and eye make-up for that matter. Anyway, the conclusion didn't have as much of an impact on me as it could have, obviously, because there was nothing for me to tie the experience to.
(Francis Mawae)

All Tomorrow’s Parties – 10p.m.

It's a dystopian future on the Asian continent and you're a political prisoner locked away in some re-education camp, but then you get released due to the ruling party being overthrown, so what do you do? Perhaps you’d exact some vengeance or get involved in activism or sire a legion of children to repopulate the land or something. Not here.

I expected a science fiction or an action film. Instead, Lik Wai Yu’s All Tomorrow’s Parties attempts to show this theoretical situation in a more realistic and personal way. It’s as dull as it sounds. Well, even then it could’ve been a good film yet there's no real dialogue or exposition at all. No one really calls anyone else by name and you're bound to lose track of the characters. Another film with a rather minimalist style that, I thought, ruined a cool sounding plot. I was terminally baffled and apathetic throughout this movie. I remember thinking that Memories of Murder sure is a hard act to follow and I was damn right. Not only that, but I was exhausted too, and fell asleep many times. Okay, if you're saying "A-HA!" screw you man, because if this movie was at all redeeming it would've kept me up.
(Francis Mawae)

Saturday, Nov. 8, 2003

Tokyo Godfathers – 6:45p.m.

A trio of bums finds an abandoned baby while rummaging through trash. They embark on a hilarious and touching quest to reunite the baby girl with her parents.

While I was waiting in line to see Tokyo Godfathers, I met someone named Tracy who actually worked on one of the films at the HIFF. It was a short film called Sugar Raid, which, most unfortunately, I didn't see. Well this film is an awesome "feel-good," family sort of experience. Interesting because, well, the three main characters are homeless, and one of them is a male transvestite. The less progressive among us will deem that as immoral by default and probably curse this film to hell, which is regrettable, but I don’t give a rat’s ass! The film touches upon some of these social ills and problems with a wonderful humor in some instances and then in very somber pathos in others. I make special note of some of the "still life" style shots in the movie, which were extremely detailed and fun to look at by itself! These created a very fleshed-out atmosphere in the environment and background. It all adds up to an extremely enjoyable movie going experience. See this Satoshi Kon film!
(Francis Mawae)

Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003

Drunken Monkey – 3:45p.m.

Set in 1930's China, this Kung Fu movie follows Monkey style master Wen Biao and his three students as they face off against Biao's former comrade. It’s your basic training and revenge plotline here.

Head honcho Chuck Boller presented this film and apparently the whole Heroic Grace series at HIFF did quite well. This is an enjoyable action film and that's pretty much it. It also manages to inject some slapstick comedy into certain scenes and that plays very well. Also, something really peculiar occurred. I couldn’t find a single bit of information at the festival about how long the movie was. I even asked a member of the HIFF staff and he said, "No one seems to know." Very, very odd. Clearly the ball wasn’t just dropped; it was thrown out of bounds! The only clue I had to go by was that Yesterday was playing in the same theater at 7:15p.m. In any case, I got out of the movie at about 5:30p.m. So, turns out, Drunken Monkey is 1 hour and 45 minutes long. I repeat, 1 hour, 45 minutes.
(Francis Mawae)

My Tutor Friend -- 3:30p.m.

I’m a sucker for films like this. Ever since my first of I don’t know how many viewings of My Sassy Girl, I’ve come to really enjoy and be mesmerized by Korean romantic comedies. Call me a whore if you want, but I’m so easily charmed by the onscreen magic presented by this movie. The vibrancy of the colors explodes and engulfs you. Like watching cartoons when you were a two year old; you just seem to drool at every scene. This was a hit for me. The movie blended comedy with romance and a bit action to satisfy the manliest of men (me of course.) My Tutor Friend is a wild and wacky ride that takes its aim at our humor but ultimately wins our hearts. Enjoy it for what it is, a film that sets out to entertain on all levels. I recommend you take a look at this film, but don’t expect another My Sassy Girl or you’ll be disappointed.

Luckily, I got to the theaters on time since this film was sold out quite quickly. It was jam-packed with couples holding each other in their arms and feeding one another pieces of popcorn. It was freakin’ like waiting in line at a booked restaurant on Valentine’s night. Man! I guess this film brought out the tenderness in all of us, huh? Don’t lie! It does damn it!
(Mark Flora)

Japan Music Now! - 6:30p.m.

Not an actual film, Japan Music Now! is a selection of Japanese music videos from many different genres. They were provided courtesy of Sony Music Asia, Inc.

Before entering the theater they handed everyone a March + April 2003 issue of Yolk magazine.A special guest by the name of Shura was there. He really didn't do much aside from thanking HIFF and KIKU. Apparently he directed some of the music videos. Now, the titles weren't shown in English for most of them, so bear with me. Well, being that all the music videos were different, some were great and others actually forced me to have a little nap. Among the notables were Polysics. A lot of people in the audience were laughing at their interpretation of that "Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto" song. Rightly so; it featured some guy in one of those corny mecha costumes getting funky and basically just doing "the robot."

There were a few more Polysics Music videos shown, not all of them were funny. A few Tommy February 6 music videos were shown too, which were awesome. Props to JD for introducing me to her music. I crave more. She's so damn cute and stuff. There was a cool Larcencial music video set in a haunted house. Very nice visuals in that one. Another one was called White Surf Style 5, I believe, and it was hilarious. You know that thing where like when you’re a robot; your arm can fly off and punch somebody? It was like that. Orange Range also had a pretty catchy music video full of babes and whatnot.

Japan Music Now! was a lot of fun. There’s pretty much something for everyone in there, and if anything, you can always just close your eyes and listen to the music. Now obviously, I’m not too well versed in the J-music scene; however, something more my “bag” will be coming up soon. An unnamed source told us that a music video showcase of Korean artists would be shown later. We very much look forward to that.
(Francis Mawae)

Memories of Murder – 10:15p.m.

As influential as it is gripping, Memories of Murder takes us on wonderful ride of intrigue and frustration. The complexity of this film was so commanding and interesting that no one in the theater seemed to be laid back in their seats. Everyone in the theater had a reason to view this film. Be it the political venue or even the investigative side, no one left unsatisfied or even pondering afterthoughts lingering in their minds. The understated ideas brought upon by this grandeur of a film are something that can only be coupled with its aesthetic beauty and cinematic value. Nothing can prepare you for this experience. Absolutely nothing.

It would seem like you’d have so much to say after a viewing of this film, but from what you’ve just read, that’s not the case. The difficulty in having to review a film like this is the fact that one viewing really isn’t enough. Questions upon questions just flood your head after the credits roll. You wish you had prepared yourself for the film, but again, it will be of no use. I was left in awe of how potent the film was, but yet again, I was utterly confused. This is exactly how a film of this caliber should make you feel; astonished, amazed, and undeniably screwed in the mind. This is just good, good stuff, I tell you.
(Mark Flora)

Gozu – 10:15p.m.

Really, nothing will prepare you for the experience that is Gozu. Okay, if you've just heard of it and haven't really had the time to read up information on it, stop now. Go into this movie not knowing what to expect and you will be blown away. So there's fair warning before I get on with it.

In fact, I think you’ll still be blown away regardless. I really think this whole movie is a sick joke, literally. It’s not really a thriller or a horror flick, but more of a dark comedy. I really think so. The sexual themes in this film, while slightly unsettling, are at times treated with a devilish humor that help ease a bit of the tension that will no doubt be floating around in the air (well I suppose it depends on how close you’re sitting to other people!) once the film kicks into high gear. I’ve devised a little test to see where someone may stand on the “morality scale.” If you notice someone not laughing at anything, this person is not a super prude. No, those folks have already left the theater. (That reminds me, after the film finished, I noticed an elderly chap with a cane and everything leaving as well. My word, I wonder what he thought of it!) On the other hand if you notice someone busting a gut at every scene stay the hell away. They were probably serial rapists or something. So I guess that if you want to trick people into thinking you are sane, just laugh once in a while. If it seems like I’m having trouble explaining this film, it’s because that’s what’s happening. You really just need to see it for yourself. It is by Takashi Miike anyway, so you’ll be really cool if you see it. Well, I enjoyed it and it was definitely a bizarre conclusion to an amazing festival.
(Francis Mawae)

The Fall HIFF this year was a huge success. Films just grow in number and also in quality. This has to be one of the best HIFFs ever and I don’t think my partner Francis would say otherwise. I hope you enjoyed our almost full coverage of the festival and please don’t be so harsh on us being so late and all. Heh. We had a grand time watching all of the great films the HIFF could dish out at us. We suspect an even better fall festival next year and maybe even a good teaser of a festival in their Spring HIFF. We hope you’ve enjoyed this coverage and please, when and if you can make it to the HIFF, please do so in support of Asian films and films from all over. Mahalo and Aloha!

We send out our “thank yous” to:
Janick Neveu
Chris Dacus
Anderson Le
HIFF

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