Film Festivals 2004
Another great year for documentary fans with the gripping 'Capturing the Friedmans', political offerings 'Control Room', Robert McNamara in 'Fog of War', and the disturbing psyche of 'The Corporation'. For music lovers there was the fascinating 'End of the Century: The Sory of the Ramones', 'The Mayor of Sunset Strip', 'Metallica: Some Kind of Monster' and 'Festival Express'. Hector Babenco broke a long absence from directing with the powerhouse 'Carandiru' while Zhang Yimou's lush 'Hero' made it to New Zealand screens along with 'Motorcycle Diaries', gut-wrenching Korean flick 'Old Boy', heart-tugger 'Osama' and the delightful 'Triplets of Belleville' to name just a few.
Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
7.9/10
Director: Satoshi Kon
In this unofficial animated remake of John Ford's "3 Godfathers" from director Satoshi Kon ("Perfect Blue"), three homeless people - an alcoholic, a t... Read more
Tongan Ninja (2002)
6.2/10
Director: Jason Stutter
Starring: Sam Manu, Jemaine Clement, Linda Tseng
He comes from the mighty Kingdom of Tonga. (pop 105,600- principal export: baby squash) He is trained in the ancient art of ninjitsu. He is, un-supris... Read more
Touching the Void (2003)
8/10
Director: Kevin Macdonald
Starring: Nicholas Aaron, Richard Hawking, Joe Simpson, Simon Yates
The remarkable true story of mountain climbers Joe Simpson and Simon Yates is the focus of this harrowing docudrama. In 1985, the fearless pair sets o... Read more
Travellers and Magicians (2003)
Director: Khyentse Norbu
Starring: Tshe Wang Dendup, Lhakpa Dorji, Sonam Kinga, Sonam Lhamo, Deki Yangzom
Dondup is sick of life in his small Himalayan village and is determined to make a go of it in the US. On the trek to the airport Dondup meets up with... Read more
Twin Sisters (2002)
7.5/10
Director: Ben Sombogaart
Starring: Thekla Reuten, Nadja Uhl, Ellen Vogel, Gudrun Okras
A.k.a. "De Tweeling". After the deaths of their parents, inseparable twin sisters Anna and Lotte Bamberg are cruelly separated at the age of six. Anna... Read more
Zatoichi (2003)
7.6/10
Director: Takeshi Kitano
Starring: Takeshi Kitano, Tadanobu Asano, Michiyo Ogusu, Yui Natsukawa
Aka "The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi". The sightless Zatoichi - hero of over two dozen films from 1962 to 1989 - is revived by scripter/director/star Ta... Read more