New Zealand Film Festival 2012 Hamilton Highlights
Into its 44th year, the New Zealand International Film Festival has morphed into something more than just a celebration of film making. It's become a highlight of Hamilton's cultural calendar, an opportunity for expression and similarly a time for reflection.
As Festival Director Bill Gosden describes it, {the festival} is "boldly posing as an enduring beacon of cultural inspiration in 'volatile and uncertain' times".
This year's programme has truly embraced the digital revolution, a significant step which should delight Dunedin festival-goers. Movie fans have the opportunity to enjoy film festival titles at any one of the following venues; Lido Cinema.
With so much on offer from this year's festival programme it's only natural to seek a bit of guidance. There's quite frankly something for everybody amongst this year's line-up, but we love lists so much that we've come up with the ViewNZ Top Ten Picks of the 2012 New Zealand International Film Festival
Rip Into It!
Killer Joe
While almost certainly not to everyone's taste, Killer Joe is an enjoyably pulpy and gleefully twisted thriller with a strong script and terrific performances from Matthew McConaughey and Juno Temple. One thing's for certain – you'll never look at a piece of fried chicken the same way again.
Review: Killer Joe
Interview: William Friedkin
The Angels' Share
Though it takes some time to adjust to the fact that Ken Loach has made an unabashed feel-good movie, The Angels’ Share is an enjoyable, well written and superbly acted comedy drama that's well worth seeking out.
Review: The Angels' Share
Interview: Ken Loach
Where Do We Go Now?
Nadine Labaki's eagerly awaited second feature is a hugely entertaining and frequently hilarious comedy with a witty script, inventive direction, a handful of enjoyable musical numbers and terrific comic performances from a superb ensemble cast.
Review: Where Do We Go Now?Interview: Nadine Labaki
Marley
Marley is an exhaustively researched documentary about the life and work of Bob Marley, clocking in at just under two and a half hours.
Review: Marley
Interview: Kevin Macdonald
Shadow Dancer
Impressively directed and beautifully shot, this is a gripping and ultimately moving, slow-burning thriller with an intelligent script and a terrific performance from Andrea Riseborough. Recommended.
Review: Shadow Dancer
Moonrise Kingdom
If you're already a Wes Anderson fan, then Moonrise Kingdom is almost exactly the film that you've been hoping for, while also seeming likely to make several new converts to his cause. Funny, superbly acted and brilliantly written, this is thoroughly enjoyable and one of the best films of the year.
Review: Moonrise Kingdom
Monsieur Lazhar
It's easy to see why the film was nominated for a Best Foreign Film Oscar, as it skilfully addresses several themes (immigration, integration, guilt, the importance of communication, education and so on) without ever becoming preachy or sentimental.
Review: Monsieur Lazhar
In Darkness
Harrowing to watch but emotionally rewarding, In Darkness is a superbly directed, powerfully written wartime drama with a terrific central performance from Robert Wieckiewic.
Review: In Darkness
The Cabin In The Woods
It's almost impossible to talk about The Cabin in the Woods without some level of spoiler discussion, but suffice it to say, the less you know about it going in, the more you'll enjoy it.
Review: The Cabin in the Woods
Hitchcock's Blackmail
This year the Festival's popular collaboration with the APO celebrates two sons of London; Charlie Chaplin and Alfred Hitchcock.
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