Anticipation: He’s getting the band back together. 3
Enjoyment: Masters of their craft. 4
In Retrospect: It is what it is. Captivating. 4
LIFF31: Lover For A Day
14 NovAnticipation: Philippe Garrel, Sex, Paris, Black & White: check, check, check, check. 3
Enjoyment: Fidelity is not for everyone, nor is taking things quite so seriously. 2
In Retrospect: Better for the love-triangle not taking a well trodden course. 3
LIFF30 – A Journey Through French Cinema
23 NovAnticipation: A broader remit than Two In The Wave? I wonder how personal it will be? 3
Enjoyment: Was the journey aborted in the 70’s? 3
In Retrospect: Impressive and passionate, but ran out of steam. 3
LIFF30 – It’s Only the End of the World
23 NovAnticipation: Dolan, Cassel, Cotillard, Baye and Seydoux. Fine Ingredients. 4
Enjoyment: Claustrophobic, frustrating. 2
In Retrospect: Oozing with emotion, but a bit like the characters (not the actors), not sure how to fully convey it. 3
LIFF30 – The First, the Last
14 NovAnticipation: Hopefully the Belgians do Noir as well as they do Gris. 3
Enjoyment: Superb. Grand cinematography, with the big skies evoking some classic road movies. And a bit of From Dusk Till Dawn! Wonderful little cast too. 4
In Retrospect: Strong performances and a clever story that was expertly shot. 4
LIFF30 – Cleo from 5 to 7
9 NovAnticipation: A piece of the Nouvelle Vague that has so far passed me by. Intrigued. 3
Enjoyment: All the beauty of Paris, but where were the hoods? 3
In Retrospect: Aesthetic and feminine. Not sure about the girl-meets-boy resolution. 3
LIFF27: Final Cut, Ladies and Gentlemen
22 NovAnticipation: Really hope that the sum is as good as it’s parts. 4
Enjoyment: The perfect way to close the festival. 4
In Retrospect: For the first 30 minutes I thought it was going to be the greatest thing that I had ever watched. Perhaps the novelty wore off a little in the middle, but a wonderful feat of editing and so many memories to bring a smile to your face. A privilege to see such a rare treat. 4
LIFF27: The Celestial Wives of the Meadow Mari
20 NovAnticipation: Paganism, feminism and fairytale erotica. Ahem. 3
Enjoyment: Bonkers. Literally. 2
In Retrospect: We are supposed to believe that this is real life for the Meadow Mari. It might be creative or alternative, certainly repetitive, but it is not real. 2
LIFF27: We Are The Best
20 NovAnticipation: Together was fun at LIFF25. Not sure an all girl kid’s rock band will be so good 3
Enjoyment: Kids should be seen and not heard. 1
In Retrospect: Others have described this as cute or light-hearted. I just didn’t think that it was interesting. 2
LIFF27: Jeune et Jolie
19 NovAnticipation: Ozon knows how to use sex in a story. 4
Enjoyment: The expected voyeurism for the first-half, got better as the film developed around the enigmatic lead and her relationships with those around. 4
In Retrospect: Doesn’t try to explain the decisions of a 17-year old. Wisely. 4
cineleeds 