RKS 2024 Film: “Before I Change My Mind”: Enough Well Done Ambiguities to Choke a Horse

Robin (Vaughn Murrae) a junior teen arrives from Spokane, Washington to the Canadian province of Alberta with his somewhat geeky computer dad, Dan (Matthew Rankin). Robin experiences a flashback now and then about his past particularly his mother. The meaning of the flashbacks might constitute a moviegoer’s delight. Add to this ambiguity is Dan’s aversion to women. Is he playing the other side and for that matter is Robin leaning towards playing the other side or is he already on that side? Why did they leave Spokane to Edmonton? Or were they fleeing?

And the initial enemy of Robin, Carter (Dominic Lippa) turns friend then enemy. Is he also playing the other side? And did he just expose himself to Robin? Is Carter the tough guy in public as a “cover” for his homosexuality. And the Nero is fiddling conclusion represents the symbolic coming out of Robin? Or is the film an exploration of adolescent sexuality without a queer twist? Or is there a bit of everything here other than lots of winks and nudges?

Quite obviously a low budget film with high budget qualities in terms of theme and acting. As for acting the adults are all over the top exaggerated ambiguities perhaps intentionally so to bring a teen vantage into the film. A prime example of well done over the top acting is Shannon Blanchet as Annie the hot to trot realtor. By the way Vaughn Murrae won Best Actor at the Locarno Film Festival. Not a “Breakfast Club” or “Cabaret” but elements of both.

The film recently completed a Canadian theatrical run.

Director Trevor Anderson.

RKS 2024 Film 90/100.

RKS 2024 FILM: HOT DOCS: “The Ride Ahead”: Determination, Grit and Suffering

In “The Ride Ahead” expect a massive dose of suffering and genetic injustice alleviated, if not conquered, by a strong spirit resentful of being talked down to armoured by a boundless will to overcome obstacles facing severely handicapped Samuel afflicted with GNA01 Neurodevelopmental Disorder a progressive disorder so rare that there are a mere hundreds of sufferers in the globe. Sam is suffering from Cerebral palsy, epilepsy and a swallowing disorder since infancy. Sam is confined to a wheelchair, spastically twitches particularly when excited or upset and can barely speak. Let’s be frank and say you are thinking “poor bastard” and Sam would appreciate that honesty of the ignorant, yes may be me and you.

Shockingly as the documentary commences you may be knocked on your ass when Sam says that if he had the chance he would never take away his disability as it has made him the way he is and he likes the way he is. But many viewers know they have faced adversity and somehow managed to deal with it and conclude this adversity has made them stronger. At this point you are hooked into the story of Sam. A story both painful and inspiring.

Sam wants a life with dignity. He wants to know how he can live a fulfilling life as an adult. In search of this he embarks on a cross country search to speak with “Hall of Famers” disability activists and he blossoms into a man equipped with practical and spiritual guidance from the “disabled” and after the documentary I am finding this term “disabled” almost offensive. As one of his mentors in his journey says, “Disability does not reside in the person, it resides in the environment the person lives in.”

Although this may be Sam’s journey of self discovery the wide variety of his mentors expose what the life of the “disabled” is like and what can be done to integrate them into the society they deserve to be in. As Maysoon, a palsied comedian, tells him the disabled must be behind the camera and tell their story otherwise they face an endless pity party. And that is what Sam does by making this documentary about his life.

Watching the documentary pity is but disrespect. Is it time we rethink the term disabled? Is disabled a reflection on society that fails to reflect on the belief and support system that disables those who should not be disabled other than through a system that disables them. In short this is not Sam’s story. It is in a plenitude of ways a society that stigmatizes those who are not like the majority.

Directed by Samuel and Don Habib. World Premiere at Hot Docs 28/30April2024.

RKS 2024 Film Rating 89/100.

RKS 2024 Film: HOT DOCS 2024: “The Strike”: Memories of the East German Circus

Amidst great political and bureaucratic clapping the California Department of Corrections (CDC) opened the “state of the art” Pelican Bay State Prison’s Security Housing Unit (SHU) in 1989. Pelican Bay was designed for solitary confinement. Hundreds spent years in solitary confinement some as long as thirty years despite the United Nation’s maximum set at 15 days!

No windows, solid concrete and almost no human interaction leading to loneliness and intense mental battles to remain sane. After watching these inhumane quarters and listening to former Pelican Bay inmates I recalled being in Romania in the Iron Curtain days watching a squalid East German circus in some small rural centre. Small cages and epitome of animal cruelty perhaps equivalent to conditions at Pelican Bay.

We listen to former inmates and their families, investigative journalists, CDC bureaucrats and activists campaigning for extensive reform of SHUs in California.

At the time California prisons were segregated by race for “safety reasons” into whites, Hispanics and blacks. The most violent and “validated gang members” were the recipients of SHU’s cruel hospitality.  A validated gang member was based on labelling. So if you had a certain tattoo, were reading certain books, received letters supposedly indicative of gang affiliation, had certain affiliations or even drew something that asserted your cultural identity you were shipped off to an SHU in California. Very little importance in validated gang membership process was based on actual behaviours of the inmates.

Inspired by the hunger strike death of IRA prison inmate Bobby Sands (and nine others) at Belfast’s Maze Prison on 5May1981 inmates at Pelican Bay initiated a hunger strike on 1July2011 and again in 2013. Always at the forefront of inmate’s demands were;

  • The right for meaningful human contact
  • End of group punishment
  • Provision of adequate food
  • Ending debriefing policy i.e. using inmates to rat on other inmates
  • Ending long term solitary confinement

Despite CDC promises, California state legislature hearings and increased media coverage it wasn’t until the hunger strike death of an inmate and a growing class action lawsuit on behalf of Pelican Bay inmates that the California State legislature enacted legislation reforming the SHU system in effect liberating nearly 4,000 inmates from segregation. Yet as of today there are over 120,000 inmates in the United States in solitary confinement.

A fascinating study of the debilitating effects of solitary confinement in the prison system and the political football game played by California politicians and CDC bureaucrats. And yes before you continue to bash lawyers it was the class action on behalf of Pelican Bay inmates that may have been the ultimate driver towards severely limiting the ravages of solitary confinement. Regrettably there is no discussion or itemization in the film of exactly what constitutes solitary confinement.

World Premiere screenings at HOT DOCS 28/29April2024.

RKS 2024 Film Rating 83/100.

RKS 2024 Film: HOT DOCS 2024: “American Cats: The Good, Bad And The Cuddly”: Calling All Cat Activists and Cat Lovers

True confessions. I am not a cat lover. I am a “dog person”. Once upon a time I was cornered by a Quebecois cat and kept prisoner for a few hours. I suppose that cat sensed my at best “indifferent” attitude toward cats. I might share that story with you one day.

Then I met Boris and Natasha, two ragdoll cats. Don’t share this with indifferent catters but I rather like Boris. Somewhat aloof but approachable and enjoys a good scratch. Natasha on the other hand is very flighty. Truth be told I rather enjoy meeting up with Boris.

The only reason I watched “American Cats” is attributable to Boris and I am glad I watched it. It is a rather light and mildly humorous investigation into the declawing of cats in The United States. In fact it is battle royale between corporate interests and cat lovers.

Declawing is a painful and crippling practice that can take minutes to perform, at a very high veterinarian profit margin, but a life crippling event for cats leading to aggression and undisciplined “bathroom” manners.

I will not say much more than watch and listen to the battle cries of veterinarians, animal behavioralists, rescue shelter operators, politicians, big pharma reps and cat lovers. Rather one sided in favour of the anti-declawers but the declawers get their licks in. And there are plenty of cute and cuddly cats although my friend Boris beats em all in the looks department paws down! All other cats are just mousey looking!

World premiere HOT DOCS showings 28/29April2024.

RKS 2024 Film Rating 82/100.

RKS 2024 Wine: Château Terre Blanque 2020

A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from Blaye.

Aroma: It shouts out Merlot not lush and plush but clean and sharp. Full of cheerful cherry with lesser notes of blackberry and blueberry very high toned and alert and not sullied by an excess of oak.

Palate: Broad based tannins. Clean and sharp cherry with hints of blueberry. Moderately long finish.

Personality: I am an honest and simple wine of high quality. KISS i.e. keep it simply simple.

Food Match: Baked deseeded cherry tomatoes with charred asparagus with garlic and onions placed over fettucine topped with toasted walnuts.

Cellarbility: Drink or hold until 2030.

Price: $19 CDN (Ontario).

RKS 2024 Wine Rating: 91/100. Decanter 91.

(Château Terre Blanque 2020, AC Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, SCEA Terre Blanque, St Genes de Blaye, 750 mL, 14%).

RKS 2024 Film: “New Life”: The Brutality of Good Intentions or the Evil of “Good”

Jessica Murdock (Hayley Erin) all bloodied is running through the woods as if someone is pursuing her piquing your curiosity. Why is she running and why is she bloodied? Who is pursuing her? One of her flashbacks has her locked in some makeshift detention centre. This is getting heavier by the moment.

Then that lady Elsa Gray (Sonya Walger) with the semi automatic pistol. It is not readily ascertainable who she is. Why is she popping all those pills?

What organization is Elsa working for? Whoever is running it has a team of “contacts” tracking Jessica and she is wanted dead or alive.

Watch further and it is a question of disease upon disease and the breadcrumbs thrown us by director John Rossman are truly ghoulish and chillingly violent both reflective of solid writing and special effects makeup.

One queries if the hunters of Jessica are pawns of a governmental-biomedical conspiracy? Surely at one point you’ll have Wuhan memories. A conspiracy in every cupboard.

And just when you can calm down from the apparent conclusion of the film perhaps that is when the ambit of the horror explodes.

An intriguing combination of believable and imaginative horror.

VOD and digital release in Canada on 3May2024.

You can watch the trailer here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6phcSPdvT9A

RKS 2024 Film Rating 92/100.

RKS 2024 Film: “Wild Goat Surf”: Joanna Andrade Dreams but Down and Out in Penticton

Rell “Goat” Anderson (Shaylea Martin) is a thirteen-year-old surfer chick obsessed with becoming a great surfer although her summer of 2003 trailer park life in Penticton, British Columbia’s beautiful Okanagan is not progressing well for her. Goat has the look, the garb and attitude of a skateboarder a la Avril Lavigne’s “Skater Boy”. One problem though is that Penticton is 700 kilometers from the ocean. Her Joanna Andrade dreams cannot be realized without surf.

Goat takes what she wants and that includes shoplifting like her mother Jane (Caitlyn Sponheimer) and break and entering. She says and does what she wants. A rather negative influence on buddy Nate a fellow trailer park resident. Sucked down in a negative spiral at the beginning of adolescence rarely leads to positive results. Tack on a deceased “surfer dude” father and a frequently absent mother working two jobs to survive.

Goat can either “wise up” or be pushed down by the massive wave of life. She has a few moments of advice from surfer champions of yesteryear who allegorize surfing lessons with life lessons brilliantly accompanied by churchlike organ music as are certain revelatory moments in her life portrayed in the film.

Goat is not a bad person but perhaps “misguided” and quasi-abandoned by her mother?

Will Goat ever reach the surf and a chance for her dreams or is she destined to eternally bleat about her less than idyllic existence?

An interesting take on maturing and could it be the rathole of obsession or a lifeline to sanity? Enjoy “Beautiful British Columbia” scenery captured admirably in cinematography. Child actors can be horrific but Martin delivers a strong performance as does Sponheimer as her somewhat imperfect but loving mother.

The director is Caitlyn Sponheimer.

The film is in theatres in British Columbia now and in Toronto commencing 10May2024.

RKS 2024 Film Rating:  84/100.

RKS 2024 Film: HOT DOCS 2024: “Never Look Away”

The Canadian premiere of “Never Look Away” will be at Hot Docs showing on 27/30April2024 and 4May2024.

Margaret Moth was a fearless almost Gothlike camera woman hailing from New Zealand as is director Lucy Lawless with her directorial debut. You may ask when viewing the film if she was addicted to the danger of operating a camera on battle grounds. There are countless examples of her camerawork that portrayed the ragged bloodbath of armed combat some of it so graphic you would never see it on CNN the network Moth operated her camera for. When others were ducking for cover Moth was in plain sight filming. One might say with Moth behind the camera you feel the violence of armed struggle.

What propelled Moth’s passion for danger is never clearly laid out but who knows why she was so driven. Her early years were not pleasant. Given her narcotic consumption and somewhat wild lifestyle perhaps the camera was just another high for her.

Her story is told by family members, boyfriends, war correspondents, network executives, the esteemed Christiane Amanpour and her camera footage. It is a remarkable story difficult to summarize in a film review best deferred to you watching the footage she shot.

Although possessing a “tough nut” personality she had a special bond with children. While in Baghdad filming and kibuttzing with children a high-ranking general charged into the crowd shooing away the children and Moth slapped him saying, “Don’t you ever do that again!”

For those following the recent Gaza conflict Moth years before that was shot in the foot as Israeli IDF shot at a clearly marked media vehicle she was in at close range and then she covered a UN base in Lebanon that was shelled by the IDF killing over 200 people including U.N. soldiers. Somewhat familiar?

Moth was in the midst of many a conflict including Sarajevo, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Iraq, Iran, Rwanda, Zaire, Lebanon, Gaza and Georgia. It was in Sniper Alley in Sarajevo where a Serbian sniper fired a bullet that hit her in the face and her life was in peril. Despite some 25 surgeries, the loss of some of her tongue which impaired her speech and disfigured her face she charged on with her camera. Moth died of cancer in 2010 at 59 years of age.

Moth deserves praise for her camerawork becoming the dangerous “gold standard” for 24-hour news. Was Moth a moth driven to fly right into the fire?

RKS 2024 Film Rating 90/100.

RKS 2024 Film: HOT DOCS 2024: “The Bones”: Dino Intrigue!

Watch the documentary “The Bones” and you will never see dinosaurs the way you used to. I have taken my children to see the dinosaurs at The Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto and now it is the grandchildren. Children are fascinated with dinosaurs but if you take them when they are too young, they may just be terrorized. You just may be fascinated by this documentary.

“The Bones” makes dinosaur bones and fossils fascinating delving into the poaching, smuggling, commercialization and economic necessity for marginal populations to trade in them.

The stars of the show, so as to speak (dinosaurs excluded) are paleontologists in Canada, The United States, France, Mongolia and Morrocco explaining their work with dinosaurs and just how important it is that they be protected from poachers and smugglers. One explains in rather sobering fashion that no species lasts forever and that includes us so if we understand the process of their extinction, we may very well find clues to avoid our own extinction.

Roy Chapman Andrews (the big game hunter type) of the American Museum of Natural History in New York funded by Rockefeller and Morgan arrived in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert in 1922 and again in 1923 packing off goodness knows how many fossils and bones and shipping them off to New York. Although Andrews was a man of high credentials was he a thief? If he wasn’t the thieves and looters followed in his footsteps pillaging The Sahara Desert, The Gobi Desert and sites in Canada and the United States creating a dino exploitation pyramid with small time locals, small dealers, wholesale dealers and importers in the destination countries. You’ll see all of them in the documentary and auctioneers as well revelling in multimillion dollar auctions of T-Rex’s. As one dealer notes everything in the world is for sale.

When a dinosaur skeleton can sell in auction for millions to investment funds, wealthy collectors and museums many are looking to profit and the documentary features those who share their thoughts as how to stem the trade and the answers are varied. If marginal populations need to feed their families by selling bones and laws are weak or nonexistent the solution is not easy nor answers apparent.

You can watch the trailer here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p29RrEUOu9U

Directed by Jeremy Exido.

“The Bones” screens on 3May2024 at HOT DOCS.

RKS 2024 Film Rating 91/100.

RKS 2024 Film: HOT DOCS 2024: “Daughter of Genghis”: A Lesson for Daughters and Sons of Trump

We follow the life of single Mongolian mother Gerel Byamba over the period of seven years.

Extreme nationalists in Mongolia vilified Chinese control of the economy, the degradation of women and the threat of Chinese corruption of the “pure Mongolian genes” through Chinese controlled brothels and intermarriage with Mongolian women. Gerel Byamba’s husband died in a Chinese controlled mine. In short it is perceived by many Mongolians the “Chinese SOB’s” are destroying everything in Mongolia like they have done in Tibet.

Initially Gerel seethes with hatred of the Chinese along with Mongolian neo-Nazis with Gerel taking great offence that certain Mongolian nationalists have appropriated the swastika and dressing like SS officers and soldiers. Gerel emphasizes the swastika is Mongolia’s symbol of power and not a Nazi created symbol. However, the goal of ultra nationalism of preserving Mongolian genetic purity has unpleasant historical connotations.

Gerel joins the White Swastikas and dissatisfied with their misuse of the swastika forms the Bright Swastika Women’s National Movement. Over the space of a few years that movement withered along with a good portion of the ultra nationalist movement with one die hard ultra nationalist saying members of ultra nationalist movements in Mongolia have been “bribed” by government jobs.

Facing the collapse of the ultra nationalist movement Gerel ponders a job offer from a Chinese construction company “managing” a railway construction project in the Gobi Desert! Desperate for money she accepts the offer of a two-year contract working as a safety officer. She leaves her young telephone addicted son with distant relatives visiting him occasionally.

After her “Chinese contract” she then accepts a job teaching safety officer skills with a regular income and begins to live a more conventional life with her son. Her hatred of the Chinese has been mitigated by a stress related twitch and a realization that her earlier streak of hatred only caused people to fear her. She shifts her focus on how to help people as opposed to terrorize them as she often did in her earlier brothel raids. Gerel refuses to answer the question if she is now friends with the Chinese.

If the goal of the filmmakers was a deep dive into Mongolian ultra nationalism it fails. It also neglects to explain the role and position of the Mongolian government towards ultra nationalism. What it does do well is to profile how ethnic hatred can galvanize groups of people under threat of cultural and economic dominance but more than hatred is required to develop a coherent nationalist movement. A message to Trumpists?

Directors are Kristoffer Juel Poulson and Chrisian Als.

Screens at HOT DOCS 29April4May2024.

RKS 2024 Film Rating 64/100.