Those Three (2007) directed by Naghi Nehmati
Another installment from Global Lens that was much better than Getting Home. Those Three is the story about three Iranian soldiers who defect while training in the snowy, mountainous region to the north. Locked in by low visibility and frigid temperatures, their freedom from the confines of the army is short lived. Moving but getting nowhere, the three men go on more of a symbolic journey than a literal one. Surreal, beautiful and apolitical, Those Three has a little bit of Gerry in it. Screens again Tuesday, April 28 at 9:45. Recommended.
Los Bastardos (2008) directed by Amat Escalante
If you are looking for a review of this film, look elsewhere. This is a review of my attempt to see this film. After a leisurely cup of coffee, I stroll into the lobby just five minutes before the screening to see the line stacked up. The start time comes; the start time goes; I hear rumblings about technical difficulties and I get worried. Twenty minutes late, we are let into the theater because the problem is apparently fixed. Not! After about a half and hour, focus starts to go wonky and the lights come up. Looks like the problem wasn't fixed. Wanna know what the problem was with? The video projector! It's a sign! The Film Fest should stick to film! Beware of screenings in theater 2!
Home of the Dark Butterflies (2008) directed by Dome Karukoski
A study in pop psychology, Home of the Dark Butterflies is set on an island for problem boys. A small group of adolescent boys are the project of this experimental home. Thugs, misfits and sociopaths, the boys are given hard work, some bible study and a good, solid father figure. This film was a little too predictable. This film took itself way too seriously, and I couldn't help but roll by eyes at the virile young angsty rebels turned into tamed beasts (or dark butterflies.) Screens again Monday, April 27 at 9:30. Not Recommended.
