I wrote this review in 2008, after previewing this documentary before its screening at the San Francisco Asian American Film Festival. I held back the full-length review for the film's planned theatrical release. I feel now that I've held it back long enough, so I'm posting it now. Unfortunately, Wings of Defeat isn't available in any form. Historical … Continue reading Wings of Defeat
Category: Documentaries
Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff
B+ Documentary Few filmmakers understood color as well as British cinematographer Jack Cardiff. And those who did understand have Cardiff to thank for it. Early in Craig McCall’s documentary, an aged Cardiff (he died in 2009 at the age of 94) describes his first interview with Technicolor, which had just opened a lab in England. … Continue reading Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff
Jewish Film Festival Report: Cemeteries and Gladiators
I attended two San Francisco Jewish Film Festival events at the Castro today. Here’s what I saw: C In Heaven Underground: The Weissensee Jewish Cemetery The last thing you’d expect to find in Berlin is a Jewish cemetery that was consecrated in the 19th century. But Weissensee is just that—a final resting place that the … Continue reading Jewish Film Festival Report: Cemeteries and Gladiators
Cave of Forgotten Dreams
A- Documentary Directed by Werner Herzog Only Werner Herzog would ask a scientist about his dreams. But that’s precisely why Herzog was the perfect choice to make this documentary about very ancient cave paintings—amongst the earliest works of art in existence, and works that show significant talent. Other documentarians would ask about how the paint … Continue reading Cave of Forgotten Dreams
SFIFF: Black Power Mix Tape
Managed to get to one movie at the Kabuki today—the last one I’ll see there at this year’s festival. B+ The Black Power Mixtape 1967–1975. The nature of the civil rights movement changed dramatically in the mid-to-late 1960’s, and this American/Swedish documentary tracks the black power movement from Stokely Carmichael’s heyday until heroin ravaged Harlem. … Continue reading SFIFF: Black Power Mix Tape
SFIFF: Films About Teenagers
After the Kanbar Award event, I caught two other films at the San Francisco International Film Festival. Coincidentally, both were about teenagers. Both were also very good. B+ Children of the Princess of Cleves. In France as in every other country, adolescents must deal with ranging hormones, overly-strict parents (in their eyes, at least), tests … Continue reading SFIFF: Films About Teenagers
SFIFF: Cave of Forgotten Dreams
Two years ago, the San Francisco International Film Festival screened the animated film Battle For Terra. Although the film was made in 3D, and screened for press that way, it was shown flat at the festival. A lot has changed in two years. To my knowledge, Cave of Forgotten Dreams is the first feature screened … Continue reading SFIFF: Cave of Forgotten Dreams
SFIFF: Viz Cinema & Pink Saris
I just caught Pink Saris at the VIZ Cinema (AKA New People). This was my first time at that theater (which I’ve been following at Bayflicks for about a year now), so let me start with the place. Located in the basement of the New People complex, the Viz offers exceptional comfort and modern projection. … Continue reading SFIFF: Viz Cinema & Pink Saris
SFIFF: The Good Life
What a way to start this year’s San Francisco International Film Festival! Waiting in line at the Kabuki, a volunteer comes out to split the line between those looking for Irresistible Impulses and those who came for The Good Life. Doesn’t that just sum up the human condition? I was there for The Good Life. … Continue reading SFIFF: The Good Life
A Weekend in Black and White, Part 1: Nuremberg
I saw five movies theatrically over Friday and Saturday, all of them in black and white. I started Friday night with a screening at the Shattuck of Nuremberg: Its Lesson for Today. The director's daughter, Sandra Schulberg, who also oversaw the restoration of this 1946 documentary, spoke before and after the screening. Her father, Stuart … Continue reading A Weekend in Black and White, Part 1: Nuremberg
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