“The Mirror Never Lies”
Reviewed by Jason Cruz
Northwest Asian Weekly
In “The Mirror Never Lies,” a young girl grapples with the death of her father in this aesthetically pleasing look at the indigenous Bajo sea gypsies of Indonesia.
The gypsies live in stilted huts on the water in an area known as the World’s Coral Triangle. The film focuses on Pakis and her search for her father who was lost at sea.
She clings to a mirror that was given to her by her father, hoping as tradition dictates, that her father’s reflection may one day appear in the mirror.
The film follows Pakis and her mother, Tayung, as they cope with their loss and try to move on without their father and husband. When Tudo, a young, male dolphin scientist, comes and stays with them, it evokes confusing feelings for Pakis and Tayung. Tudo’s presence forces Pakis and Tayung to confront their emotions of letting go of their loved one.
The film aptly depicts daily life in a fishing village and the obstacles the people have with living on the water. It shows the co-dependence the people have with the sea. The traditions and songs of the Bajo people reflect the deep respect it has for the water. The underwater shots of the sea reflect the beautiful existence of sea life and similarly, the cruel reality of its destructive nature.
“The Mirror Never Lies” showtimes:
June 9 at 9 p.m. at Harvard Exit
June 10 at 2:30 p.m. at Harvard Exit
“The Woman in the Septic Tank”
Reviewed by Jason Cruz
Northwest Asian Weekly
Poverty and a pedophile are key elements in this hilarious, witty Filipino comedy, which was the country’s submission for the 2011 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film. The film centers around three young filmmakers looking to make the next masterpiece.
Their ambition is misplaced and misguided as the movie’s subject, which focuses on poverty, is rethought time and again to ensure authenticity. In the movie, a poor mother living in the slums sells her child to a pedophile.
The filmmakers believe that their interpretation of the conditions and the families living in poverty will be a definitive statement about the problems of society.
More importantly, that it will bring them success and fame.
The filmmakers also work with the actress depicting the mother in their movie, played by Eugene Domingo. Domingo is excellent in her role as an actress readying herself to play the mother in squalor forced to give up her child. Domingo mocks the work of thespians that want to be true to the art of acting. As a true diva, she is over-the-top dramatic and draws attention to herself despite feigning her loyalty to the craft of acting. Late in the film, her dedication to the role is tested, ending in a surprising and hilarious way.
Although poverty and pedophilia are usually not subjects used for comedy, the film pokes fun at the seriousness of filmmakers and their passion for their work.
“The Woman in the Septic Tank” showtimes:
June 7 at 8:30 p.m. at Harvard Exit
“The Sorcerer and the White Snake”
Reviewed by Tiffany Ran
Northwest Asian Weekly
Lightly based on an old Chinese tale, “Sorcerer” tells the story of a young herbalist Xu Xian who falls in love with a woman he meets while foraging in the mountains. Unbeknownst to Xu Xian, the woman is White Snake, a harmless demon that can transform into human form. The two fall in love, but their romance is threatened when a sorcerer, Fa Hai, played by Jet Li, sets out to vanquish the countryside of all demons, including the harmless ones. What follows is a battle between Fa Hai and White Snake, ripe with martial arts action in true Jet Li fashion.
This period piece combines the best of all genres, including romance, fantasy, and action. The film delicately weaves a measured balance of each aspect, making the film more accessible to a wider audience than the average action pick. Its breathtaking scenes and thrilling action sequences makes “Sorcerer” a welcomed return for Jet Li to martial arts films, who had said at one point that he intended to retire from the genre. This film will be a special treat for those who grew up watching “wu xia,” or Chinese martial arts films. With its vivid colors, more complex characters, and sexy demons, “Sorcerer” establishes itself as a wu xia film for the modern day. (end)
“The Sorcerer and the White Snake” showtimes:
June 8 at 6 p.m. at Kirkland Performance Center