hurstdragn

I saw this dazzling work of art at the Palm Springs film festival January 10 and it got my vote for best film of the week. It was as beautiful as it was touching and funny. Maryam Hamid gave a flawless performance as the charming and sweet Ishtar. Parviz Shaminkhou was superb as her determined and caring dervish grandfather. Blind but not sightless, he finds his way across the constantly changing terrain guided only by his heart, in search of that place he is meant to be. The hypnotizing music of Armand Amar was the perfect accompaniment to the stunning Tunisian landscape where each scene was more magnificent than the next; a dream within a dream. Do not miss this film.

I saw BOP in Toronto last week and it was one of my favorites (of the 29 I saw). Cillian Murphy was fabulous as the brave and relentless seeker of the truth who faced life with conviction even when everything around him seemed to be disintegrating. Liam Neeson as the town priest was credible and at times heartbreakingly genuine in his reactions to unfolding situations. Stephen Rea was an unorthodox but sweet magician who brought a great deal to his small part. The supporting cast, especially Brendan Gleeson and Ruth Negga, acted with realism and intensity that helped bring the film to life. Neil Jordan, whose track record stands on its own, delivered a delicious dim sum that left me wanting more and at the same time completely sated. Declan Quinn's dulcet cinematography, much like that of Monsoon Wedding and Vanity Fair, made the film one of the most lustrous at Toronto. After getting the willies watching how evil Murphy can be it was great to see him as an uber-hero. Oh, and did I say I want some of those outfits?