Asian Women's Film Festival 2007

Just got back from a weeks holiday in Berlin. Checked out the Film Museum while I was there. Its a great place and a must visit for any film fan. The museum also has a cinema; Kino Arsenal which screens all manner of interesting movies. What caught my wandering eye was a rather attractive looking flyer announcing the 2007 Asian Women's Film Festival. It features movies from Taiwan, Vietnam, Malasia, Hong Kong, China, Korea and Japan.

The Japanese offerings are: Faces Of A Fig Tree by Kaori Momoi, Dear Pyoungyang by Yong-hi Yang and Shara by Naoimi Kawase.

The Festival runs from the 19th - 23rd of September. If your in Berlin on these dates head straight for the Sony Center in Potsdamer Platz, you wont be disappointed!

Further Information

Ghibli Disappointment

Ok, i really hate to say this, in fact i never thought i would even think it. I don't like a Ghibli movie. Yes its true, i said it. The unthinkable comes in the form of Tales From Earthsea.

First time out for director Goro Miyazaki, with the weight of expectation firmly on his shoulders. He however fails to deliver the quality of direction associated with this studio.

The movie feels like a real step backwards in terms of animation. The picture looks alot like some of the very earliest offerings by Ghibli. Its not awful but its nowhere near the wonderfully detailed and vibrant Howls Moving Castle or Spirited Away.

The story moves at a very slow pace, and I wasn't immediately drawn to any of the main characters. I had an unusual feeling wash over me, one that i hadn't experienced before...
I was hugely underwhelmed by a Studio Ghigli production.

The problem with Tales From Eartsea is this. No Magic.

Not a sprinkle of enchantment....

I'll have another think about it, cant really explain my disappointment...
It pains me to write any more about my beloved Studio Ghibli in this way.....
so i'll stop.

Birthday Anime

Just received a gigantic anime boxset for my birthday in the form of Vision of Escaflowne!
26 episodes to keep me amused for the next few weeks. Ill nock up a review when i'm done.