My final day (Thursday, Sept. 27) at the Festival begins with the very unusual anime feature Princess, an exploration of the sleazy world of the porn industry. This one promises to disturb and titillate within an orgy of violence and blood. This should be interesting.
A Chilean martial arts film is a must see especially one that combines South American verité film styles and spaghetti westerns with a heavy dose of Hong Kong influence. Kiltro, a box office and critical success in its native land, stars fighter and stuntman Marko Zaror in this action thriller. Star Marko Zaror, producer Derek Rundell and director Ernesto Díaz Espinoza will be there live in person!
After starting my day with those two features, I know I’ll need something a little more "innocent" and calm. So rather than take my chances with the mysterious Closing Night Film, I chose the safer The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. Winner of the 2007 Japanese Academy Award for Best Animated Film, this recounts the story of Makoto, a girl who can journey through time. Based on the popular YA novel, the talent for this feature includes art director Nizou Yamamoto (Princess Mononoke) and character designer Yoshiyuki Sadamoto (Neon Genesis Evangelion).
Is there a more perfect ending to this festival than with a good old fashion, loud, fast, action-packed, adrenaline-pumping, and explosive Hong Kong action film? Invisible Target promises just that with a frenetic pace and energy using better CGI, better wirework, better sound effects than the older action films.
Next: SHOWTIME!