rikpaint Reviews

Vinyan (2008)

The valley re-imagined

[8/10 · 9 July 2009]

I enjoyed this film a lot - it had hints of 'The Valley Obscured by Clouds" to it. For those that are confused about the film a think a few moments considering the significant of the lost white boys either as the soul survivors of the tsunami or more likely as children left to run feral, as their mothers have all been shipped off to the sex spots of Asia to work in brothels adds a poignant touch. It's no wonder the pimp, who tries to exonerate himself by leading the disintegrating couple into the jungle to search for their missing child, is attacked and left for dead. There is no doubt that this film gets under your skin, as the leading lady is so irrational in her quest, she becomes both the protagonist and the villain. For those who enjoy films about Thailand and Asia I would recommend this as a film worth seeing. The making of the film extra on the DVD was a nice bonus. Aspiring filmmakers and others will get a chance to see how a small film got big results on the screen.

In Your Absence (2008)

Tender Times

[10/10 · 13 June 2009]

In Your Absence is a wonderful film that beautiful recreates that tender time when growing up is confusing and full of pain. Shot, remarkably on a very modest camera, with incredible composition this is a film as visually appealing as it is compelling. So many time we hear how the location is another character in a film, but this time one can really believe it, the stunning scenery is not just chocolate box cover imagery with actors plopped in front of it, but imagery that truly helps push the narrative forward. Cast with non-professional actors, who all live in around the same gorgeous hills and valleys where the story unfolds, they bring a credibility to this film that transcends normal improvised films. Ivan Noel has crafted a persuasive story with a cinematic style that is truly a love of labor. When one hears the director also wrote the script, composed the music, worked the camera and edit the film – one normally runs for the exit. But Ivan Noel deserves the title auteur. Put this on your must see list.