So... after much deliberation, I decided to try another salon.  So who cares if I pay $300 and my hair sucks?  At least I am on a quest for best stylist...for me...  yeah right...Why is it so hard to find a good stylist?  And if they mess up... why won't they admit it and offer to redo for free?  I mean it can't be the customer's fault if their hair turns out all mess and orange instead of blond!  It the stylist who didn't know how to mix colors or didn't understand how long to keep the freakin' color on the hair!  When I buy a clothing item and it has a stain or it doesn't look right, they refund it or fix it...  so why are hair stylists the exception??? I mean GEEZ!  I keep reading all these horrible reviews of some stylist and I get scared... really scared sometimes.  I got lucky that I found a cool stylist, but she is way too hard to get an appointment with... maybe i will see her 2 times a year and someone else in between... sigh... So i decided to try a completely different salon... only b/c they specialize in finding the perfect hair style for your facial structure... i am always stuck on how to style my hair...  So maybe this will help me find a hair cut that I will really like.  And of course... I asked if the girl doing my hair was experienced with Asian hair... even though they replied yes and told me that she was "brilliant", I'll have to wait and see... i will post my hair pic soon... my appointment is Thursday... WISH ME LOTS OF LUCK!

So I had a hair appointment today... But my stylist was sick and canceled... Now the soonest appointment will be in August... What the hell am I suppose to do till then???? I really wanted to be seen last month, so my hair has been looking sad lately!  Ugh! Argh!  It sucks to have a stylist who is way too popular... What to do... what to do...

Oh sad... after tiring days and nights of watching 11 movies... i am a little sad that the festival is over this weekend...
these are my last of 4 movies of the festival.  Go check some of them out!

Salvador
Spain, 2006, 133 Minute Running Time

Genre: Drama
Language: Spanish, Catalan and French
English Sub-Titles

This gripping, poignant profile of Catalan anarchist and
political martyr Salvador Puig Antich boldly addresses the troubled
politics of Spain’s recent past. Apprehended in a shootout in which a
young officer was killed, Puig Antich’s trial and fate proved more
political than his worst fears could have anticipated.

DIRECTOR: Manuel Huerga

Producer: Jaume Roures
Editor: Alxalà, Santy Borricón
Screenwriter: Lluís Arcarazo
Cinematographer: David Omedes
Music: Lluís Llach
Principal Cast: Daniel Brühl, Tristán Ulloa, Leonor Watling, Joel Joan, Ingrid Rubio, Leonardo Sbaraglia
Filmography: Antártida (1995)
World Sales: Beta Cinema


This movie was great and moving.  I really felt that i knew where the main character was coming from and felt the injustice that happened to him.  I thought this movie was very interesting and emotional.  It also opened by eyes to be aware of the events during the 70's in Spain.  I cried a lot!

Broken English
USA, 2007, 96 Minute Running Time

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Parker Posey and Melvil Poupaud form a cross-Atlantic
indie film dream team in Zoe Cassavetes’ sparkling romantic comedy for
latent depressives and the chronically lovelorn. It’s Sex and the City
with a dose of Xanax and a hit of ’30s screwball charm, costarring
Cassavetes’ magnificent mom, Gena Rowlands.

DIRECTOR: Zoe Cassavetes

Producer: Andrew Fierberg, Jason Kliot, Joana Vicente
Editor: Andrew Weisblum
Screenwriter: Zoe Cassavetes
Cinematographer: John Pirozzi
Music: Scratch Massive
Principal Cast: Parker Posey, Melvil Poupaud, Drea de Matteo, Gena Rowlands, Justin Theroux, Peter Bogdanovich
Filmography: Debut Feature Film
US Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
World Sales: Celluloid Dreams


I thought this movie was honest and funny.  There were a lot of uncomfortable moments in the movie, but it was realistic.  Parker Posey's character is so neurotic! It was kind of enduring... in a way.  I think it was an enjoyable movie, although you wonder WHY he is even interested in her in the first place.  Oh, by the way, the guy in the picture is FRENCH... not middle eastern... ha ha...

Mushishi
Japan, 2006, 131 Minute Running Time

Genre: Fantasy
Language: Japanese
English Sub-Titles

Ginko is a Mushishi, a wandering shaman who rids humans
from malevolent spirits known as Mushi. But while treating a young
girl, her plight triggers memories from his forgotten past, some of
which seek revenge. The second live-action film from the visionary
director of Akira and Steamboy.

DIRECTOR: Katsuhiro Ôtomo

Producer: Satoru Oruga
Editor: Soichi Ueno
Screenwriter: Sadayuki Murai, adapted from Yuki Urushibara’s manga
Cinematographer: Takahide Shibanushi
Music: Kuniaki Haishima
Principal Cast: Jô Odagiri, Nao Omori, Makiko Esumi, Yu Aoi
Filmography: Steamboy (2004), Akira (1988)
World Sales: MaxMedia

This movie was very confusing.  I almost felt like I had to read the manga comic previously to completely understand the movie.  I really went to see it because of Jo Odagiri... he's cute.  But interesting concept... i guess...

Little Book of Revenge
Guide de la petite vengeance
Canada, 2007, 105 Minute Running Time

US Premiere

Genre: Black Comedy
Language: French
English Sub-Titles

This dark comedy from Quebec introduces us to Bernard, an
accountant at a jewelry store who suffers from constant abuse by his
boss. Bernard’s encounter with a former employee inspires him to start
a fanciful book of revenge, but things get out of control when the plan
goes awry.
Director Jean-François Pouliot is scheduled to attend both screenings.

DIRECTOR: Jean-François Pouliot

Producer: Roger Frappier, Luc Vandal
Editor: Dominique Fortin
Screenwriter: Ken Scott
Cinematographer: Allen Smith
Music: Benoit Charest
Principal Cast: Marc Béland, Michel Muller, Gabriel Gascon, Pascale Bussières, Alice Morel Michaud
Filmography: Seducing Doctor Lewis (2003)
World Sales: Max Films Inc.

I really enjoyed this movie.  The script is clever with bit of humor... The characters were interesting and you feel like you want to know them more.  The director was at the showing and gave a lot of cool insights of the film.  The basic theme... in order to stop becoming a victim... you have to STOP being a victim.. you will understand if you watch the film... Revenge is great... but it surrenders to be a victim as well and you still don't necessarily gain control.  Its interesting... Great movie.  Nice end to the film festival.

Ok.. my second round of films...

Dasepo Naughty Girls
Dasepo Sonyo
South Korea, 2006, 103 Minute Running Time

US Premiere

Genre: Black Comedy
Language: Korean
English Sub-Titles

While attending No Use High School, Poor Girl has fallen
head-over-heels for rich kid Anthony, who in turn has an obsession with
the class virgin's sister. If their paths are to cross, they'll have to
negotiate a demon principal, a transgendered hottie and numerous
karaoke sing-a-longs.

DIRECTOR: J-yong E

Producer: Ahn Dong-kyul
Editor: Choi Jae-keun, Uhm Jin-hwa
Screenwriter: E J-Yong
Cinematographer: Chung Jung-hong
Music: Jang Young-gyu
Principal Cast: Kim Ok-bin, Lee Kyun, Park Jin-woo
Filmography: Untold Scandal (2003), Soon Ae Boh (2000), Jungsa (1998)
World Sales: Mirovision Inc.

This movie was surprisingly good.  It was cute and funny... a little bit quirky... I definitely enjoyed and the audience did as well.  The director of the movie was at the showing as well.  He also directed popular Korean movie (Scandal - based on Dangerous Liasons).  You should definitely check it out... some said its a Cult Classic.

Summer Rain
El Camino de los ingleses
Spain, 2007, 120 Minute Running Time

Additional Countries: UK

Genre: Coming of Age
Language: Spanish
English Sub-Titles

Director Antonio Banderas delivers a haunting tale of
friendship, love, sex, betrayal, death and ultimately, life. During a
summer spent by the pool, three teenaged boys experience a lifetime of
sensation, depicted with flashes of color, light and lyrical verse.

DIRECTOR: Antonio Banderas

Producer: Antonio Banderas, Gustavo Ferrada, Carlos Taillefer, Antonio Meliveo, Stephen Margolis, Albert Marti
Editor: Mercedes Alted
Screenwriter: Antonio Soler
Cinematographer: Xavi Giménez
Music: Antonio Meliveo
Principal Cast: Alberto Amarilla, María Ruiz, Félix Gómez, Rául Arévalo, Victoria Abril
Filmography: Crazy in Alabama (1999)
World Sales: Sogepaq International

This movie was ok.  It was a little too contrived... and obvious.  It is based on a book and also I am wondering if the english translation was off... it felt like the dialog was to be poetic, but it didn't feel like it.  I'm Sorry Antonio Banderas... this movie was a thumbs down.  At least there were some eye candy.

Agua
Aguas Argentinas
Argentina, 2006, 89 Minute Running Time

Additional Countries: France

Genre: Drama
Language: Spanish
English Sub-Titles

Eight years after wrongful accusations of doping ended
his championship career, a marathon swimmer returns to the site of his
humiliation in order to regain his title, his honor and the last
lingering threads of his former life. The nocturnal, haunting
atmosphere and brilliant underwater visuals and sound design make for
an immersive viewing experience.

DIRECTOR: Verónica Chen

Producer: Verónica Chen, Denis Freyd
Editor: Jacopo Quadri, César D'Angiolillo
Screenwriter: Verónica Chen, Pablo Lago
Cinematographer: Sabine Lancelin, Matías Mesa
Principal Cast: Rafael Ferro, Nicolás Mateo, Jimena Anganuzzi, Gloria Carrá, Leonora Balcarce, Diego Alonso
Filmography: Overblinded (2003), Smokers Only (2001)
World Sales: Celluloid Dreams

I liked this movie a lot.  I think it had a lot of deep meanings and symbolisms...  The cinematography was awesome and the water scenes of swimmers were really cool. The director really captured the real feel of swimming.  I didn't understand the ending and I wish I went to see it with someone i knew so that I could discuss it more... hmmm....

So far watched 4 movies...

Never on a Sunday
Morirse en domingo
Mexico, 2006, 120 Minute Running Time

Genre: Black Comedy
Language: Spanish
English Sub-Titles

While trying to bury his uncle who died on the unluckiest
of Sundays, a young man becomes embroiled in a series of gruesome
adventures in today’s Mexico City. This bitingly dark comedy is a
revelation of vivid characters and poignant dialogue.

It wasn't the worst movie i've seen...it had some funny moments... weird moments...sad dog killing... the main character carrying his dead uncle around for days... yuck... it was Ok... out of 5 stars:

The Ten
USA, 2007, 93 Minute Running Time

Genre: Black Comedy

The creators of The State and Wet Hot American Summer skewer the most sacred of topics in this hysterically irreverent decalogue. Featuring an all-star cast, The Ten
twists each of the Ten Commandments into scandalously funny stories
ranging from careless skydiving to puppet love to an affair with Jesus.

DIRECTOR: David Wain

Producer: Jonathan Stern, Ken Marino, David Wain, Paul Rudd, Morris S. Levy
Editor: Eric Kissack
Screenwriter: Ken Marino, David Wain
Cinematographer: Yaron Orbach
Music: Craig Wedren
Principal Cast: Paul Rudd, Famke Janssen, Winona Ryder, Jessica Alba, Justin Theroux, Adam Brody, Liev Schreiber, Justin Theroux
Filmography: Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
US Distributor: THINKFilm

Oooh... I didn't really like this one.  It had some funny scenes, but each 10 stories weren't funny as a whole.  The cast was cool, but overall it was UNFUNNY... it had some ridiculous scenes in there... like a joke about jail rape, falling in love with Jesus, and neighbors trying to out buy CAT Scan machines (no joke)...

Tell No One
Ne le dis à personne
France, 2006, 126 Minute Running Time

Genres: Detective/Mystery, Thriller
Language: French
English Sub-Titles

Popular American mystery writer Harlan Coben’s novel Tell No One
finally makes it to the silver screen in this action-packed adaptation
directed by heartthrob Guillaume Canet. Featuring an extraordinary cast
this thriller revolves around a pediatrician, who unexpectedly finds
himself to be a suspect eight years after his wife was mysteriously
murdered.

DIRECTOR: Guillaume Canet

Producer: Alain Attal
Editor: Hervé de Luze
Screenwriter: Guillaume Canet, Philippe Lefebvre, based on the novel by Harlan Coben
Cinematographer: Christophe Offenstein
Music: Mathieu Chedid
Principal Cast: François Cluzet, André Dussollier, Marie-Josée Croze, Kristin Scott Thomas, François Berléand
Filmography: Whatever You Say (2002)
World Sales: EuropaCorp


I loved this one... It was clever, funny, and some action.  Its a great mystery and it has Kristin Scott Thomas speaking french fluently... who knew??? I highly recommend this one.

Woman on the Beach
Haebyuneui Yeoin
South Korea, 2006, 128 Minute Running Time

Genres: Romance, Romantic Comedy
Language: Korean
English Sub-Titles

While trying to overcome writer’s block at an off-season
beach resort, an increasingly exasperated film director finds himself
juggling relationships with two very different women. The latest film
from 2003 SIFF Emerging Master Hong Sang-Soo, this edgy, sophisticated
comedic drama showcases the director’s uncannily delightful knack for
capturing realistic conversation.

DIRECTOR: Sang-soo Hong

Producer: Jin-ah Cho
Editor: Hahm Sung-won
Screenwriter: Hong Sang-soo
Cinematographer: Kim Hyung-koo
Music: Jeong Yong-jin, Ko Hyun-jeong
Principal Cast: Kim Seung-woo, Kim Tae-woo, Ko Hyun-jeung, Song Sun-mi
Filmography: Woman is the Future of Man (2004), Turning Gate (2002), Virgin Stripped Bare by her Bachelors (2000), The Power of Kangwon Province (1998), The Day a Pig Fell into the Well (1996)
World Sales: Mirovision Inc.

This movie went on and on and on... I thought it would never end!  There were some funny and insightful parts.. but overall... it felt pointless and boring... So much for korean movie quality...

Now I have 8 more to go!  Yikes!  All these movies are making me exhausted!