The Lady
Director Luc Besson (The Fifth Element) brings us the emotional story of Aung San Suu Kyi, political activist and leader of the movement for democracy in Burma. Much more than just a political drama, The Lady is also very much a love story.
Living in Oxford in the late ‘80s with husband and Oxford lecturer Dr. Michael Aris, Suu Kyi returns to Burma to visit her dying mother. Witnessing the turmoil and atrocities being suffered by the people in Rangoon, a burden begins to weigh on her heart. As the daughter of assassinated nationalist and founder of the modern Burmese army, Aung San, the people of Burma see her arrival in their country as a sign of hope. They ask her to lead the National League for Democracy in the 1990 general election and, torn between her love for her family and passion for the people of her country, Suu Kyi accepts and decides to stay in Rangoon.
Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) plays Suu Kyi and David Thewlis (Harry Potter films) plays the unbelievably understanding Michael Aris. Continually oppressed by the Burmese government and forced into years of separation through repeated denials of visitor visas, the couple’s touching love story is inspirational. From Aris’ efforts to have his wife awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and thereby be given some assurance of her physical safety, to his refusal to add to her burden by telling her he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, Aris’ character is almost unreal.
The film is a bit long and does tend to drag in parts. However, it is also an important story of courage and resilience with a lot of tender thrown in for good measure.
In Theatres: November 30, 2011
Rating: 3.5/5
Michael
There were two films by this title at this year’s festival. The one discussed here is from India and was directed by newcomer Ribhu Dasgupta.
Starting out interestingly enough, the title character is a police officer ordered to begin shooting on an unarmed crowd gathered at a peaceful demonstration. Not wanting to do so but forced to follow orders, he fires a shot that misses its target and has disastrous consequences. The remainder of the film centers around the psychological havoc wreaked by this single act on Michael’s mind and how it affects his ability to function and be an adequate father to his young son.
Unfortunately, it starts to go downhill after that first scene. The remaining 90-something minutes quickly spiral into a mess of confused storylines and poor dialogue. Admittedly, the film’s star, Naseeruddin Shah (The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen), is strong in the title role. But most of the characters just aren’t engaging enough to sustain any prolonged interest.
Release Date: Not Available
Rating: 1/5
Jeff, Who Lives at Home
This sweet film stars Jason Segel, Ed Helms, Susan Sarandon and Judy Greer in the quirky tale of Jeff (who lives at home), and his search for destiny. Helms plays his irritable brother Pat whose marriage to Linda (Greer), unbeknownst to him, is about to collapse, and Sarandon is the boys’ mother, Sharon – a widow who suddenly finds herself the object of a secret admirer’s affections at work.
Forced off the basement couch to run an errand at his mother’s request (command), Jeff wanders out into the city, all the while trying to read meaning into random occurrences. Running into Pat along the way, the three characters wind up having a day they will never forget.
Segel is perfect as the endearing loser, and Helms brings to the role a good balance of frustration with his seemingly useless brother and the protective feelings he has for him. Despite a few “huh?” moments, it’s definitely a flick that will give you the warm fuzzies.
USA Release Date: March 2, 2012
Rating: 3.5/5
For more reviews of this year's festival, check out Parts One and Two of this series.
For more on the Toronto International Film Festival, see the TIFF website.
Ramona Zacharias - Ramona has been a freelance writer for ten years, focusing on arts, entertainment and pop culture, with a more recent dabbling in travel. ...
