Moonrise Kingdom
In brief: Sam (Jared Gilman) is a slightly troubled, un-liked kid who resigns from his position at a Scouts camp run by Rudy (Edward Norton), to be with his first Love, Suzy (Kara Hayward), a easy to anger local teen who comes from a dysfunctional family, who's parents (Bruce Willis and Frances McDormand) aren't exactly involved.. Together, they two trek around the island they inhabit.
Starry Starry Night
In brief: Xiao Mei (Jiao Xu) is a everyday 13 year old, her parents argue, but her crafts man grandfather is the glue that holds the family together. Over christmas, Jay (Erci Lin Hui Ming) moves across the street. He's the quiet, brooding artsy type. The two connect, and help each other get through some difficult times.
Moonrise Kingdom, directed by Wes Anderson, feels like a Wes Anderson film. It's a pretty impressive feat for someone to have such a distinct style, and to manage such quality reoccurring cast members through out his film (His had 10 films, 3 of those shorts over 20 years). In fact, its this style that is often going to be if you enjoy his films or not. It rubs some people the wrong way.
So this is a coming of Age film through a Wes Anderson filter, with all the quirks that that entails. There is something sincere about this film. I want to call the characters damaged, but they're not. Sam has had tragedy in his life, and he struggle's to deal with it socially, and this struggle brings on bullying from his peers. Its not unrealistic. Suzy's story is less dramatic. She's quick to anger, and distant, and people don't know how to treat her or react to her because of this. The two are Kindred spirits on they're island home. And the kids give some great performances, but they don't seem very realistic. The adult roles on the other hand, show a mixture of sad people, with Edward Norton and Anderson regular Jason Schwartzman having the more lively adult roles.
Moonrise Kingdom is Typical Wes Anderson, so if you haven't liked his previous film, your not likely to enjoy this one. If you've enjoyed his earlier films, or your don't mind his quirky sensibilities, then its worth checking out.
Starry Starry Night was aired as the opening film of the Chinese International Film Festival at both Sydney and the New Melbourne event. It's a cute little coming of age story, that feels a bit more realistic then Moonrise Kingdom, even with its scenes of Wooden carved Elephants walking down the street. Jiao Xu gives a great performance as the Mei, She's very believable in her grief and little details in her performance helps to sell her feeling towards Erci Lin Hui Ming's Jay.
The Soundtrack, by World's end Girlfriend fit's the scenes perfectly, and is never conflicts with the tone of the film. The same goes for its fantasy styling, where it takes direction from famous painting and painters. It's very cute, and friendly.
The story doesn't shy much from a realistic situations, and that a relief for a film that appears to be aimed at younger audiences. It's not telling audeinces that everything can be fixed, but that things can turn out all right in the long run.
I really enjoyed Starry Starry Night. Looking forward to a opertunity to see it again.
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