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The Chicago International Film Festival enters its second and final week this weekend, with a number of interesting and entertaining films scheduled. The most famous and best of the bunch is part of the critic's
choice series. Roger Ebert will present Akira Kurosawa's brilliant Ikiru (Oct. 10). It tells the story of a Japanese bureaucrat who, in his dying days, tries to fulfill his dream of building a playground. Sentimental without ever being maudlin, it's certainly one of Kurosawa's best, and that's saying a lot. Though I have philosophical problems with Ebert's choice (why pick a movie that's often screened in Chicago?), I certainly shouldn't complain about another chance to see this masterpiece.

If Kurosawa is the dean of Japanese directors, then his Korean counterpart is Im Kwon-Taek. Im has directed over 90 movies, including the recent Chunhyang, my favorite film of 2000. His latest film, the acclaimed Chihwaseon (Oct. 10 & 12),  won the best director prize at Cannes and focuses on the highs and lows of artistic genius. Though some critics have sniffed, this is a beautiful crowd-pleaser with the lush production values we saw in Chunhyang.

Other major directors are also featured this coming week, including Mike Leigh with All or Nothing (Oct. 9 & 10). Timothy Spall plays a British cab driver living a life of misery. His common-law marriage has lost all its flavor and his two children are miserable as well. This is familiar terrain for Leigh (after the detour of Topsy Turvy), and he navigates the situation with aplomb. Of course it doesn't hurt to have Spall, one of the best actors working today, in the starring role.

Finnish director Aki Kaurismaki brings his trademark brand of humor to The Man without a Past (Oct. 14 & 15). M, a man who's lost his memory after a violent beating, sets out on to the streets to find himself. There he encounters a cast of quirky characters, including the lovely Irma. Fans of Kaurismaki have presumably already bought their tickets, but this is a nice introduction, if you're unfamiliar, to one of the world's most respected directors.

Not every worthwhile film has a "major" director behind it. As I pointed out in last week's review, one of my favorites at this year's fest is My Life as McDull (Oct. 13), a sweet existentialist cartoon about a little pig navigating his way through contemporary Hong Kong. It's definitely different, but don't let that put you off; it's both accessible and delightful.

The Trilogy, three films that look at the same narrative through the eyes of different characters, is Kieslowskian in both feel and approach. Though director Lucas Belvaux can't match the master's exquisite control, he comes much closer than other imitators. The story itself, about a European radical who breaks out of prison and seeks out old friends and enemies, doesn't take advantage of all its possibilities. But the trilogy has style to spare. I'm not sure it's worth six hours of your time (shown over Oct. 12 & 13), but it's also a rare opportunity that deserves recognition. Show up for the first movie on Saturday, and decide for yourself.

I haven't seen Morvern Callar (Oct. 16 & 17), the newest effort from director Lynne Ramsay, but if it's anything like Ratcatcher, her debut, then this follow-up is well worth checking out. Samantha Morton stars as the titular character, a young woman whose boyfriend has just committed suicide. Seeing this as a strange opportunity, she sets off with her best friend for the south of Spain on a "journey of self-discovery." Early reviews are hailing this for both its direction and acting. It'll be released here in Chicago later in the fall, but now's your chance to grab a sneak peek.

Other movies that have good "buzz" about them include Cuckoo (Oct. 13 & 17), a Russian film that sounds like an old joke. What do you get when you cross a Russian, a Finn, and a Lapp? If the first two are men and the third is a beautiful, young woman, then you get sexual energy to spare. The word on the street is that this one is fantastic. And unlike many of the other movies, it's not likely to grace Chicago again.

I've also heard wonderful things about Springtime in a Small Town (Oct. 9, 11 & 12), the latest effort from Chinese director Tian Zhuangzhuang (The Blue Kite). Winner of the Grand Prize at the Venice Film Festival, it's set in post-WWII China, where the devastated Dai household is trying to regain its footing. Tian was banned from making movies after The Blue Kite. This heralds his triumphant return.

The film festival's closing film, Frida (Oct. 17), has divided the critics who've seen it. Some hail Julie Taymor's direction and Salma Hayek's acting, others decry Taymor's work as pedestrian and describe Hayek as a hack. This bio-pic of the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is certain to get a big Oscar push from Miramax this winter. Here's your chance to see it before the big hype sets in.

There are of course dozens of other movies that might interest you. I encourage you to check out a festival program. And in the spirit of carpe diem, take a chance on something you might not normally see. All films are screened at either the Music Box theater, 3733 N. Southport Ave, or the Landmark Theaters at 2828 N. Clark.

J. Robert Parks 10/7/2002