April 21, 2021

WIFF’s Weekend Watch List — 04/22

THE WHITE TIGER (If you want the best thing on Netflix that you still have not watched) Vincent Georgie: This film landed quietly on…

THE WHITE TIGER

(If you want the best thing on Netflix that you still have not watched)

Vincent Georgie: This film landed quietly on Netflix a few months ago but anyone that has seen this terrific crime drama knows it’s one of the most well-made, interesting films on the streamer. The film tells a large, epic story around ambition, class, and greed. Nominated for the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar. From the writer-director of past WIFF favourite 99 HOMES.

Synopsis: A rich Indian family’s ambitious driver uses his wit and cunning to escape from poverty and rise to the top as an entrepreneur.

Watch on Netflix

ANOTHER ROUND

(If you love world cinema)

Vincent Georgie: Denmark consistently produces films of very high-quality standards, be it outstanding scripts, uniformly excellent acting and a strong directorial point of view. Danish master Thomas Vinterberg, nominated for an Oscar for this film, directs his frequent leading man Mads Mikkelsen in a story that is frequently funny, frequently sad and always a cut above anything you’ve seen in a while. The film is also nominated for the Best International Feature Oscar, and has been a real favourite on the global film festival circuit.

Synopsis: Four friends, all high school teachers, test a theory that they will improve their lives by maintaining a constant level of alcohol in their blood.

Watch on iTunes

Watch on YouTube

THE MOLE AGENT

(If you want something unexpected)

Vincent Georgie: The basic premise of this Chilean film is not at all where this film takes us. In fact, the film is a frequently touching, honest and humane exploration on care, love and our unending desire to connect. Cinematically, the film is intriguing in how it was made, frequently appearing to be both a structured fiction film and a documentary expose at the same time. Nominated for the Best Documentary Feature Oscar.

Synopsis: When 83-year-old Chilean Sergio is sent as an undercover spy to a retirement home to investigate suspected neglect, he learns a deeper lesson on human connection. Through the lens of the hidden camera in his decoy glasses, viewers watch as Sergio struggles to balance his assignment while becoming increasingly involved in the lives of several residents.

Watch on iTunes

Watch on YouTube

DOUBLE FEATURE

BEST OSCAR WINNERS ABOUT UNDERDOGS

In honour of Sunday’s Oscars, let’s look back on two popular, beloved and highly-rewatchable Best Picture Oscar winners about beloved underdogs. While I might have chosen different films to win the Oscar those years (thinking of TAXI DRIVER and PULP FICTION, respectively), both of these films are touching and highly enjoyable winners that stand the test of time. Be uplifted.

ROCKY

Synopsis: Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer, gets a chance to fight heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. In a bid to earn respect and glory, Rocky jumps into the ring, unaware of the tough task ahead of him.

Watch on Amazon Prime

Watch on iTunes

Watch on Netflix

Watch on YouTube

FORREST GUMP

Synopsis: Forrest, a man with low IQ, recounts the early years of his life when he found himself in the middle of key historical events. All he wants now is to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart, Jenny.