Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire *CityNews.ca Pick*

You can’t help but root for Claireece ‘Precious’ Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), the Harlem teen at the centre of Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire. Great casting throughout: Sidibe shines in the lead role, and Mo’Nique delivers a searing performance as the girl’s abusive mother. Produced by Oprah Winfrey, this is a tough but ultimately uplifting film about a young woman’s triumph over adversity. Schedule at TIFF.

Hadewijch

Thought-provoking but somewhat sluggish film about a young girl’s fervent devotion to Christ and the dangers of fundamentalist beliefs. I understand what writer-director Bruno Dumont is getting at, and it’s an important message, but the story itself wasn’t as engaging as it should’ve been. Julie Sokolowski delivers a powerful performance as the devoted and impressionable Celine. Schedule at TIFF.

Broken Embraces

Director Pedro Almodovar and recent Oscar winner Penelope Cruz reunite on this stylish thriller about a blind screenwriter and former film director who’s living a double life. Harry Caine (Lluis Homar) has abandoned his former name Mateo Blanco, and rarely talks about his past. We learn that both he and the producer of his last film, Girls and Suitcases, were in love with the star, Lena (Cruz). When the producer dies, a mysterious young man comes to Harry with a story to tell, and says he wants Harry to write the screenplay. Jumping back and forth in time, Almodovar’s latest is reminiscent of 1940s-1950s film noir. The plot gets a bit tangled at times, but otherwise this is a snappy little thriller with excellent performances. Schedule at TIFF.

Top image: Penelope Cruz in Broken Embraces. Courtesy TIFF.