HIFF 2014: The lineup

October 7, 2014

Myong Choi,

Fall is right around the corner, and for me, that means football, festivities and best of all, films. I always look forward to the Hawaii International Film Festival, and once again, HIFF, which runs from Oct. 30 to Nov. 9 on Oahu and Nov. 13-16 on Hawaii Island and Kauai, has a great lineup. Here are the movies on my list to catch. For the full HIFF lineup, visit HIFF.org

Check out the big nights

HIFF always saves the best films for the big nights, and I’m especially interested in this year’s opening night film, “The Vancouver Asahi” and the centerpiece film, “The Imitation Game,” both which take place during World War II. “The Vancouver Asahi” is a true story about a Japanese immigrant baseball team playing in Vancouver, who have to deal with the fallout from Pearl Harbor. “The Imitation Game” is also based on a true story, centering on World War II hero Alan Turing, who helped the Allies win the war with his code-breaking skills. This one could be a major player when it comes to award season.

“The Vancouver Asahi”
Thursday, Oct. 30 at 8 p.m., Consolidated Ward (Buy tickets)

“The Imitation Game”
Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m., Dole Cannery (Buy tickets)
Sunday, Nov. 9 at 5 p.m., Dole Cannery (Buy tickets)

Look to the Land of the Rising Sun

Japan always fields a strong variety of films at HIFF, and this year’s selection appears especially intriguing. Along with “The Vancouver Asashi,” I’m eager to catch, “Little Forest: Summer & Autumn” and “Samurai Pirates.” “Little Forest: Summer & Autumn” looks like it will be another addition to a strong year for foodie films, while “Samurai Pirates” is about a group of kids who embark on a treasure quest to save their town. Sound familiar? Yup, it looks exactly like a Japanese version of “The Goonies.” That’s good enough for me.

“Little Forest: Summer & Autumn”
Saturday, Nov. 1 at 2 p.m., Dole Cannery (Buy tickets)
Sunday, Nov. 2 at 12:30 p.m., Dole Cannery (Buy tickets)

“Samurai Pirates”
Sunday, Nov. 9 at 12 p.m., Dole Cannery (Buy tickets)

Korean films = Kleenex

Korean films typically tug at heartstrings and make you reach for the tissues. Koreans are known for their passion, and it’s well on display in their films. “My Brilliant Life” delves into the life of two young parents of a boy with a rare disease that makes him age prematurely. Starring popular pretty people Kang Dong Won and Song Hye Gyo, make sure to get your tickets to this one early. I’m a huge fan of filmmaker Jang Jin, so I’m also looking forward to “We Are Brothers,” which looks like it features his typical quirky combination of humor and heart.

“My Brilliant Life”
Thursday, Oct. 30 at 8:30 p.m., Dole Cannery (Buy tickets)
Saturday, Nov. 1 at 12 p.m., Dole Cannery (Buy tickets)
Saturday, Nov. 8 at 8:30 p.m., Koko Marina (Buy tickets)

“We are Brothers”
Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 5:30 p.m., Dole Cannery (Buy tickets)
Sunday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m., Dole Cannery (Buy tickets)

Get Real

I’m not the biggest fan of documentaries, but HIFF continually presents a strong documentary lineup that’s hard to resist. If you’re a fan of high school films like I am, then you’ll love, “Beyond Clueless,” which breaks down Hollywood’s history of coming-of-age films. Also, as a recreational volleyball player, I’m eager to watch the award-winning, “9-Man.”

“Beyond Clueless”
Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 5:45 p.m., Dole Cannery (Buy tickets)