The Great Escaper and escape into WIFF

The Great Escaper (Oliver Parker) is a charming film that befits the end-of-careers of both Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson. Set in a remote British town it tells the story of Bernie Jordan, a WW II vet who desperately wanted to attend the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France. He misses the official tour and schemes his way, by himself, aboard a ferry, to Normandy, where he’s of course befriended by his comrades who’d arrived before him. Meanwhile, wife Rene (Jackson) remains coyly mum at the assisted living facility, while staff are gripped with worry about where Bernie disappeared to. This picture is the perfect vehicle for both these stellar talents. Caine didn’t want to play the role – he’d been musing retirement for some time and finally announced it the other day - but after a few script readings couldn’t resist. He’s perfect for the twinkly eyed irascible veteran. And Jackson – you won’t recognize here she’s aged so much – also is in the role of his wife. Fortunately or unfortunately, her real life aged physical presence – she died earlier this year – fits exactly the persona of an old housebound woman, weak physically but wise enough to josh the often-befuddled staff. This film is based on a true story, where Jordan ended up becoming a British media hero, in addition of course to being a WW II one….I saw it at the Kino cinema (photo) in Rye (one time home of author Henry James) on England’s southeast coast. This small cinema in an ancient building featuring an outdoor patio with two floor café, where you could nurse away a beer or glass of wine efore the film on a pleasant early autumn afternoon.

Happy to see the announcement of Windsor International Film Festival’s (WIFF) 19^th lineup, with more films than ever – 186 features and 38 shorts – running Oct. 26 – Nov 5. As always, there’s a strong lineup of flicks screened at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), which always leads me to tell people, “Why go to Toronto when you can see some of the best two months later here?” Regardless, WIFF's proved a more than solid event. Forty-seven movies will be screened before released commercially. The festival continues to grow and even obtain gravitas, this year announcing the first ever $25,000 award to the best of 10 Canadian films, that will be screened on the event's first weekend. Too bad I’ll have to miss the fest as I’m in Europe. But the event truly rocks. And as someone who has attended several film festivals in Canada and the United States, WIFF has grown to be among the best, not just in breathed of selections but planning and organization. Here's to WIFF! And I’ll be sure to attend next year’s 20^th.