OWFILM WORLD CUP Round 1: Scotland vs. Mongolia
First Round of OWFilm World Cup
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So England and the U.S.A. are safely through, can the brave Scots make it the third English-language country that has advanced to the second round. Danny Boyle's popular 90's film Trainspotting takes on probably the under-dogs of the whole tournament, Mongolia. Personally, I don't remember ever seeing a film birthed from the Mongolian cinema-industry but then again, I don't ever remember seeing Scotland advance past the first round in a World Cup tournament either... Vote now for which film you want to see advance to the next round. Remember you are voting for YOUR OPINION on which film you prefer. Tale of the reel is after the jump... Trainspotting (1996)
OSCAR COUNT (0) IMDB: (8.2, #154) RT: 89% EMPIRE TOP 500 (#316th)
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In 1990 Goodfellas rewrote the rulebook for modern cinema with its innovative narration and cutting edge camera techniques. Voice-over swaps, freeze frames, epic tracking shots and exhilarating paced cuts were all used to capture the mad, larger than life world of the mafia. Six years later the heavily inspired Danny Boyle used similar techniques to breathe some much needed life and spirit back into the British film industry. In Trainspotting he created the perfect anti-drug statement with assistance from a sensational cast and crew and the brilliant source novel written by Irvine Welsh who also assisted John Hodge with the screenplay. What really stands out about the film is that it does a great job of showing the two sides of the coin when it comes to drug use. First, Boyle documents the intense pleasure of the initial high and the energy of these moments is perfectly encapsulated through the use of fast editing, jump cuts and stirring club beats. In between these moments however the harsher reality is evident and the film does an equally masterful job of showing the horrific aftertaste and it is here where images such as a baby dying in a damp, drug induced room stay with you long after viewing. Ultimately Rentons decision at the end of the film to walk away from the world of drugs and decide instead to choose life provides a refreshing, final moral that there is in fact plenty more to live for than some stupid hit. In 2004 Trainspotting was voted the best Scottish film of all time in List Magazine beating out competition from the likes of Gregorys Girl and American Cousins. INTERESTING FACT: Ewan McGregor transformed his body into the stick insect like, heroin addicted protagonist by living on a two month diet where he was allowed no alcohol nor dairy products.The Cave of the Yellow Dog (2005)
OSCAR COUNT (0) IMDB (7.5) RT: 88% EMPIRE TOP 500: Not listed
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The Cave of the Yellow Dog is a visually engaging portrait of Mongolian Nomad life filmed in a distinct documentary style. The films clear theme deals with the concept of reincarnation and this belief is brought to life by the characters through an extraordinary attention to detail surrounding the familys everyday actions. Although there is a fantastic child performance present (always a nice surprise) the film doesnt quite pull enough dramatic punch and is instead far more impressive when establishing its highly intriguing arena. The film was submitted as Mongolia's contender for the 2005 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. INTERESTING FACT: The Cave of the Yellow Dog is the only movie in the OWFilm World Cup that our editor Matt Holmes has not seen.