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kainoaappleton
Reviews
Kumu Hina (2014)
A Fascinating Portrait of a Gifted Teacher & Student
This is the best documentary I've seen this year.
Although it's likely to be classified as a "transgender film," because the namesake character is mahu, it's really about the universal power of culture to empower youth. And although Kumu Hina is the protagonist, the character who steals is the show is her young student. She is the very manifestation of "girl- power," and it's a joy to see her bloom under Kumu's care.
I know it's a cliché, but this film really did make me laugh and cry - and more. What a fascinating film for adults, but children could also benefit.
It's really impossible to put this film into a particular niche. It's a message that crosses all boundaries.
Mala Mala (2014)
Exploitive
This examination of the Puerto Rican trans community is beautifully shot, has gorgeous music, and the director is a star of the indy film world. But ultimately it fails because it's nothing but glitter and pearls. No real HEART to the film.
The loose structure follows several divas as they make their way, often from tortured backgrounds, struggling for love, but still respondent in their gowns. The trouble is that the analysis never goes any deeper than what one would expect from a USA Today article of a Hallmark TV show.
It is quite bizarre when a film by such a famous director premieres at Tribeca, but then doesn't even get invited to Frameline. Perhaps the San Fran gender folks realized that trans is more than drag... it's about life...an aspect sorely missing here.