The Toronto International Film Festival is the time of year when entertainment reporters and movie critics from around the world pour in to Toronto. And they are usually pretty good at picking the best movies of the year. But, the People's Choice Award has gained a reputation for having almost magical predictive powers for what movie is going to be huge. Take winners Hotel Rwanda or Silver Linings Playbook for example. We do have to say that Toronto has some very knowledgeable movie goers. Here are five times when the people got it way right.
The Princess Bride, Winner- 1987: This movie showed that TIFF wasn't just about art house films or serious dramas by famous directors. The fairy tale rom com is presented as a story being told by a grandfather to his sick grandson. It introduced us to talented beauty Robin Wright and also starred charmer Mandy Patinkin . The movie has gone on to be a hugely quotable cult favourite. How many times have you heard someone say, "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die"?
Roger & Me, Winner - 1989: This documentary about what happened to Flint, Michigan when General Motors closed its factories, was Michael Moore's first feature film. Heard of that guy? The movie launched both the career and reputation of this controversial film maker who went on to make other documentary classics like Bowling For Columbine and Fahrenheit 9/11. This year, Michael Moore is coming back to TIFF as a special guest to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Roger & Me.
American Beauty, Winner – 1999: American Beauty is one of those films that you probably know a lot about even if you haven't seen it. The shot of a seductive Mena Suvari lying naked but for a few strategically placed rose petals is one of the most iconic movie images of all time. It was Sam Mendes' film directorial debut and what a movie to kick off a film career. The ode to suburban misery went on to win many awards including Best Picture at the Oscars.
Slumdog Millionaire, Winner – 2008: Although directed by established director Danny Boyle, this movie went in to the festival as somewhat of a sleeper hit. By the end of TIFF that year, there was nothing sleepy about this movie's buzz. Slumdog tells the story of a poor young Indian man who goes very far on India's version of Who Wants to Be A Millionaire? Although it was shadowed by controversy surrounding the compensation of the child actors the movie did launch the careers of stars Frida Pinto and Dev Patel.
12 Years a Slave, Winner - 2013: The big film of last year made a giant impression on audiences last September when it came to TIFF. It won over the audience with the incredible acting and the moving story of resilience, despite being a very tough watch. It probably didn't hurt that Brad Pitt also played a warm hearted Canadian in the film. It went on to win Best Motion Picture – Drama Golden Globe Award, Best Picture Oscar and Outstanding Ensemble Screen Actors Guild Award. It also brought us Lupita Nyong'o which really is the best gift.
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