A Star Is Reborn

On Yonge street, not far from theaters exhibiting the cinematic goodies of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), is a sex shop whose four-story sign proclaims it "The Largest & Nicest Love Boutique in America."

That phrase could define the festival. Now in its 27th year, TIFF has succeeded by its size, which is less boutique than warehouse (this year's 10-day event showed an indigestible 455 hours of films), and by its persistent good humor. Even the occasional eccentricslike the tough guy at a screening of Kim Tae Gyun's Volcano High who was moved to shout, "Korean...