18 movies

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In the final episode of the first season of 18 Movies, Eli and Alex delve into Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s hypnotic Thai film "Cemetery of Splendor" (2015). This meditative work tells the story of soldiers afflicted by a mysterious sleeping illness and the women who care for them. Equal parts reflection on the experience of sleepwalking through life and a commentary on the Thai people's relationship with their government, the film uses transcendental style and the mesmerizing pace of slow cinema to leave viewers in a dreamlike state of deep contemplation and tender emotion.

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"Remember, everything is just a movie. A creation. It hurts, anyway." This quote from the opening narration of the Danish film "Reconstruction" (2003), directed by Christoffer Boe, sets the tone for today's episode. The story of a man and woman falling in love, yet the woman is married to a writer who is really the one in control of the films narrative. As beautiful as it is perplexing, Alex and Eli are here to unravel the mysteries of this underrated arthouse gem. If you’re a fan of non-traditional narratives, this one is for you.

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Alex and Eli discuss Akira Kurosawa’s “High and Low”’, a police procedural that goes far beyond meticulous detective work. In this episode, we explore how Kurosawa uses impeccable blocking and stunning cinematography to craft a powerful commentary on class, wealth, and power—one that remains as relevant today as it was in 1963.

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Join Alex and Eli as they explore "Vagabond" (1985), a powerful film from legendary director Agnès Varda. This story of a female drifter unfolds through the eyes of those she meets during the final months of her life. Blurring the lines between fiction and documentary, Vagabond features many non-actors, creating a raw, authentic portrait of isolation. Tune in to discover why this film has earned its spot on Sight and Sound's top 100 films of all time list.

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Join Alex and Eli as they dive deep into "The Wages of Fear" (1953), a suspense masterpiece by the legendary Henri-Georges Clouzot. This landmark film helped shape the thriller genre for decades to come. In this episode, we explore the cinematic ingenuity behind its nerve-racking tension, its powerful social commentary, and why it remains one of the most gripping and influential pieces of French cinema ever made.

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Take a trip to Taiwan with Alex and Eli as they discuss "Yi Yi" (2000), the final masterpiece from the late Edward Yang. This film, both epic in scale yet intimate in scope, follows the everyday lives of a middle-class Taipei family as they grapple with life, death, love, loneliness, and family. Despite its simple premise and restrained style, "Yi Yi" touches on universal themes that resonate deeply with audiences. Tune in to learn what makes this story of a small family leave such a big impact.

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Join Eli and Alex as they discuss "Tokyo Godfathers" (2003), an anime feature from the late, great Satoshi Kon. This heartwarming and humorous film follows three homeless misfits who find an abandoned baby and embark on an adventure to return it home. In this episode, we explore the film's themes of humanity, empathy, and the families we choose versus the ones we're born into, while also examining how it cleverly uses cinematic conventions to tell an unconventional story.

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Join Alex and Eli as they explore the hilarious world of misunderstandings and gardening in "Being There" (1979), directed by Hal Ashby and starring Peter Sellers. Discover the deep humor and relevance of this film, which tackles themes of misinterpretation, false prophets, and, yes, gardening. Take a chance, give this a listen and prepare to laugh.

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Join Eli and Alex as they explore the dystopian world of "Brazil" (1984), directed by Terry Gilliam. This film, a blend of film noir and science fiction, is as funny as it is tragic and serves as a timely cautionary tale. Listen in to discover how Terry Gilliam masterfully combines these elements into an unforgettable classic.

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Join Eli and Alex as they explore "Your Name" (2016), the acclaimed anime romance directed by Makoto Shinkai. This captivating film tells a poignant story of love, fate, and connection, featuring stunning animation that elevates its emotional depth. It's an experience that everyone should savor, and by the end of this episode, you'll understand why this film holds a special place in our hearts and fans around the world.