A Random Mexican-Standoff

Following our long discussion on the movies of Tarantino, we sit down to talk about the hit HBO-miniseries "Chernobyl". With Shreyas indisposed, the task fell on Rathi and Kshitij to discuss the horrors of a nuclear disaster and its portrayal in this miniseries. So join us as Rathi and Kshitij gush over the cinematography and talk about the similarities it has with the ongoing crisis.

Spoiler Level: Light (discussed plot points, but won't spoil your watch experience)

Legend: [D - Discussion] [N - Note] [S - Standoff] [V - Video] [F - Followup] [T - Time Stamp]

[T] Intro thoughts and our re-watch experiences

[T] Parallels with COVID-19 and wearing masks

[T] Good Things #1: Cinematography

[V] The diving scene {https://youtu.be/M_iuqPVsneU}

[N] Criticism on the western take on the Soviet Union {https://bit.ly/328kAob}

[T] Good Things #2: Impeccable set design

[T] Using cinematography to capture personal emotions

[N] Interview with the screenwriter {https://bit.ly/2Y3d64s}

[V] Masterclass Cinematography {https://youtu.be/MljytTReJ_o}

[T] Making a technical story accessible

[T] A Western take on the soviet power structure

[N] Criticism on the western take on the Soviet Union {https://bit.ly/328kAob}

[N] Black Lung Disease {https://bit.ly/3g13Vre}

[T] The Screenwriter and his comedic roots

[T] Criticism: Factual Inaccuracies

[N] What Rathi refers to {https://bit.ly/3kGNVyp}

This time we are going to have a very long discussion on the genius director Quentin Tarantino. So sit back, relax, grab some popcorn and enjoy this ride as we look at Tarantino and his movies from all possible angles. Spoilers Ahead!

Welcome, one and all, to our latest case study of the 3 episode rule - where each of us watches 3 episodes of currently airing anime and passes judgment on whether it is worth our time. As you'd expect, sparks fly again over themes, plot devices and "potential". So join us and witness Rathi's pragmatism, Shreyas' emotiveness and Kshitij shuttling between the two.

Legend: [D - Discussion] [N - Note] [S - Standoff] [V - Video] [F - Followup] [T - Time Stamp]

[N] The God of High School (Manhwa) {https://bit.ly/3hPk2cU}

[V] The Death of Classic Anime (Gigguk) {https://youtu.be/dUKiANYyeMM}

[N] Seraph of the End does not have (many?) animation changes that FMAB has, a better example is Magi {https://bit.ly/3hQ9Xwn}

16:22 [T] The Misfit of Demon King Academy {https://bit.ly/39PGhfZ}

[S] Is this a good example of "OP done right"?

[V] How to handle stakes in stories (TazerLad) {https://youtu.be/MCEfYXdbwGM}

[V] What makes a good OP character (TazerLad) {https://youtu.be/wz3dBaUh9PU}

26:17 [T] Kanojo, Okarishimasu {https://bit.ly/3gc4gZ8}

[S] Is seeing Kazuya having the sense to claim his poor behaviour, realizing his shortcomings, and look to solve his confusion a step forward in adding to the charm of the show, or just needless filler? (credits: Seasonal Prattle {https://bit.ly/3hNgEPE})

34:00 [T] Deca-Dence {https://bit.ly/2DhbPiF}

53:04 [T] Appare-Ranman! {https://bit.ly/2PdtXNa}

56:04 [T] Re:Zero (Spoilers for Season 1) {https://bit.ly/30glrDf}

[S] Well, this whole discussion was a standoff ¯\(ツ)/¯

[N] The review that Rathi mentions {https://myanimelist.net/reviews.php?id=229437}

[N] Examples that Rathi asked for (the whole topic of depression in media): It’s Kind of a Funny Story {https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0804497/}, Silver Linings Playbook {https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1045658/}

[V] Videos that Shreyas mentions (WatTheWut) {https://youtu.be/kyoA5_FbUgA} (Mother's Basement) {https://youtu.be/Q5cJKpQvqWI}

In this episode, we attempt to understand the cinematic masterpiece that is 1917 - an award-winning movie set during the First World War. With most of the episode dedicated to deconstructing the cinematography, we find ourselves in one of the most heated debates yet. So join us as sparks fly, opinions are disregarded and punches are thrown; in this longer than necessary episode.

And don't forget - Spoilers ahead.

Legend: [D - Discussion] [N - Note] [S - Standoff] [V - Video] [F - Followup] [T - Time Stamp]

[T] 00:38 - Intro

[T] 00:53- The genius cinematography

[T] 04:01 - The fanboy criticizes the direction

[S] Single cut - a boon or a bane?

[V] How Sherlock uses cuts (among other things) to film thought {https://youtu.be/bfFgnJoLiQE}

[V] The making of 1917 {https://youtu.be/kMBnvz-dEXw} {https://youtu.be/lFZGmzsvSlg}

[T] 23:32 - A late discussion on sound design

[V] Memorable soundtrack - Awakening (Boruto) {https://youtu.be/og826M3iXsw}, Lit ( Koe no Katachi) {https://youtu.be/j9XHdsgJ8Hg}, Deja Vu (Initial D) {https://youtu.be/dv13gl0a-FA}

[V] Beethoven's 5th symphony (first movement) {https://youtu.be/_4IRMYuE1hI}

[T] 29:00 - Some criticism on the bridge scene

[T] 30:04 - Lucky breaks in movies (particularly war movies) (and why they are not a bad thing)

[S] Does luckily having milk to give to a baby during a war detract from it's "realism"

[T] 39:25 - Fanboy does not like how people fall down

[T] 41:41 - A criminally small discussion on the acting

[T] 43:15 - Another way the movie depicts the gritty reality of war

[F] Shreyas on re-listening to the episode does feel that the agreement in the last discussion was organic.

In this unusual (mostly spoiler-free) episode, we sit down to discuss two amazing story-centric games "A Normal Lost Phone" {https://bit.ly/2OkwkNM} and "missed messages" {https://bit.ly/38VvUXr}. So join us as we try to talk about the different themes, mechanics and stories both the games have to offer but end up with Shreyas hijacking the episode midway. However, one thing is for sure - all of us enjoyed both the games and with how short their playtimes are there's no reason to not give them a go!

Legend: [N - Note] [S - Standoff] [V - Video] [F - Followup] [T - Topic]

[T] 00:00 - Why these games?

Intro Music: ktvsky - Its just another day

This time around (with tight time-constraints) we sit down to discuss the "instant-classic" Taxi-Driver. In a first where the fanboy was actually disappointed, we talk about the different themes, endings, and parallels that can be drawn from the movie. So join us as Shreyas starts doubting his life choices, Kshitij is disillusioned by critics and Rathi reflects on his opinions.

Watch here {https://youtu.be/Q1igE-hxeHo} with edits from the movie!

[T] 00:00 - Intro and first impressions [V] Trailer: {https://youtu.be/UUxD4-dEzn0} [T] 2:45 - A comparison with Joker [T] 4:44 - A discussion about the ending(s) [N] AMA with the Paul Schrader {https://bit.ly/3eeV5VV} [V] The "Dream Sequence" ending described {https://youtu.be/CJ922ZaZVwI} [S] Do your dreams have to be rational? [T] 11:59 - Paradoxes and Contradiction [T] 14:43 - Similarities to Princess Mononoke {https://imdb.to/325z1La} [N] A director directing Travis with what he should do {https://youtu.be/VBEa_roMi7s} [T] 23:18 - Taxi drivers and killers [N] De Niro as a taxi driver in NYC {https://yhoo.it/3fiznSj} [S] Which serial killers are more scary? (Ans: they all are) [T] 27:54 - An interview with Scorsese and Schrader {https://bit.ly/3fuIdNb} [T] 29:46 - A disturbing portrayal of childhood fantasies [T] 33:53 - Why we like Joker {https://imdb.to/329wgZg} [T] 35:30 - Cinematography [T] 38:19 - The confused nature of the movie [T] 39:20 - The commentary on Feminism and Masculinity [V] Masculinity in the age of feminism {https://youtu.be/-pAcJ0lFu94} [T] 43:07 - The final scene and parting thoughts

Image Source: Cristiano Siqueira Intro Song: Eiji · Banana Fish

With an amazing summer season right around the corner (https://bit.ly/3dObWPi) we sit down to discuss the anime that aired the last season (full disclosure: we were supposed to discuss the next season). So join us as we leverage Rathi's video editing skills, Shreyas' love(?) for the medium and Gajapure's lack of preparedness for the off-road topic.

(Note: To fully leverage the blood sweat and tears that Rathi put, you're probably better off watching this on YouTube: {https://youtu.be/A1afFQDUiQ4})

Legend: [D - Discussion] [N - Note] [S - Standoff] [V - Video] [F - Followup] [T - Time Stamp]

[T] 00:00 - Intro

[N] Spring Anime  2020 {https://bit.ly/3dMZGyA} [T] 01:04 - Kaguya-sama: Love is War? Season 2 (Top Anime !!) {https://bit.ly/2D47IX9}

[T] 06:50 - Tower of God {https://bit.ly/2VDtGH1}

[D] Because Shreyas did a very poor job of what "edgy" means {http://aminoapps.com/p/bhfeg} 

[T] 12:41 - Gleipnir {https://bit.ly/3dTe08L}

[T] 15:38 - Sing "Yesterday" for me {https://bit.ly/3eP0LqS}

[V] Why are there so many High-School Anime {https://youtu.be/4LfQAxcSZJ0} (by ThePedanticRomantic)

[T] 19:34 - Love is hard for otaku {https://bit.ly/31AT9Ve}

[T] 23:51 - Kakushigoto (Good starting SoL) {https://bit.ly/2NOCXYj} 

[T] 27:45 - Princess Connect: Re Dive {https://bit.ly/38tvrf6}

[N] Why Shreyas' likes the show {https://youtu.be/E-7rKdlkDR4} 

[T] 29:08 - Appare Ranman {https://bit.ly/2YUkKyV} 

[T] 33:13 - Listeners {https://bit.ly/3eTavAB}

[F] Shreyas: The premise is not boring 

[T] 33:45 - BNA {https://bit.ly/2VEXdA9}

[N] The Orange and Teal Look {https://bit.ly/31F67S2} 

[T] 38:40 - Great Pretender {https://bit.ly/2An51yP}

[T] 41:18 - 91 Days {https://bit.ly/2NPdyOf}

[T] 42:51 - Comparison of anime and western cartoons

[T] 44:21 - Banana Fish {https://bit.ly/2D4tH0b} 

[T] 45:43 - Conclusion

[N] Other animes discussed: Gintama; Mob Psycho 100 II; Tokyo Ghoul; Hunter x Hunter; Dorohedoro; Run with the Wind; Usagi Drop; Barakamon; Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun; Shokugeki no Souma; Tom and Jerry: The Fast and the Furry (;D) ; Hachi-nan tte, Sore wa Nai deshou!; Kill la Kill; Bakemonogatari; Carmen Sandiego (;D); Rick and Morty (XD)

This time around we discuss Guy Ritchie's "The Man from U.N.C.L.E."; a movie that exudes so much style, that we had to bring in our friend Shakya to even begin to comprehend it. Join us as elitists are born, filming decisions are questioned and contrived comparisons are constructed. With the fanboy's mic rejecting him, Shreyas going on long rebuttals and Rathi & Shakya sitting in awe of the movie - all we hope is that you enjoy this episode as much as we did the movie.

Legend: [D - Discussion] [N - Note] [S - Standoff] [V - Video] [F - Followup]

Things discussed this episode

[D] Is the plot/setting of the movie "absurd"? [S] Does the movie fail to do some of the things set out to do? Can nitpicking be counted for such a situation? (Spoiler alert: It can't)

[D] A discussion on black lines continued from Ep 3 {https://youtu.be/IeSskKdPcOw} 

[D] Solo palms the necklace (or does he?) [F] (42 mins into the movie) Props to the fanboy for noticing that

[D] A 5 frame shaky cam is a thorn in the fanboy's side 

[F] (Just 11 mins into the movie when the car backs up and Solo is looking surprised at Gaby) Yes it does move, but it's not bad

[D] It is not a detriment to the movie that it's plot "mediocre", it is because it is like that allows the director to explore his style (though the Matrix {https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0133093/} does contribute a big counterpoint to this) 

[V] Snatch {https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0208092/} - Desert Eagle vs. Replica Scene {https://youtu.be/LgBA1jA2-mo} 

[D] The movie is a big cliche, and that is not bad. [V] The mind-boggling accuracy of stormtroopers {https://youtu.be/EFeJUfHu0GM} 

[D] The nuances that go into making a soundtrack in a movie good. Other movies mentioned Thor: Ragnorok {https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3501632/}, Ford v Ferrari {https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1950186/} 

[V] The boat chase sequence {https://youtu.be/MxZ5VQVHMoc} 

[V] That one analysis video we all watched {https://youtu.be/DrL2XUHGq_U}

[V] Rathi and Shakya's favorite soundtrack - Tom Zé's Jimmy Renda Se {https://youtu.be/0sArp4AnoSA}

[V] Stellar Editing + Jazz Music = Epic title sequence (but the fanboy gets misunderstood on the usage of the word "unnecessary") {https://youtu.be/GDnVIJRCu5A}

[V] Solo getting drugged....with style {https://youtu.be/tcSN3kmVG3w}

[N] Box office standings of the movie {https://bit.ly/2A7DyBg}{https://bit.ly/389iS8r}

[D] The acting is on-point and the use of comedy is beautifully 

[D] The Russian spy was a big tsundere (Chitoge best girl! {https://youtu.be/yYyZL8t11Hc?t=374}) 

[S] Is the Russian spy a "great" spy? What character traits are detrimental for spies (because we know what happens in the spy world XD). 

[D] Discussing the similarities and differences with Marvel Movies (and esp. Ragnorok). 

Thumbnail SAUCE: Kade (kadeart.tumblr.com)

Do watch on Youtube for the full experience.

This episode is somewhat different from the usual discussions that we have. This time we play the game 'Overcooked' which is supposedly a cooking "simulation". Panic ensues thanks to the clunky controls, network latency and a curious lack of efficiency as we demonstrate exactly what you should never do in a kitchen. While Shreyas (the red character) demonstrates his woeful incapability to work in teams and Gajapure (the green character) is happily murdering the rest, we turn towards Rathi (the blue one) as the last semblance of order amidst this chaos. But is this hope misplaced?

Things Mentioned in this episode:

Overcooked: https://youtu.be/0ZK7veYPEJQ

Parsec: https://parsecgaming.com/

In this episode, on the fanboy's behest, we task ourselves to experience "art" games (after painfully enabling flash). Join us as Rathi grills the fanboy on his definition of art while Shreyas fails to produce examples to back up his lofty claims. Whether you resonate more with Rathi's realistic nitpicking or with Gajapure's childlike curiosity; this episode explores many themes and raises many pertinent questions.

[G- Games, Q- Questions, S- Standoff, N- Note, H- Highlight]

[G] Triennale Game Collection (Il Filo Conduttore, LOCK, Neighbor, A Glass Room, The Worm Room): https://bit.ly/2C1WUZ9

[G] High Delivery: https://bit.ly/3flO5I3

[G] I'll: search for ill.z5 in https://bit.ly/37vOPHS

[G] Storyteller (but didn't discuss): https://bit.ly/3fmwijF

[G] Free will: https://bit.ly/2UCpsi5

[G] Violet: https://bit.ly/37mNQJK

[Q] What do you mean by art games?

[Q] Are video games a form of art?

[Q] How do art games push the boundaries of the game industry?

[G] Persona 5 (https://bit.ly/30xnTWJ): A game that Gajapure considers art because of its unique UI design

[G] Firewatch (https://bit.ly/2AkARwo): Art for the fanboy not just for the graphics but for the entire game; Rathi remains unconvinced and Shreyas remains neutral (as usual)

[G] BioShock (https://bit.ly/3hnQ28E): Art for its visual and narration

[G] High Delivery: Art for its unique approach to interacting with " the object"; Rathi remains unconvinced but Shreyas is swayed

[G] Neighbor (TGC): A game that is as interesting as the amount of time you put into it (and if you actually do what the game expects you to). Warning: You cannot save your progress!

[G] A Glass Room (TGC): The game that only Gajapure could figure out how to play

[G] LOCK (TGC): The game that we don't feel is a "game".

[N] Tale of Tales (https://bit.ly/2AkJ7fR): The studio that the fan-boy mentions has better games

[G] The Worm Room (TGC): The botany game no one enjoyed.

[G] No man's Sky (https://bit.ly/2AZxRFu): Used as a contrast for the Worm Room (an unfair comparison yes, but a comparison that the fanboy made)

[G] Il Filo Conduttore (TGC):  A fun game that will leave you with a question mark at the end.

[G] Free Will: An art game that is borderline a meme

[Q] What do you want from a game? Is having fun enough and does a game have to justify itself?

[N] Shreyas would like to correct himself when he said that he did not have fun playing "Neighbor", he did.

[G] I'll: A game that demonstrated free will better than the game "Free Will"

[H] During the discussion of I'll https://imgflip.com/i/44synf

[G] Violet: The game that the fanboy failed and Rathi was disjointed with the web hosting service

[Q] Can you call something art objectively?

[Q] Can "something" be used regularly by still not be a part of the mainstream?

[Q] Revisited: What is an art game?

[G+S] Monument Valley (https://bit.ly/2XSLbEB): Why is a game like this considered "art"?