Film Buds

Hey film buds,

Quite the long title, isn't it? Well it fits because we have quite the episode for y'all. This week we continue to highlight the achievements of Women in Film by traveling across the Pacific to review and discuss Women in Anime.

The popularity of Anime has grown significantly over the last decade or so, inspiring generations of fans from every background. Behind the camera, much like here in America, there is still somewhat of a limited range of women in above the line roles like Director and Producer. In this episode we're joined by Anime experts, Tori and Austin, from Third Impact Anime Podcast, to discuss two directors: Naoko Yamada and Mari Okada.

Our first film is Naoko Yamada's A Silent Voice, based on a manga of the same name. The film tells the story of teenagers struggling with their feelings about themselves, each other, and the passage of time. It's an intimate, slice of life story that tries to condense a sprawling anime into a concise story. We talk about how well it works as an adaptation, the art style, and Yamada's work overall.

Second, we're looking at Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms by Mari Okada. In a reversal from the grounded reality of A Silent Voice, Maquia tells a decades long story in a land of myth and magic, with a different Art Direction. We'll look at some of the similar themes in both stories, and whether original narratives or adaptations are more common in the Anime world.

Beyond our reviews we also have a special announcement from Paul, What We're Watching, and more. You can find Austin on Twitter and Letterboxd, and you can also find Tori on Twitter and Letterboxd.If you haven't already, be sure to check out last week's episode as well as Madelaine Davis's "The Women on Screen, the Woman in the Mirror".

Thanks y'all,

The Buds

Episode Guide

Intro - 00:00

A History of Women in Anime - 04:08

 A Silent Voice Clip - 15:43

A Silent Voice Review - 16:18

Maquia Clip - 50:21

Maquia Review - 50:57

Paul’s Announcement, What We’re Watching, and More - 01:26:24

Total Runtime - 01:41:09

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Happy Women's History Month film buds,

This week we begin our new theme, Women in Film, to commemorate and celebrate the fantastic achievements of women in the film industry. Despite the growth in diversity both in front and behind the camera, there's still more that can be done. We want to help elevate the impact women have on the industry by highlighting films old and new that were directed by women. And we're starting with two films from last year.

Jane Campion's The Power of the Dog, based on a Thomas Savage novel of the same name, is a simmering Western of taut tension. The film has been been garnering critical acclaim and racking up award nominations and wins for its cast and its director. We'll look at the themes the movie plays with, Revisionist Westerns, and the director herself, Jane Campion.

Our second film travels overseas to Julia Ducournau's decidedly French film Titane. We discussed the film briefly last week, but we couldn't stop thinking about it. So now, we're going to talk about it more. It is a sort of fantasy film, dabbling faintly in magical realism in a way unlike most anything else out there. It is an effective body-horror story that uses the body for a discussion on sex, relationships, and much more.

As another part of our celebration, we'll also be releasing a personal piece written by Friend of the Show Madelaine Davis. Titled "The Women on Screen, the Woman in the Mirror", Madelaine talks about what representation meant and means to her and all women identifying people. It was originally part of our newsletter, but we decide to share it with y'all this Saturday. Beyond our reviews we also talk about the Oscars, 20th Century Studios new release schedule, What We're Watching, and more. As always, don't forget to check out last week's episode. Last, be sure to check out thefilmbuds.com on March 7 for Paul's written review of the upcoming horror film The Seed.

Thanks y'all

The Buds

Episode Guide

Intro & Women’s History Month - 00:00

The Power of the Dog Clip - 10:41

The Power of the Dog Review - 11:10

Titane Review - 47:18

What We’re Watching, the Oscars, 20th Century Studios and Disney +, and more - 01:17:15

Total Runtime - 01:45:52

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Hey film buds,

In this episode we're finishing our eight-decade journey of Historic Best Picture Winners with The Last Emperor from the 80s and The English Patient from the 90s. Though there is a lot that happens behind the scenes to win an Academy Award, let alone a Best Picture win, they still work as an interesting way to view the history of film and what was popular at the time. We're also finishing up the month with two films that both utilize extensive flashbacks.

Intro & Best Pictures From 1927 to 1996 - 00:00

The Last Emperor Clip - 16:14

The Last Emperor Review - 16:49

The Last Emperor was directed by Bernardo Bertolucci in 1987, and tells the story of China's last emperor, Pu Yi, who reigned for several decades in the twentieth century. The film is loosely based his own autobiography and covers a wide swath of history. We'll discuss how effectively the flashbacks are used, and what their perspectives tell us about the man.

The English Patient Clip - 53:19

The English Patient Review - 53:55

Comparing Flashback Devices, Oscar News, What We’re Watching, and Outro - 01:16:12

The English Patient from 1996 and directed by Anthony Minghella is an epic, war-time romance set in Africa. The film works, on a. certain level as a mystery, and that is largely due to the missing information the audience is discovering along the way. Is our narrator reliable and are his flashbacks valid? We'll discuss it, along with the way other films have used extensive flashbacks to tell their story.

Beyond our reviews, we're also going to talk about the Oscars and #PresentAll23, What We're Watching, and more. If you haven't already, be sure to listen to last week's episode.

Thanks y'all,

The Buds

Total Runtime - 01:45:17

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Hey film buds,

this month we have been focusing on Historic Best Pictures Winners from the Academy Awards, and this week we decided to bring in an expert. Zach Laws, a former mentor of Paul's and Gold Derby Writer, is helping us discuss the cultural shifts of the 60s and 70s that caused a shift in filmmaking.

Our first film is the anti-racism Thriller, In the Heat of the Night. It is a gritty, deep-fried noir story that centers on officers of the law from different backgrounds trying to come together and find a murderer. The film is one of three that the incredible Sidney Poitier starred in that year, all of which were focused on race relations in America. We'll look at the film in its context and discuss how it stands against today.

Second is the epic wartime biopic, Patton. The film tells the story of the controversial General Patton in World War II, and was released in a time when anti-war sentiment was at a high. It marks part of the shift in American filmmaking to grittier depictions of the world, and includes some of the most striking visuals of any war film. We'll discuss the depiction of history in the film, and whether it has aged better than the man himself did.

Beyond these movies we talk about Academy Award news, Black History in the Oscars, What We're Watching, and more. If you missed it, be sure to check out last week's episode.

Thanks y'all,

The Buds

PS Follow Zach on Instagram, Twitter, and Letterboxd. And since we mentioned Wings and Blackboard Jungle, check those out too.

Episode Guide

Intro & Hollywood History w/ Zach Laws - 00:00

In the Heat of the Night Clip - 11:47

In the Heat of the Night Review - 12:27

Patton Clip - 42:58

Patton Review - 43:33

Oscar News, For Your Consideration, What We’re Watching, Mark Harris Books and Outro - 01:19:41

Total Runtime - 01:45:49

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Hey film buds,

Last week we reviewed one of the great silent war films of the 20s and a social consciousness story of the thirties. This week we're doing a double-feature of films directed by the controversial director Elia Kazan.

Kazan, originally from Turkey when it was still the Ottoman Empire, is an actor, director, producer of film and theater who primarily made film that he felt had a strong social message.

The first film we discuss is Gentleman's Agreement from 1947, an adaptation of a best-selling book of the same name that tackles anti-Semitism in America. Particularly among the upper class of New York City. A topic that still holds relevance today.

Second is Kazan's 1954 film On the Waterfront at poverty, the corrupting power of wealth, the warping of institutions, and the choices, right and wrong, made in the face of adversity. The film was one of three that Kazan made with actor Marlon Brando, and is one of the better remembered films of the time. Despite its thematic relevancy to today, we discuss whether or not it holds up as an overall film.

Beyond these two Elia Kazan films we also will be talking about the recently announced 94th Academy Award Nominees, What We're Watching, and more.

If you haven't already, be sure to check out last week's episode.

Thanks y'all,

The Buds

PS If you want to help us grow, head over to Apple Podcasts and give us a review. Thanks again.

Episode Guide

Intro & Elia Kazan - 00:00

Gentleman’s Agreement Clip - 28:03

Gentleman’s Agreement Review - 28:39

On the Waterfront Clip - 53:27

On the Waterfront Review - 54:06

Oscar Nominations, Razzie Nominations, What We’re Watching, the Jurassic World: Dominion Trailer, and Outro - 01:18.00

Total Runtime - 01:41:28

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Hey film buds,

ever hear about a movie winning Best Picture and think, "That wasn't the Best Picture! Look at what else was nominated," or seen a Best Picture Winning movie years later and though, "That didn't age well".

The Academy Awards, or The Oscars, are America's most widely recognized award show, and has been for almost 100 years. Though Oscar, and award shows in general, have gotten somewhat tarnished in recent decades, they still serve as an interesting window into film history and can be a useful tool to introduce viewers to older film.

Our first film is the first ever Best Picture Winner Wings, though the award was then known as "Outstanding Picture". Directed by William A. Wellman, a former fighter-pilot, Wings tells the story of two young men from the same town who enlist in World War I as pilots. The film is a technical marvel, and we discuss whether it still works today.

On the same idea of relevance to today is the play adaptation You Can't Take it With You. The story is a Class-Conflict narrative with two young lovers caught in the middle, and causing some of the friction. It won both "Outstanding Production" and Best Director at the 11th Academy Awards, ten years after Wings. It highlights not only the difference between silent movies and "talkies", but also the difference between early sound and now.

Beyond our look back we also talk about the recently announced BAFTA Nominations, Roger Deakins' recent knighthood, What We're Watching, and more. We hope y'all enjoy.

If you haven't already, check out last week's episode.

Thanks y'all,

The Buds

Episode Guide

Intro & Academy Award History - 00:00

Wings Clip - 21:28

Wings Review - 21:59

You Can’t Take it With You Clip - 01:02:50

You Can’t Take it With You Review - 01:03:33

BAFTA Nominations, Roger Deakins Knighthood, What We’re Watching, and Outro - 01:44:57

Total Runtime - 01:34:06

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Hey film buds,

We're continuing to examine the Movies We Missed in 2021. In this episode though we aren't looking at the major blockbusters, biopics, or awards contenders. We're reviewing and discussing the horror films, thrillers, and folktales. Joining Paul and Lauren is Friend of the Show, Nick Delgadillo, who included one of these four films on his Best of 2021 list.

Antlers, our first film, is an interesting adaptation of a short story "The Quiet Boy", written by Nick Antosca. It is a film based in myth, given a modern twist. Similarly our second film, Lamb, is a Neo-folktale inspired by the classical folklore ideas from Iceland.

The third film is another adaptation from the love-or-hate director M. Night Shyamalan, Old. The movie includes isolation, body horror, and much more, culminating in one of the more divisive films of the year.

Last, starring the iconic character actor Nicolas Cage, is Pig, a movie about identity, loss, and love. The film is a slow boil thriller that is also interested in answering the question: what does food mean to us?

Rounding out the discussion, we talk about What We're Watching, Nick's Awards Season Opinion, and more. Check out Nick at all his sites; ndelgadillo.com, knotfest.com, and discussingfilm.net, and follow him @nickdelgadillo on IG and @NickyD715 on Twitter.

Thanks y'all,

The Buds

PS Be sure to check out last week's episode, and if you haven't already, sign up for our newsletter.

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Episode Guide

Intro and Horror/Thriller Discussion - 00:00

Antlers Clip - 16:53

Antlers Review - 17:15

Lamb Clip - 37:02

Lamb Review - 37:29

Old Clip - 01:05:39

Old Review - 01:06:12

Pig Clip - 01:29:32

Pig Review - 01:29:58

What We’re Watching and Outro - 01:44:57

Total Runtime - 02:04:05

Hey film buds,

Beyond reviewing the Movies We Missed in 2021, we are also examining specific idea per episode. Today, we're looking at Period Films depicting stories from the 20th Century, across different genres from multiple directors. We are looking at three films crossing three decades.

First, we are talking about Being the Ricardos from Aaron Sorkin; a biopic on Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in the fifties. Second is Edgar Wright's horror film Last Night in Soho, depicting the Swinging Sixties. We finish off our discussion with Wes Anderson's most recent film, and ode to journalists, The French Dispatch.

Each film had a dedicated team of people to help establish a sense of time period, and we want to answer the question "How does a film create historic periods accurately?" We also praise the Creative Teams that achieved it, talk about What We're Watching, and more.

We also have episode on Wes Anderson's The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou, The Royal Tenenbaums, and Edgar Wright's Baby Driver, Shaun of the Dead, and Hot Fuzz.

Also, be sure to check out last week's episode.

Thanks y'all,

The Buds

PS This episode is dedicated to Amun Ra, and all the lost pets

Episode Guide

Quentin Tarantino Clip - 00:00

Intro - 00:39

Being the Ricardos Clip - 19:45

Being the Ricardos Review - 20:41

Last Night in Soho Clip - 55:49

Last Night in Soho Review - 56:44

The French Dispatch Clip - 01:29:39

The French Dispatch Review - 01:30:22

The Creative Teams of the Movies, What We’ve Been Watching and Playing, and Outro - 02:06:53

Total Runtime - 02:19:55

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Hey film buds,

We're continuing this week to review as many of the movies of 2021 that we missed last year. Of which, there are many. For this episode we're looking at how two very different, but very distinct, directors handle history.

Our first film this week is Ridley Scott's The Last Duel, written by Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Nicole Holofcener. The movie is a gritty tale about male ego, pride, ownership, perception, and the consequences of action. Ridley is a meticulous director, and this film is no exception.

Second, we're looking at Paul Verhoeven's Benedetta. Verhoeven is known for his dramatic, intense, and sometimes unsubtle satirist most known for his modern and sci-fi features. With Benedetta, he takes the story of a real life nun and uses it for inspiration for a slightly different take on history. Joining us for the conversation is friend of the show, Madelaine, who was incredibly insightful and a joy to have back on.

Be sure to also check out our episodes on Showgirls and Tampopo. And if you haven't already, check out last week's episode.

You can find Madelaine @MadelaineD_ on Twitter and @madelained_ on Instagram. Also, check out Taking an Accurate Sexual History here.

Thanks y'all,

The Buds

Episode Guide

Intro - 00:00

The Last Duel Clip - 10:06

The Last Duel Review - 10:43

Benedetta Clip - 38:46

Benedetta Review - 39:21

SAG Nominations, Golden Globe Winners, BAFTA Long List Nominations, What We’re Watching, and Outro - 01:16:57

Total Runtime - 01:40:42

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Happy New Year Film Buds,

We're starting off 2022 by looking back on the movies we didn't review in 2021. Some of them were only in theaters, some we just didn't have time to watch, but regardless of the reasons why, they're the highlight of the show this month.

Beginning the month we're plugging into digital worlds as presented in the 20th Century action-comedy, Free Guy, and the legacy sequel of a groundbreaking franchise, The Matrix Resurrections. Joining us to discuss these films is friend of the show Nick Delgadillo.

On top of reviewing these films we'll also be sharing our best movies of 2021, what we're watching, and much more.

We hope your New Year is off to a good start, and that you enjoy the show.

Thanks y'all,

The Buds

PS If you haven't already, check out last week's episode. Also check out Nick at all his sites; ndelgadillo.com, knotfest.com, and discussingfilm.com, and follow him @nickdelgadillo on IG and @NickyD715 on Twitter.

Episode Guide

Intro - 00:00

Free Guy Clip - 06:45

Free Guy Review - 07:15

The Matrix Resurrections Clip - 35:50

The Matrix Resurrections Review - 36:22

Favorites of 2021, What We’re Watching, Media News, and Outro - 01:06:00

Total Runtime - 01:26:33

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