Film Chewing

In this episode of Film Chewing: The Oscars Project, Steve, Chris, and Jarrod revisit Braveheart, the 1995 epic that won Best Picture and Best Director for Mel Gibson.

We begin with a question that hangs over the entire movie: Does a historical film actually need to be historically accurate?

Because when it comes to Braveheart, the answer matters. From kilts and blue face paint to William Wallace's relationship with Princess Isabella, Robert the Bruce, and the reasons behind the Scottish rebellion, the movie takes some enormous liberties with history. But does any of that matter if the result is entertaining?

We dig into Mel Gibson's performance and direction, the movie's larger-than-life portrayal of William Wallace, its romance and revenge storylines, the lack of nuance given to its villains, James Horner's memorable score, and those enormous practical battle sequences that remain impressive three decades later.

We also ask a bigger Oscars question. Braveheart defeated Apollo 13, Babe, Sense and Sensibility, and Il Postino for Best Picture, but 1995 also gave us Heat, Se7en, Casino, Toy Story, The Usual Suspects, Before Sunrise, and Leaving Las Vegas, none of which were even nominated for Best Picture.

Thirty years later, would Braveheart still be the movie we chose to represent 1995?

Finally, we rank it alongside the other Best Picture winners we've watched so far before looking ahead to our next stop in the project: The English Patient.

The Oscars Project continues as we watch and discuss every Best Picture winner from 1960 to the present.

In this episode of Film Chewing: The Oscars Project, Steve, Chris, and Jarrod arrive at Forrest Gump, the Best Picture winner that defeated one of the strongest groups of nominees of the 1990s: Pulp Fiction, The Shawshank Redemption, Quiz Show, and Four Weddings and a Funeral.

The Oscars Project continues as we watch and discuss every Best Picture winner from 1960 to the present.

In this episode of Film Chewing and The Oscars Project, we're discussing Schindler's List, the 1993 Academy Award winner for Best Picture and one of the most acclaimed films ever made.

Join Steve, Chris, and Jarrod as they examine Steven Spielberg's masterwork, exploring the impact of its striking black-and-white cinematography, John Williams' unforgettable score, and the remarkable performances from Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, and Ben Kingsley. The conversation dives into the film's historical significance, Oscar Schindler's complicated legacy, themes of humanity and gratitude, and why this remains one of the most emotionally difficult, but essential, films ever made.

We also discuss whether the film's runtime is justified, how it compares to other World War II films, and where it ranks among the Best Picture winners we've covered so far. Finally, we preview our next stop on The Oscars Project as we head into 1994 with Forrest Gump.

Whether you've seen Schindler's List many times or are experiencing it for the first time, this is a thoughtful conversation about one of cinema's most powerful achievements.

Can people truly change, or does the past always catch up with us?

In this episode of The Oscars Project, we revisit the 1992 Best Picture winner, Unforgiven, Clint Eastwood's haunting revisionist Western that dismantles the myths of the American frontier.

Joining Steve are Chris and Jarrod as they explore William Munny's search for redemption, Gene Hackman's unforgettable performance as Little Bill Daggett, and how Unforgiven challenges the romanticized image of the Old West. The conversation dives into revenge, justice, hero worship, violence, morality, and whether legends are built more on storytelling than truth.

Along the way, we discuss why Unforgiven remains one of the defining Westerns ever made, how it compares to the films nominated alongside it, and why its themes continue to resonate more than thirty years later.

In this episode of Film Chewing's Oscar Project, we revisit the 1991 Best Picture winner, The Silence of the Lambs, the psychological thriller that shocked audiences, redefined the genre, and swept the Academy Awards.

We explore why this film became such a cultural phenomenon, discuss whether it truly qualifies as horror, and examine the iconic performances of Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter. Along the way, we debate the meaning behind the film's title, the lasting influence it had on crime thrillers and television, and whether its central mystery still holds up over thirty years later.

Was Hannibal Lecter the real protagonist all along? Does Buffalo Bill matter as much as we remember? And how does The Silence of the Lambs stack up against the other Best Picture nominees of 1991—including Beauty and the Beast, JFK, and Terminator 2?

Join us as we dissect one of cinema's most influential thrillers before moving on to 1992's Best Picture winner, Unforgiven.

In this episode, we return to our ongoing Oscars project—watching every Best Picture winner from 1960 to today—with a deep dive into Dances with Wolves (1990).

Was it truly worthy of Best Picture… or should Goodfellas or Ghost have taken the crown?

We unpack the film’s sweeping scope, its surprising moments of humor, and the stark tonal shift that leads to a much darker, more sobering final act. Along the way, we explore the film’s themes of cultural identity, integration, and the uneasy collision between harmony and chaos on the American frontier.

The conversation digs into:

• Whether the film’s ending earns its bleakness—or leans too hard into it
• The portrayal of both sides of history and what each culture views as “barbaric”
• Kevin Costner’s everyman performance and whether it works in the film’s favor
• The role of hope, naivety, and inevitability in historical storytelling
• And the bigger question: could a film like this even get made today?

We also reflect on the nature of long-form historical epics, how they’ve changed over time, and what makes Dances with Wolves still resonate—even with its flaws.

As always, we wrap up with where this film lands in our rankings and tee up the next stop in our journey: The Silence of the Lambs.

In this episode of Film Chewing, we return to our Oscars project to break down the 1989 Best Picture winner, Driving Miss Daisy—a film often praised for its performances and emotional core, but one that raises some interesting questions when viewed through a modern lens.

We kick things off by zooming out: does Driving Miss Daisy actually represent the culture of the 1980s, or is it more reflective of the politics and retrospection of earlier decades? From there, the conversation dives into the film itself—its quiet, character-driven storytelling, its exploration of race, aging, dignity, and control, and whether its approach feels meaningful or overly safe.

We unpack the evolving relationship between Daisy and Hoke, debate whether the film earns its emotional payoff, and question if its subtlety works in its favor—or holds it back. Along the way, we compare it to other films of the era (including those that didn’t win), and ask the big question: why did this win Best Picture over some seriously strong competition?

Is Driving Miss Daisy a timeless story of friendship… or a “safe” version of a much more complex reality?

All that and more as we close out the 1980s and prepare to head into the 1990s.

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Jarrod

Varsha 

Chris

Jose

On this episode of Film Chewing, we continue our Oscars Project—breaking down every Best Picture winner, and this week we revisit Rain Man (1988).

What was once remembered as a heartfelt classic takes on a very different tone through a modern lens.

Is Rain Man really a story about autism and savant ability or is it a story about a man learning empathy for the first time? And more importantly… does that transformation even stick?

We dig into the uncomfortable questions:

• Can love exist in a relationship where one person holds all the power?
• Is Raymond a fully realized character—or just a device for Charlie’s growth?
• Does Charlie actually change, or is it all temporary?
• And what does the film get wrong about autism and savant representation?

From the Las Vegas turning point to the iconic road trip structure, we break down the film’s themes, performances, and legacy—and why it feels very different watching it today.

🎙️ Featuring discussion on:

• Tom Cruise’s performance and character arc
• Dustin Hoffman’s portrayal and its cultural impact
• The ethics of Charlie’s actions
• The film’s legacy and how it shaped public perception

This is a conversation about what we remember… versus what’s actually on screen.

Film Chewing is part of the Page Chewing network, where we break down storytelling across film, books, and beyond.

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Varsha 

Chris

Jose

In this episode, the hosts delve into the 1987 Best Picture winner, The Last Emperor, exploring themes of identity, redemption, and the historical context surrounding the film. They discuss the character development of Puyi, the film's documentary-like style, and the emotional disconnect it creates. Symbolism and political commentary are examined, alongside the film's visual aesthetics and its impact on cinema. The conversation reflects on the film's legacy and its representation of historical events, ultimately questioning the depth of emotional engagement it offers to viewers.

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Co-Hosts and friends:

Jarrod

Varsha 

Chris

Jose

In this episode, the hosts delve into the 1986 Best Picture winner, Platoon, directed by Oliver Stone. They explore the film's emotional impact, the portrayal of soldiers' psyche, and the moral complexities of war. The discussion highlights the film's production quality, character development, and the transformation of soldiers as they navigate the horrors of combat. The hosts also reflect on the public perception of the Vietnam War and how the film's themes resonate with contemporary audiences.

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Support the show by using our Amazon Affiliate link

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Join Riverside.fm 

Co-Hosts and friends:

Jarrod

Varsha 

Chris

Jose