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MOVIE DISCUSSION:

Melanie & Melvin talk at length about Akira Kurosawa's worldwide phenomena, Rashomon. From it's forward-feeling filmmaking and pacing to it's gripping drama, Rashomon continues to be in conversation for it's layered entertainment and deep contemplation. And, of course, they also talk about the immensely disruptive nature of lying.

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 32-minutes discussing Vulture's "The Decomposition of Rotten Tomatoes" article from September 6th about how an advertising firm paid reviewers for positive reviews... or, how it's a bit more complicated than that, but still a bad look for Rotten Tomatoes (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Melanie & Melvin recommend Rashomon, full stop, but also recognize it has several details that make it a deceptively hard watch. For Melvin, he's sure the dark complexities could be a turn-off. For Melanie, some fans might be put to sleep.
• The first time Melvin watched Rashomon he felt, "That was a good movie.". The second time he watched Rashomon he went, "Oh, wow. This movie is great!".
• Although Rashomon is very much about the complications of conflicting storytelling, it also showcases the way in which people communicate inherently through biases.
• Rashomon is about a lot of things, one of which is the everyone's internal battle against cynicism and sensationalism.
• Contemplating the reality that God permits evil during this age and the hope in Christ to endure.
• Why do we as humans choose to commit evil amidst so much glorious beauty?
• Rashomon's ridiculous level of digestibility lends it to be a very good "watch with friends" movie. Both Melanie and Melvin wonder what sort of amazing and profound reactions their various friends would have.

Recommendations:

• Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2023 Broadway Cast Recording) (2023) (Soundtrack)
• Feeders 2: Slay Bells (1998) (Movie)

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