A Random Mexican-Standoff

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! Things that we discussed this dark episode [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] Things discussed this episode (with time-stamps !!!): [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. https://youtu.be/DDUFL8Se8Ac 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] Games we played for this episode [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 What we discussed this episode [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"?

In this episode, we try to understand the nuances of getting serious about something you are passionate about. To help us tackle this and other such serious questions we call upon our friend Akhil, who is invested in all things philosophical. So join us as Rathi takes over Gajapure's position as the guy with the doc (though not as passionately formatted) and we discuss whether dreams and jobs can exist together. Things that we discuss this episode: Astralis roster shift (Xyp9x and Gla1ve burnout): https://www.essentiallysports.com/csgo-player-xyp9x-takes-break-from-astralis-after-posting-emotional-statement-snappi-esports-news/ Astralis' Psychologist: https://youtu.be/1FB76xQ8XL4 Rest of Rathi's notes on this topic: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14vtCbPG28gKoZ5UIZ4BktiHi6IvtzA1bJkuC62ZJ4U8/edit?pli=1#heading=h.77rb5wewxlbs The Dark Side of the Video Game Industry (Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj): https://youtu.be/pLAi_cmly6Q Google's insane work hours: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14vtCbPG28gKoZ5UIZ4BktiHi6IvtzA1bJkuC62ZJ4U8/edit?pli=1#heading=h.cu6rkhgmp0wz Do you have fun playing Shogi? (a clip from Shreyas' favourite show - March Comes in Like a Lion): https://youtu.be/03wfXowO9uQ Burnout statistics: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14vtCbPG28gKoZ5UIZ4BktiHi6IvtzA1bJkuC62ZJ4U8/edit?pli=1#bookmark=id.7jkydkcl5hp1 Scary things that a YouTuber goes through [1] PewDiePie and Linue Tech Tips Burnout: https://www.ccn.com/pewdiepie-and-linus-tech-tips-youtuber-burnout-is-serious/[2] MatPat's (The Game Theorists) story: https://youtu.be/ACNhHTqIVqk[3] CDawgVA story on how he lost $10,000 To YouTube Copyright: https://youtu.be/nBl2BuzURno Is too much data bad?: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14vtCbPG28gKoZ5UIZ4BktiHi6IvtzA1bJkuC62ZJ4U8/edit?pli=1#heading=h.j1kpveddq2vi Habit Tracking: https://youtu.be/0bxIg3M_MHY Passion and Burnouts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14vtCbPG28gKoZ5UIZ4BktiHi6IvtzA1bJkuC62ZJ4U8/edit?pli=1#heading=h.mdfdfl4e880w Hollow Knight (Shreyas' favourite game): https://store.steampowered.com/app/367520/Hollow_Knight/ Takeaways: [1] There is an upper and a lower threshold to how much you should invest in something [2] Passion in moderation [3] https://imgflip.com/i/441xdu

In our third episode, we attempt to analyze the critically acclaimed movie "Parasite" directed by -Bong Joon-ho. This movie is famous for its satire on the pervasiveness of greed and class discrimination in today's society and its success during the 2019 Academy Awards (Oscar). So to help us embark on this epic undertaking we bring over a friend of ours — Rahul Shakya. Join us as we over-analyse posters, cockroaches and vertical lines and discuss how they make Parasite stand-out. Also, lets not forget: Spoilers for the movie in this episode. Things that we discuss this epsiode: Other movies nominated for Best Picture: https://oscar.go.com/nominees [Shakya Approved] The conflict within the poor: https://youtu.be/1kx-gSK2C2Q The hidden meaning of the end credit song: https://youtu.be/1kx-gSK2C2Q?t=840 Discussing about Princess Mononoke [Ep 2]: https://anchor.fm/aditya-shreyas-kshitij/episodes/2--A-not-so-in-depth-discussion-about-Ghibli-eeci6f/a-a28hn9o / https://youtu.be/ol9WVxsFJEY Cinematography of Parasite (from the mind that brought vertical lines to this discussion): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xN0tlb7ahM9_YzMAhhf6jB8jnZzenxrJny6hlOJqhcQ/edit#bookmark=id.mwa3smgi13ki Why Shakya and Gajapure enjoy the "Firing of the Housekeeper": https://youtu.be/ma1rD2OP85c Lake Image poster that Rathi mentions: https://images.app.goo.gl/SpWK3yNz1KfCRgUt8 The poster that we discuss at length: https://images.app.goo.gl/4FBenbsESP6qHPZJ9 [Highlights from the discussion: https://ibb.co/Qffjsp0, https://ibb.co/SxTc04M] Simplifying the fanboy's rant of meat in noodles: https://youtu.be/oDz2dbXivDU?t=654 Comedy in dark times: https://youtu.be/qpenyPkJK2Q?t=34 The ending explained: https://youtu.be/1kx-gSK2C2Q [Post Show: Shreyas agrees with the fanboy on his point that the scenes in Parasite were scary because of how realistic they were] Who is most likely to kill you: https://news.sky.com/story/off-limits-who-is-most-likely-to-kill-you-11734990 Parasite -The Power of Symbols: https://youtu.be/he3x5flTFPg Standoff 1: How much of the symbolism in Parasite a coincidence? Deer in headlights: https://youtu.be/viO4Nz7DyHI Standoff 2: What makes a best picture? Should the message a movie have carry weight in the decision making process? Poster Credits: Marie Bergeron (http://www.mariebergeron.com/)

With our second episode, we ask the question "Why are Ghibli movies famous?"   Being the self-proclaimed experts that we are - we "randomly" choose 6 movies for this discussion and completely forget to talk about the main theme at the end! We discuss Porco Rosso, Spirited Away, Grave of the Fireflies (half-heartedly), Princess Mononoke, Howl's Moving Castle and Whisper of the Heart (which surprisingly turns out to be our favourite). With Shreyas breaking from time to time, Kshitij fanboying over Hayao Miyazaki and Rathi triggering generations of Ghibli fans, this is truly an interesting episode.   Here are some highlights from the episode:    Standoff 2.1: Does Spirited away tackle "complicated emotions"?   Some reasons as to why Rathi thinks Mononoke is a "good" movie : https://www.theodysseyonline.com/why-princess-mononoke-is-the-best   Breaking down the train scene in Spirited Away: https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/4trvjh/the_train_scene_in_spirited_away_which_basically/utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x   The concept of "Ma" (and other collected thoughts of Gajapure) : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wu6baaoL6cRc8ZzETXbAd7z6LetHWGeFahrLaWi6mi8/edit#bookmark=id.jmyhympc3yan   Comparing Howl: the book and the movie: http://www.thereadventurer.com/-home/book-vs-movie-howls-moving-castle-by-diana-wynne-jones   Miyazaki's movie-making philosophy (again we refer to the research of Gajapure): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wu6baaoL6cRc8ZzETXbAd7z6LetHWGeFahrLaWi6mi8/edit#bookmark=id.41yof6rxzaq1   The scene that Rathi liked in Whisper of The Heart (around 11:50 in the movie): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30kG6jocUFk   Why Porco Rosso felt different and the Roald Dalh short story: https://www.filminquiry.com/hero-porco-rosso/   The name Ghibli (surprising fact that the Ghibli fanboy does not know!): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caproni_Ca.309   The Immersive Realism of Studio Ghibli: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6Q6y4-qKac   Cat riding elevators?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lunMj9zuB18   The Bechdel test for measuring the representation of women in fiction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsNHAeRZQL4   The Male-Female dynamics that Miyazaki wants to portray (a final plug to the effort that the fanboy put in): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wu6baaoL6cRc8ZzETXbAd7z6LetHWGeFahrLaWi6mi8/edit#bookmark=id.eobjwwb0brtw   Standoff 2.2: Was the end a misunderstanding that arose from Rathi's nitpicking at Shreyas' hastily put together opinion or was it due to something else entirely?

For the first episode, we discuss Firewatch - how it's unique game design leads to personal experiences. While there are obvious spoilers for the game, it shouldn't ruin your first playthrough. And before we forget, did we mention the boomboxes? Some things mentioned in the episode: Portal - the game that Gajapure mentions for some reason Not talking to Delilah Henry's not you but you are Henry End Credits - Etta James - I'd Rather Go Blind Why pixel art is making a comeback The Firewatch Theory that Shreyas no longer finds as interesting The horror of Firewatch