Le Film

While moving to another town, a young girl, Chihiro, and her family take a shortcut and stop near a tunnel that leads to a forgotten resort. While there, they become bound to a strange world that comes alive at night. Chihiro's parents are mysteriously transformed, leaving her to discover whether she can free herself and her family and reclaim the lives they once had. Hayao Miyazaki's 2001 Japanese animated film, Spirited Away, is filled with wonder, fear, loneliness, compassion, and love. A love letter to folklore, childhood, and the mysteries of everyday living, this Studio Ghibli masterpiece has left its mark upon countless viewers. If you haven't seen it already, please do. As always, thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy our discussion. Where to watch: HBO Max (Stream) Apple TV (Rent and Buy) Amazon (Rent and Buy) Please send film recommendations and feedback to: lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

A young boy, Calogero, grows up in the 1960s Bronx torn between two father figures: his hardworking bus driver father and Sonny, a local crime boss who offers the allure of easy money and respect through violence. A Bronx Tale, Robert De Niro's 1993 directorial debut, balances nostalgic coming-of-age storytelling with moral complexity, and asks whether we learn more from the people we admire or the mistakes we witness. As always, thank you for listening and we hope you enjoy our discussion. Where to watch the film: Kanopy (Stream) YouTube (Rent) Apple TV (Rent Send us film recommendations or feedback at: lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

A monumental traffic jam serves as the backdrop for the lives of the inhabitants of a Swedish city. As always, thank you all for listening and we hope you enjoy the discussion. Where to watch: Criterion Channel (Stream in the US) Amazon (Rent or Buy) Instagram: @lefilmpodcast Send us questions, feedback, and film recommendations at: lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

Deep in the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah, two teens, Stevo and Heroin Bob, spearhead what it means to be a punk in the decline of an empire, where chaos and order are at odds with one another. Follow the adventures and day-to-day lives of Stevo and Heroin Bob as they grapple with posers, rednecks, and all sorts of other characters that make up the status quo. But does the rapidly changing world have a place for them inside of it, or will it simply move on without them? James Merendino's DIY cult-classic explores these questions through raw punk energy and unexpected heart, showing what happens when youthful rebellion meets the realities of growing up. As always, thank you for listening and we hope you enjoy our discussion. Where to watch the film: Tubi (Stream) YouTube (Rent) Send us film recommendations or feedback at: lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

Danielle, a college student, fights from spiraling out of control during a shiva where her friends, family, and sugar daddy are all in attendance. As always, thank you for listening and we hope you enjoy our discussion. Where to watch the film: Kanopy (Stream) Netflix (Stream) Amazon (Rent Apple TV (Rent) Send us film recommendations or feedback at: lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

A photo manager at Life magazine must find a missing image to use as the magazine’s final cover. Walter Mitty, a timid worker who lives in daydreams, wishes for a more fulfilling life filled with travel, adventure, and love. Walter must choose whether to remain a passenger in his own life or to take the path he has always dreamed of. As always, thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy our discussion. Where to watch the film: Hulu (Stream) YouTube (Rent) Send us film recommendations or feedback at: lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

Imprisoned by a sorcerer who fears she will rob him of eternal life, guileless young Princess Arete befriends a villager who helps her plan an escape. Let's all watch a relaxing, beautiful, and colorful film together this week.    As always, thank you all for listening and we hope you enjoy the discussion.    Where to watch: (Amazon Prime, Netflix in regions outside of the US.) Instagram: @lefilmpodcast   Send us questions, feedback, and film recommendations at: lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

Deep in the desert of Djibouti, the French Foreign Legion trains their bodies to become living weapons. This tight-knit squad of highly specialized individuals are prepping for a conflict that never finds them, where individuality is ground down into dust, and all that’s left is the collective militaristic identity. The salted flats and arid landscape make for an operatic backdrop of Claire Denis’ 1999 feature, Beau Travail, where bodies become the only means for outward expression, and creeping thoughts tear at the soul. An adaption of Herman Melville’s novella, Billy Budd, this film follows Adjudant-Chef Galoup as he reflects on his life during his time in Africa leading a group of soldiers, and his inner tension towards a new gifted recruit, Sentain, up to where he ends up back at his home in Marseilles. This film excels in creating space for what is left unsaid, and holding onto moments that exist in-between action and reaction. Like a rocket primed for launch, all we can do is hold our breath and see what comes next. As always, thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy our discussion. Where to watch the film: Max Criterion Channel Send us film recommendations or feedback at: lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, we discuss the deeply suburban and highly neurotic dark dramedy American Beauty, directed by Sam Mendes. We follow Lester Burnham, an everyday executive, as he experiences a midlife crisis that tears at his familial bonds, while he falls deeper into his twisted obsession with his daughter's friend. Meanwhile, his materialistic wife Carolyn and alienated daughter Jane both grapple with their own suburban dysfunction. This middle-class tale from the turn of the millennium explores how warped self-fulfillment, rampant materialism, and spiritual imprisonment create a darkly hilarious combination in the form of a loneliness epidemic that breeds negativity beneath picture-perfect facades. As always, thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy our discussion. Where to watch the film: YouTube Amazon Send us film recommendations or feedback at: lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to yet another season of Le Film. In this season 2 opener, we discuss Thomas Vinterberg's 2020 black comedy-drama, Another Round. In the film, we follow four high school professors who discover an unusual method to boost student engagement and personal confidence. The method? Maintain a constant blood alcohol content of 0.05% or below. Why? Because according to psychiatrist Finn Skårderud, this constant level of alcohol in the blood makes humans more creative, confident, and relaxed. But with all tests, unexpected results follow. As always, thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy our discussion. Where to watch the film: Tubi (Free to stream in the US) Send us film recommendations or feedback at: lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

Hideaki Anno's 1997 film, End of Evangelion, came overseas to theaters for the first time ever recently. Unwilling to let this once in a lifetime experience slip away, Patrick, Jezer, and Kevin caught it on the big screen, and finally got the chance to make an episode where they discuss this extraordinary film. We encourage you to share your own thoughts on the series and movies with us as well, and you can do so through email or on our Instagram page: lefilmpodcast@gmail.com // @lefilmpodcast As always, thank you for listening. Where to stream: Netflix Where to buy: Amazon YouTube

After viewing Wim Wenders' latest film, Perfect Days, at their local theater, Kevin and Jezer discuss their thoughts on the movie in the parking lot as their day comes to a close. The story is about a middle-aged man named Hirayama, who cleans public restrooms in Tokyo for a living. We get to know his schedule, see how he lives, and watch how he navigates the usual detours that take place from time to time. We also get to explore the moments that only exist in the pockets, corners, and other hidden spaces that lie in wait to be discovered as time goes by. If you get the chance to see this movie while it's in theaters, please do. It'll be well worth it. If not, catch it whenever you can. It's certain to leave you with something to enjoy. As always, thank you for listening, and please don't be a stranger if you'd like to write to us about anything. Instagram: @lefilmpodcast Email: lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

From the archives: When Evangelion 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time finally made its way overseas into theaters, Patrick, Kevin, and a frequent guest of the show, Jezer Serafica, visited their local cinema to catch the conclusion of one of their favorite series, Neon Genesis Evangelion. Recorded a little over a year ago, we decided to make it extra special by capturing a field recording of our experience before and after the screening (please forgive the audio quality at times). To skip to our review, it starts midway into Jezer's initial thoughts at 24:24. If you would like us to go back and record reviews on the previous Rebuild movies, please let us know, otherwise we will leave this one as a standalone episode. We encourage you to share your own thoughts on the series and movies with us as well, and you can do so through email or on our Instagram page: lefilmpodcast@gmail.com // @lefilmpodcast This was a wonderful experience for the three of us, and we hope you enjoy listening in as well. Where to stream the Evangelion Rebuild movies: Prime Video If you enjoyed the Rebuild movies, we recommend seeking out the documentary (two episodes) on the making of the Rebuild movies, entitled Hideaki Anno: The Final Challenge of Evangelion.

After waking up from a strange dream, famous action star, Boxer Santaros, finds himself struck with amnesia, as he traverses through dystopian Southern California with Ronald Taverner, who is looking for his twin brother Roland, and Krysta Now, former adult actress turned reality tv star and entrepreneur, who are all entangled in a web of conspiracies that involves neo-Marxists, the Patriot Act, a prophetic screenplay, World War III, quantum teleportation, and the end of the world.  Richard Kelly's prescient satire came at a time when the world was not ready to look itself in the mirror. Some may say Kelly himself is a prophet from the future, and others may deem him as an overly ambitious filmmaker stricken by naivety and luck. However, with a star-studded cast involving Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Sean William Scott, Justin Timberlake, Mandy Moore, Amy Poehler, and Kevin Smith, Southland Tales may be the most polarizing and divisive film of all time, yet, to Kelly, it was his most proud piece of work. Whether or not you love it, hate it, or feel somewhere in the middle, this film will garner a reaction out of you for better or for worse. Regardless, we hope you enjoyed the discussion and we strongly suggest you check out this underrated gem.    Where to watch: YouTube (rent or buy) Google Play (rent or buy) Amazon (rent or buy) iTunes (rent or buy) Vudu (rent or buy) Instagram: @lefilmpodcast   Send us questions, feedback, and film recommendations at: lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

After living out their final moments, a group of strangers arrives at an in-between realm where a group of counselors awaits them. The group receives a final task before they depart for good: they must pick one memory from each of their lives for the counselors to recreate. At the end of the week, each memory will be screened and shared with the audience. Afterward, each visitor will shed their final ties to the world and dissipate into the ether, living out their chosen memory for eternity.   Hirokazu Kore-eeda's 1998 exploration of memory, mortality, and transience offers a heartfelt and offbeat perspective on the arduous task of looking back on one's life at the end of their journey. Perhaps by looking back on the characters' lives, we can find a renewed sense of purpose in our own lives.   We hope you enjoy our discussion and encourage you to seek this film out if you haven't already.   Where to watch: Criterion Channel (Stream) The Internet Archive (Stream)   Instagram: @lefilmpodcast   Send us questions, feedback, and film recommendations at: lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

Julie is haunted by her grief after living through a tragic auto wreck that claimed the life of her composer husband and young daughter. Her initial reaction is to withdraw from her relationships, lock herself in her apartment and suppress her pain. But avoiding human interactions on the bustling streets of Paris proves impossible, and she eventually meets up with Olivier, an old friend who harbors a secret love for her, and who could draw her back to reality.   As always, thank you all for listening and we hope you enjoy the discussion.    Where to watch: HBO Max, The Criterion Channel   Instagram: @lefilmpodcast   Send us questions, feedback, and film recommendations at: lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

Episode 63: Princess Mononoke (1997) - Available on all your favorite platforms. Link in the bio 🎙️   Venture with us into the mystical realm of Princess Mononoke ✨ 🌿 On this episode we unravel the captivating world crafted by Hayou Miyazaki. Tune in as we discuss it’s stunning animation, the battle for balance between human civilization and the power of nature, and Ashitaka’s remarkable journey!   Where to watch:   HBO max (Subscription)   Youtube (Rent or Buy)   Amazon (Rent or Buy)   Vudu (Rent or Buy)   Apple TV (Rent or Buy)   Instagram:   @lefilmpodcast   Twitter:   @lefilmpod   Send us questions, feedback, and film recommendations at:   lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

When a mysterious dog stumbles upon an American military base camp, a group of scientists will soon find out that this canine is no ordinary dog, it will soon become the thing they will all fear the most.  John Carpenter's 1982 classic, The Thing, is a sci-fi horror thriller whodunnit that was ahead of its time upon its initial release; being maligned as a gorefest without substance, it has now become a Mount Rushmore horror film masterpiece that continues to age like fine wine.  If you haven't seen the film, run, don't walk to see this unforgettable gem. As always, we thank our supporters and we hope you enjoyed the film along with our discussion.    Where to watch: Vudu YouTube Amazon iTunes   Follow our Instagram: lefilmpodcast Send us questions, feedback, and film recommendations at: lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

After stumbling into a new town while looking for work, John Nada discovers an underground resistance hellbent on waking the general public from their slumber induced by insidious forces who control mass media and government entities. Their secret weapon? Sunglasses that filter out subliminal messages and illusions fed through television, advertisements, and more than you could possibly imagine.   Filled with an uncanny amount of prescience that foretold the rise of hyperconsumerism, police militarization, authoritarianism, far-reaching oligarchies, corporate greed, class warfare, collective lethargy, and unyielding zealotry, John Carpenter’s “They Live" was ultimately considered a commercial failure at the time of its release. Eventually it became a cult phenomenon, where people often know many of its hooks but have never taken the bait.   We are here to tell you that this film is an overlooked masterpiece that sparks important questions, encourages public discourse, and urges viewers to question the ideologies and worldviews that make up their reality.   Disclaimer: A sizable portion of this episode is missing because our recording became corrupted halfway through. Was foul play involved? Are the social elite purposely trying to silence your favorite film podcast? Was it an inside job, or did Kevin accidentally press the wrong button? You decide. As always, thank you to our supporters, and we hope you enjoy the discussion.   Where to watch: Vudu YouTube Amazon iTunes   Send us questions, feedback, and film recommendations at: lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

A mysterious young girl wanders a desolate, otherworldly landscape, carrying a large egg. Join us in discussing Mamoru Oshii's third film to be selected for the pod and it will not be the last film from Oshii.    Where to watch: Its a hard one to find but currently it is on youtube with subs.  Instagram: @lefilmpodcast   Twitter: @lefilmpod   Send us questions, feedback, and film recommendations at: lefilmpodcast@gmail.com