Culture Frame Essentials
Here is the complete collection of Culture Frame Essential films:
CF Essential #1: SWING GIRLS (2004) - A preeminent example of feel-good Japanese comedy with a large cast of loveable characters and the inventiveness to make a "big" movie on a small budget.
Available on Internet Archive
Available on Internet Archive
CF Essential #2: THE COLOR OF MONEY (1986) - Dazzling photography and a career-affirming performance by Paul Newman elevate a classic piece of pure entertainment.
Available to rent on Amazon, Apple, Youtube
Available to rent on Amazon, Apple, Youtube
CF Essential #3: THE SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE (1973) - A classic of Spanish cinema that boldly denounced authoritarianism through the eyes of one of the great child performances in cinema.
On Criterion Channel or Kanopy (free with most library cards)
On Criterion Channel or Kanopy (free with most library cards)
CF Essential #4: EEGA (2012) - The "masala" action film is stripped to its elemental archetypes, and then cranked up to 11 with a supernatural Hindu twist and a masterclass in visual storytelling.
On Netflix, or to rent on Youtube (make sure audio is set to Telugu)
On Netflix, or to rent on Youtube (make sure audio is set to Telugu)
CF Essential #5: LE SAMOURAÏ (1967) - An apotheosis of cool, jazzy film noir style that would inspire decades of pop art; a portrayal of the loneliness of applying a personal code of honor in a world full of vice and corruption.
On Max, Tubi, Criterion, Kanopy. Rental on Apple.
On Max, Tubi, Criterion, Kanopy. Rental on Apple.
CF Essential #6: LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE (1992) - A rich and magical exploration of Mexican history and culture, especially of the meaningful power of really good food.
On Paramount+, Pluto. Or rent on Apple.
On Paramount+, Pluto. Or rent on Apple.
CF Essential #7: THE PEANUT BUTTER SOLUTION (1985) - A movie about kids that uniquely harnesses their chaotic imaginations into a fantastical, unpredictable ride.
On Tubi, Roku, Plex. Cheap rental on Youtube, Amazon.
On Tubi, Roku, Plex. Cheap rental on Youtube, Amazon.
CF Essential #8: I AM LOVE (2009) - A cutting-edge statement of filmmaking technique perfectly supports its story without distraction: a journey from orderly modern society to a life of freedom closer to the earth.
On Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Kanopy. Widely available to rent.
On Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Kanopy. Widely available to rent.
CF Essential #9: TO WONG FOO, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING! JULIE NEWMAR (1995) - A hilarious road trip comedy that courageously depicts a drag queen fantasy of bringing tolerance, self-love, and hope to Main Street, Anytown USA.
On Apple TV, and widely available to rent.
On Apple TV, and widely available to rent.
CF Essential #10: THE LAST DAYS OF DISCO (1998) - An ensemble hang-out comedy from one of the last great screenwriters, a classic of the Indie '90s that captures the changing landscape of America and quietly yearns for the "melting pot" we lost.
On Apple TV, and widely available to rent.
On Apple TV, and widely available to rent.
- Purple = Enriching, but you will need to engage intellectually with the text
- Blue = Rewarding, while being broadly entertaining for most moods/tastes
- Gold = Wild and crazy, for when you need to turn off your brain and escape
- Streaming availability is subject to change. Let me know in the comments of the latest newsletter if I need to update