kickstand-project.org – Still Walking (2008), directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, is a tender and introspective film that explores the dynamics of a family coming together for a reunion. Set over the course of a single day, the film delicately unpacks themes of memory, grief, and the complexities of family relationships. With its subtle direction, heartfelt performances, …
Lady Snowblood (1973): A Dark Tale of Revenge
kickstand-project.org – Lady Snowblood (Shurayukihime, 1973), directed by Toshiya Fujita, is a seminal Japanese exploitation film that has left an indelible mark on cinema, influencing numerous films in both the action and revenge genres. Based on the manga series by Kazuo Koike and illustrated by Kazuo Kamimura, the film tells the story of a woman …
He & She: Paula Hollister’s Role in a Groundbreaking Sitcom
kickstand-project.org – He & She (1967–1968) was a short-lived but influential American sitcom that left a lasting impact on the genre, known for its sharp writing, sophisticated humor, and progressive take on marriage and gender roles. Created by Leonard Stern, this clever series centered on a married couple living in New York City—Dick Hollister, a …
La Notte: A Haunting Exploration of Existential Despair
kickstand-project.org – Michelangelo Antonioni’s 1961 film, La Notte (The Night), is a haunting exploration of existential despair and the emptiness of modern life. 1 This masterpiece of Italian cinema, part of Antonioni’s “Trilogy of Alienation” alongside L’Avventura and L’Eclisse, delves into the psychological and emotional landscapes of its characters, portraying a world devoid of meaning …
April Snow: A Study in Betrayal, Grief, & Unexpected Connection
kickstand-project.org – “April Snow” (외출, Oechul, literally “Outing”), a 2005 South Korean romantic drama film directed by Hur Jin-ho, delves into the complex emotional landscape of two individuals brought together by the shared experience of betrayal. The film, starring Bae Yong-joon and Son Ye-jin, explores themes of grief, forgiveness, and the unexpected connections that can …
Killer Toon: When Webtoons Become a Deadly Reality
kickstand-project.org – Killer Toon (더 웹툰: 예고살인; Deo Webtun: Yego Salin; literally “The Webtoon: Foretold Murder”) is a 2013 South Korean horror thriller film directed by Kim Yong-gyun. This film offers a unique and intriguing premise: a popular webtoon artist’s comics begin to depict real-life murders, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Killer Toon …
Three Men in a Boat: A Comical Journey Down the Thames
kickstand-project.org – Three Men in a Boat (1956) is a delightful British comedy film based on Jerome K. Jerome’s humorous novel of the same name. Directed by Ken Annakin, this film captures the spirit of a leisurely boat trip down the River Thames, filled with misadventures, humor, and a touch of nostalgia. A Mismatched …
The Mighty Ursus: A Herculean Tale of Adventure
kickstand-project.org – The Mighty Ursus (1964), also known as Ursus, Son of Hercules, is a classic Italian sword-and-sandal film that embodies the genre’s signature blend of action, adventure, and mythological fantasy. Directed by Carlo Campogalliani, the film stars Ed Fury as the titular hero, a powerful warrior with superhuman strength. A Hero’s Journey The …
The Forgotten Pistolero: A Unique Spaghetti Western
kickstand-project.org – Released in 1969, The Forgotten Pistolero (also known as Gunman of Ave Maria) is a unique Spaghetti Western directed by Ferdinando Baldi. This unconventional film blends elements of revenge drama, Greek tragedy, and psychological thriller, offering a fresh perspective on the genre. A Twisted Tale of Revenge The film follows the story …
Hello Down There: A Quirky Underwater Adventure
kickstand-project.org – Hello Down There is a 1969 American comedy-adventure film directed by Jack Arnold and Ricou Browning. The film stars Tony Randall and Janet Leigh and follows the story of a marine biologist who builds an underwater home and moves his family in. A Whimsical Underwater World The film paints a whimsical picture …