that these are often the aspects of human existence that we ignore. As a highlyprivileged society, we forget (whether intentionally or by accident) that there arepeople who live in conditions even worse than the Kim family. Parasite beautifullyembodies the social divide created by class, which is an aspect of grunge thatis rarely discussed. People who are able to live in the “world of grunge” arenot necessarily there by choice. Rather, they were forced into this grotesquelifestyle by a system that couldn’t care less about them. The characters willdesperately fight for a way out by any means necessary, and the end result isstunning. Parasite rocked the film world by being the first international film to winBest Picture at the Oscars — are you ready to confront your biases towards theimpoverished world and watch?Fallen Angels (1995)Director: Wong Kar-waiCountry of Origin: Hong KongSynopsis: “This Hong Kong-set crime drama follows the lives of a hitman, hopingto get out of the business, and his elusive female partner.” - IMDbReview: Unlike any other movie on this list, Wong Kar-wai’s Fallen Angels isa beautifully tragic and brilliantly entertaining film about longing for lovein an isolating city riddled with violence. When we imagine “grunge” wetypically don’t jump to the idea of romance. Fallen Angels challengesthis idea by combining striking, oversaturated visuals that drive homethe intensity with settings and events that feel lonely and depressing.This movie is like being kissed while you cry. Is it the beauty of themoment that is fleeting, or is it the anguish that will leave first? Whatemotions will you choose to relish in, and what will you choose to let go?Of every film on this list, Fallen Angels proves to be the most unique. Itis everything you could want in a film with no cut-and-dry structure. Itfeatures minimal organization, striking visuals, unorthodox shots, and acompelling yet strangely upbeat soundtrack. If the hitman lifestyle isn’tnauseating enough, the stop-motion cinematography will certainly giveyou a run for your money. The bright neon signs of inner city shops lateat night are arresting despite being old and deteriorating. This film’svisual editing and appearance are aesthetically pleasing, makingit the perfect match for its relatable story. Although we aren’t allretired hitmen making a living off of mass murder, we are all peopleclawing our way through the world trying to find something we canhold onto and love. As strange and unsettling as it may be to say,Fallen Angels just might become your next comfort movie.Gummo (1997)Director: Harmony KorineCountry of Origin: USASynopsis: “Lonely residents of a tornado-stricken Ohio town wander the deserted landscape trying to fulfill theirboring, nihilistic lives.” - IMDbReview: Before watching this movie, I had received warnings from several different people about its content. Iwas even told, “you will not feel better after watching this movie,” and that statement was 100% correct. Gummois like that one house you ran past on your walk home from school because it always gave you a bad vibe. If youdecided to stop at this house and maybe even knock on the door, you would be greeted with horrors. Disgustingliving conditions, tattered clothing and furniture, animal cruelty, and aggravated nihilism are what await you.The deeper you venture into the house, though, the more you understand something critical behind Gummo: theflaws of these children are not their fault. They did not choose to be victims of a tornado that would tear housesin two and throw cars in swimming pools. Their deplorable actions are seen as “normal” because they were failed bya broken community and never taught anything better. The destruction of the tornado has not only torn their town apart, butit has torn apart the moral code of its residents, who pass time being desperate for anything to make their pitiful lives worthwhile. Gummo, whilegreatly executed and emotionally moving, is not a movie for the faint of heart. There were several times that I had to look away from the screen, or worse, even moretimes where I couldn’t look away because I was seeing such neglect and atrocious behavior. If you’re looking for a movie to make you appreciative of your stability andhealth, while simultaneously making you want to throw up, curl into a ball, and cry — this is the perfect film.38
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