Cinema D‘Amore

Anora

Justin and Chuck dive into Sean Baker’s Anora, tracing its journey from fairytale romance to dark, slapstick chaos. Along the way, they explore the wild Vegas marriage plot, the tonal whiplash between comedy and despair, and Baker’s distinctive filmmaking style. The conversation highlights Annie and Vanya’s tragicomic turns, as well as Igor’s unsettling loyalty. It all builds to a bittersweet finale that pulls the comedy back down to earth.
Hosted by Justin MorganCo-hosted by Charles PhillipsMixing by Scratchin’ MenaceMusic from AnoraFollow us on Facebook and Bluesky for updates.Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major platforms.Please subscribe, rate, and review—we appreciate the support!
 

Empire of Passion

Chuck and Justin explore Nagisa Oshima’s Empire of Passion, a late-19th-century Japanese drama where a married woman and her lover murder her husband and hide his body in a village well. When the villagers begin seeing the husband’s ghost, suspicion spreads, exposing erotic obsession, guilt, and complicity. Oshima crafts a haunting, atmospheric ghost story. In this episode, we also connect it to Decision to Leave, examining desire, moral choice, and the consequences of crossing societal and personal boundaries.
Hosted by Charles PhillipsCo-hosted by Justin MorganMixing by Scratchin’ MenaceMusic by Daniel Birch and Ben Pegley
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Decision to Leave

Join hosts Justin Morgan and Chuck Phillips as they dive into the alluring depths of Park Chan-wook’s Decision to Leave. This South Korean mystery masterfully weaves themes of obsession, longing, and moral ambiguity into a slow-burn tale of love and betrayal. In this episode, the hosts unpack the film’s Hitchcockian echoes, its hypnotic visual style, and the poetic ambiguity of its unforgettable ending. From character motivations to narrative misdirection, this discussion is an essential listen for cinephiles and fans of moody, intricate storytelling.
Hosted by Justin MorganCo-hosted by Charles PhillipsMixing by Scratchin’ MenaceMusic by Song Chang-sik
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The City of Violence

Welcome back to Cinema D'Amore, hosted by Chuck and Justin. In this episode, the duo dives into the high-octane world of The City of Violence, a South Korean action film brimming with bizarre gangs—from hockey players to yo-yo enthusiasts. Drawing unexpected parallels to the surreal and psychological Beau Is Afraid, they unpack how the film layers chaos over an initially straightforward narrative, creating a dynamic and unpredictable cinematic experience.
Chuck and Justin break down the film’s fusion of stylized action and offbeat comedy, comparing its outrageous fight choreography and urban battlegrounds to cult favorites like The Warriors. They explore how the story of a man returning to a crime-infested hometown transforms into an increasingly surreal journey. With sharp commentary on everything from cultural symbolism—like snake-in-a-bottle imagery—to the film’s kinetic energy, this episode offers a deep dive into how The City of Violence channels both Korean cultural flair and over-the-top genre filmmaking.
Hosted by Charles PhillipsCo-hosted by Justin MorganMixing by Scratchin’ MenaceMusic by Daniel Birch and Ben Pegley
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Beau Is Afraid

In this episode of Cinema D’Amore, hosts Justin and Chuck dive deep into the strange, sprawling universe of Beau Is Afraid, the latest mind-bender from Ari Aster (until Eddington's release). They draw unexpected parallels between this surreal journey and Apostle, uncovering a surprising thread that links the two films.
Follow Beau Wassermann—played with haunted brilliance by Joaquin Phoenix—on a darkly comic odyssey shaped by anxiety, mother issues, and a world that only gets weirder the farther he travels. Justin and Chuck dissect the film’s offbeat tone, its nightmare logic, and Aster’s bold narrative swings, exploring how discomfort, dread, and absurdity collide to create something oddly mesmerizing.
This episode is best enjoyed after watching the film—Beau Is Afraid demands attention, and Justin and Chuck are here to help you make sense of the chaos. Or at least revel in it.
Hosted by Justin MorganCo-hosted by Charles PhillipsMixing by Scratchin’ MenaceMusic by Daniel Birch and Ben Pegley
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Apostle

In this episode of Cinema D'Amore, hosts Chuck and Justin dive into the eerie world of Apostle, exploring its unsettling atmosphere and supernatural themes. Building on their previous discussion of The Ritual, they uncover surprising connections between the two films, highlighting director Gareth Evans' distinct shift from his action-packed Raid series to a more haunting and visually arresting narrative.
The duo breaks down Apostle's chilling story, examining its kinetic camera work, gothic tone, and standout performances, especially Michael Sheen’s commanding presence. With their signature blend of humor and thoughtful analysis, Chuck and Justin untangle the film's mysteries, leaving listeners to ponder the deeper horrors lurking beneath its surface.
Hosted by Charles PhillipsCo-hosted by Justin MorganMixing by Scratchin’ MenaceMusic by Daniel Birch and Ben Pegley
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The Ritual

In this episode of Cinema D’Amore, hosts Justin Morgan and Charles Phillips venture into the haunting wilderness of The Ritual (2017), currently streaming on Netflix. As part of their ongoing series on thematic connections, they draw eerie parallels to last week’s feature, The Descent, examining both films’ focus on grief, male camaraderie, and lurking supernatural threats.
The conversation explores Rafe Spall’s standout performance, the film’s uniquely British tone, and its moody atmosphere, from striking cinematography to the bone-chilling creature design. The hosts also critique the film’s pacing, narrative gaps, and its handling of fear and emotional trauma in the face of survival.
Is The Ritual a spiritual companion to The Descent—or just another shadowy echo in the woods? Tune in for thoughtful analysis, sharp opinions, and a few unexpected laughs along the way.
Hosted by Justin MorganCo-hosted by Charles PhillipsMixing by Scratchin’ MenaceMusic by Daniel Birch and Ben Pegley
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The Descent

Dive deep into the chilling world of Neil Marshall's 2005 horror classic, "The Descent." This week's episode explores the intricate connections between "The Descent" and "Ex Machina," examining themes of isolation, betrayal, and ambiguous endings. Discover how Neil Marshall crafts a claustrophobic nightmare that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Join us as we discuss the film's memorable moments, directorial insights, and the terrifying creatures lurking in the shadows of the Appalachian Mountains.
Hosted by Charles Phillips. Co-hosted by Justin Morgan. Mixing by Scratchin’ Menace with Music by Daniel Birch and Ben Pegley.
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