It may seem hard to believe, but we are closing in on a full year since March 11, 2020, the day when the World Health Organization officially declared Covid-19 a global pandemic, the NBA shut down its season, Tom Hanks tested positive for the virus, and Americans went into a toilet paper buying panic. And it’s only gotten more exhausting since that day. By now, even talking about how exhausting this year is, has become, well, exhausting. How many times have you seen some variation of the “6 Ways To Beat WFH Burnout” or “Four reasons you’re tired of Zoom calls— and what to do about it” article that all basically amount to…uh, take a walk, I guess. Even the smallest tasks, like searching for a movie, are beginning to feel like insurmountable burdens. As if you didn’t have enough streaming platforms to sift through already, Paramount has now has entered the fray with Paramount Plus, and as exciting as the idea of a Frasier reboot is, it’s all starting to feel like just another chore.
So, in the spirit of simplifying at least one aspect of your life, here is a selection of movies on the one streaming service I’m guessing you won’t have to start a free trial for, Netflix. Just sit back on that favorite couch spot (or inflatable pool chair) and press play some deep cuts from the Netflix library.
The lighthearted, but not empty-headed, rom-com
Movie: Results (2015, directed by Andrew Bujalski)
Vibe: Andrew Bujalski’s first big step out of the Mumblecore universe of low-budgets and amateur actors is arguably his best work to date. It’s one of those deceptively simple romantic comedies that manages to be lighthearted and funny without forcing the usual ham-fisted plot contrivances. There’s no high concept or twist ending, just a bunch of eclectic characters brought vividly to life by an amazing cast of Guy Pearce, Colbie Smulders, and Kevin Corrigan. All of those actors may have more indelible roles elsewhere, but despite that baggage, they completely disappear into their characters. By the end of the movie, it’s hard to even remember the Pearce of Momento or the Smulders of How I Met Your Mother.
Watch It On: Netflix
A martial arts flick with a twist
Movie: The Grandmaster (2013, directed by Wong Kar-wai)
Vibe: For fans of Wong Kaw-wai’s sensuous, melancholic romances like Happy Together or In The Mood For Love, this martial arts period piece might seem like a bit of a departure. Yet, it’s still fascinating to watch Wong apply his trademark visual flair and aching romanticism to the story of Ip Man, the legendary martial arts expert who taught Bruce Lee. And for fans of the Donnie Yen-led Ip Man film series—which are all also on Netflix—it’s actually refreshing to see Tony Leung offer his own unique take on the iconic role.
Watch It On: Netflix
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