1) Collective
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A stunning and heart-wrenching documentary about how the aftermath of a tragic fire led to the exposure of corruption in the Romanian health care system. Following the reporters who wouldn't drop the story and a health minister trying to fix it, it's gripping and timely. - Jennie R
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2) Ikiru
Series
Criterion collection volume 221
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This is a beautifully shot film masterfully combines dark humor with a moving narrative about the legacies we leave after death. - Katelyn A
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3) Thunder road
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Jim Cumming's performance anchors this film, which strikes the perfect balance between comedy and tragedy, delivering plenty of laughter and tears. - Katelyn A
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4) Brick
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The film debut for the writer and director of Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Knives Out, Brick is an integral part of the neo-noir genre, complete with fast-talking dames, murder, and intrigue. - Katelyn A
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Simultaneously humorous and deeply chilling, this look at the Cold War is pieced together solely through footage from the time, including newsreels, advertisements, and training films. A fascinating way to experience American politics and culture. - Jennifer R
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In this French documentary from 1975, Agnès Varda talks to shopkeepers on her street about their stores and their lives. A quick, charming watch. - Michelle M
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This melancholy story follows Wendy as she travels with her dog Lucy to Alaska looking for work. When her car breaks down in Oregon she finds herself running out of options. A gem of a film. - Michelle M
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One day 2% of the Earth’s population disappears. This show is about the aftermath for some of the residents of Mapleton, NY. Very dramatic, kinda bonkers, and only 28 episodes! - Michelle M
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10) Computer chess
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A bunch of programmers gather for a computer chess tournament sometime in the 1980s. At first this movie is pretty straightforward, but it gets deeply weird quickly. - Michelle M
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If you like swashbuckling adventures (with swagger!) you'll love this new take on the classic story. - Deborah K.
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An excellent romance about a superstar singer who falls in love with a police officer working as her bodyguard. -Michelle M.
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13) Umberto D
Series
Criterion collection volume 201
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A sad story about an elderly man who is trying to make ends meet in post-WWII Italy. His adorable dog is his constant and only companion. - Michelle M.
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14) Green room
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When a punk band takes a sketchy gig in middle-of-nowhere Oregon, it turns out the club they are playing is run by Neo-Nazis. When the band members witness a crime, the Neo-Nazis don’t want to let them go. Totally thrilling and totally gory. - Michelle M.
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Series
Criterion collection volume 783
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Ray delicately captures the everyday life of a rural Indian family at the beginning of the 20th century. This is the first movie in Ray’s beloved Apu trilogy. - Michelle M.
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Series
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A riveting documentary about a coal mining strike in Kentucky in 1973. The strike lasted more than a year and often resulted in intimidation and violence. - Michelle M.
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