Hosts Chris Austin, Luke Parker and Stefan Krieger catch up on the Oscar-nominated films they missed by reviewing three of the contenders for the 2025 Academy Awards!

They all LOVE one, and kinda feel luke-warm on the other two. Can you guess which ones they are?

Reach out in the comments and let us know what you thought of these movies and then like, rate and subscribe if you like what you're hearing to hear more from us at Phoenix Cinema Podcast!

On this episode of Phoenix Cinema Podcast Film Club, hosts Chris Austin and Luke Parker discuss the Oscar-winning film, The Deer Hunter, chosen by film writer Larry Taylor!

The Deer Hunter is an epic war drama film from 1978 that follows a group of working-class Russian-American friends from a Pennsylvania steel town whose lives are irrevocably changed by the Vietnam War. The story focuses on three of these friends—Michael (Robert De Niro), Steven (John Savage), and Nick (Christopher Walken)—before, during, and after their harrowing experiences as prisoners of war in Vietnam. The film explores themes of patriotism, friendship, psychological trauma, and the human cost of war, particularly through the brutal scenes of Russian roulette they are forced to play by their captors, which leaves lasting scars on all of them, especially Nick.

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In this episode of the Phoenix Cinema Podcast, hosts Chris Austin and Luke Parker delve into the Norwegian film "Sentimental Value" by Joachim Trier. The film explores the complex dynamics within the Borg family as they navigate grief and strained relationships during a long-awaited reunion. The return of the eccentric father, Gustav, played by Stellan Skarsgård, adds tension as he attempts to turn their family history into a screenplay, leading to a clash between reality and fiction. The hosts discuss the film's themes of familial bonds, the intricacies of personal relationships, and the impact of grief on the characters' lives.

Chris shares his mixed feelings about the film, appreciating its strengths while struggling to connect with the characters' privileged lives. Luke, on the other hand, praises the film for its emotional depth and the performances, particularly highlighting the relationship between Nora and her sister Agnes. The conversation also touches on the film's cinematography, sound design, and the performances of the cast, including Elle Fanning. The hosts conclude by discussing potential film pairings and the broader implications of the film's themes, making for a rich and engaging discussion.

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