A Random Mexican-Standoff

A.S.K.

3 uncertain college graduates sit down to discuss the things they love. Fueled by passion, these skirmishes might range from the intense to mundane, but the only certainty is that a lively battle will be fought. We will have the most intense and overly in-depth discussions on all forms of art on this podcast. Hosted by Aditya Rathi, Kshitij Gajapure and Shreyas Singh. New episodes every Saturday

  1. What makes Chernobyl a compelling watch?

    16-08-2020

    What makes Chernobyl a compelling watch?

    Following our long discussion on the movies of Tarantino, we sit down to talk about the hit HBO-miniseries "Chernobyl". With Shreyas indisposed, the task fell on Rathi and Kshitij to discuss the horrors of a nuclear disaster and its portrayal in this miniseries. So join us as Rathi and Kshitij gush over the cinematography and talk about the similarities it has with the ongoing crisis. Spoiler Level: Light (discussed plot points, but won't spoil your watch experience) Legend: [D - Discussion] [N - Note] [S - Standoff] [V - Video] [F - Followup] [T - Time Stamp] [T] Intro thoughts and our re-watch experiences [T] Parallels with COVID-19 and wearing masks [T] Good Things #1: Cinematography [V] The diving scene {https://youtu.be/M_iuqPVsneU} [N] Criticism on the western take on the Soviet Union {https://bit.ly/328kAob} [T] Good Things #2: Impeccable set design [T] Using cinematography to capture personal emotions [N] Interview with the screenwriter {https://bit.ly/2Y3d64s} [V] Masterclass Cinematography {https://youtu.be/MljytTReJ_o} [T] Making a technical story accessible [T] A Western take on the soviet power structure [N] Criticism on the western take on the Soviet Union {https://bit.ly/328kAob} [N] Black Lung Disease {https://bit.ly/3g13Vre} [T] The Screenwriter and his comedic roots [T] Criticism: Factual Inaccuracies [N] What Rathi refers to {https://bit.ly/3kGNVyp}

    24 min
  2. 13. An In-Depth Discussion on Tarantino

    15-08-2020

    13. An In-Depth Discussion on Tarantino

    This time we are going to have a very long discussion on the genius director Quentin Tarantino. So sit back, relax, grab some popcorn and enjoy this ride as we look at Tarantino and his movies from all possible angles. Spoilers Ahead!

    1u 19m
  3. 12: Summer anime in depth: A case study of the 3 episode rule

    02-08-2020

    12: Summer anime in depth: A case study of the 3 episode rule

    Welcome, one and all, to our latest case study of the 3 episode rule - where each of us watches 3 episodes of currently airing anime and passes judgment on whether it is worth our time. As you'd expect, sparks fly again over themes, plot devices and "potential". So join us and witness Rathi's pragmatism, Shreyas' emotiveness and Kshitij shuttling between the two. Legend: [D - Discussion] [N - Note] [S - Standoff] [V - Video] [F - Followup] [T - Time Stamp] Things discussed today 00:00 [T] Intro 00:19 [T] The God of High School {https://bit.ly/339fMRm} [N] The God of High School (Manhwa) {https://bit.ly/3hPk2cU} [V] The Death of Classic Anime (Gigguk) {https://youtu.be/dUKiANYyeMM} [N] Seraph of the End does not have (many?) animation changes that FMAB has, a better example is Magi {https://bit.ly/3hQ9Xwn} 16:22 [T] The Misfit of Demon King Academy {https://bit.ly/39PGhfZ} [S] Is this a good example of "OP done right"? [V] How to handle stakes in stories (TazerLad) {https://youtu.be/MCEfYXdbwGM} [V] What makes a good OP character (TazerLad) {https://youtu.be/wz3dBaUh9PU} 26:17 [T] Kanojo, Okarishimasu {https://bit.ly/3gc4gZ8} [S] Is seeing Kazuya having the sense to claim his poor behaviour, realizing his shortcomings, and look to solve his confusion a step forward in adding to the charm of the show, or just needless filler? (credits: Seasonal Prattle {https://bit.ly/3hNgEPE}) 34:00 [T] Deca-Dence {https://bit.ly/2DhbPiF} 53:04 [T] Appare-Ranman! {https://bit.ly/2PdtXNa} 56:04 [T] Re:Zero (Spoilers for Season 1) {https://bit.ly/30glrDf} [S] Well, this whole discussion was a standoff ¯\(ツ)/¯ [N] The review that Rathi mentions {https://myanimelist.net/reviews.php?id=229437} [N] Examples that Rathi asked for (the whole topic of depression in media): It’s Kind of a Funny Story {https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0804497/}, Silver Linings Playbook {https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1045658/} [V] Videos that Shreyas mentions (WatTheWut) {https://youtu.be/kyoA5_FbUgA} (Mother's Basement) {https://youtu.be/Q5cJKpQvqWI}

    1u 3m
  4. 11. 1917: A Cinematic Tale through the Horrors of War

    25-07-2020

    11. 1917: A Cinematic Tale through the Horrors of War

    In this episode, we attempt to understand the cinematic masterpiece that is 1917 - an award-winning movie set during the First World War. With most of the episode dedicated to deconstructing the cinematography, we find ourselves in one of the most heated debates yet. So join us as sparks fly, opinions are disregarded and punches are thrown; in this longer than necessary episode. And don't forget - Spoilers ahead. Legend: [D - Discussion] [N - Note] [S - Standoff] [V - Video] [F - Followup] [T - Time Stamp] Things discussed today [T] 00:38 - Intro [T] 00:53- The genius cinematography [T] 04:01 - The fanboy criticizes the direction [S] Single cut - a boon or a bane? [V] How Sherlock uses cuts (among other things) to film thought {https://youtu.be/bfFgnJoLiQE} [V] The making of 1917 {https://youtu.be/kMBnvz-dEXw} {https://youtu.be/lFZGmzsvSlg} [T] 23:32 - A late discussion on sound design [V] Memorable soundtrack - Awakening (Boruto) {https://youtu.be/og826M3iXsw}, Lit ( Koe no Katachi) {https://youtu.be/j9XHdsgJ8Hg}, Deja Vu (Initial D) {https://youtu.be/dv13gl0a-FA} [V] Beethoven's 5th symphony (first movement) {https://youtu.be/_4IRMYuE1hI} [T] 29:00 - Some criticism on the bridge scene [T] 30:04 - Lucky breaks in movies (particularly war movies) (and why they are not a bad thing) [S] Does luckily having milk to give to a baby during a war detract from it's "realism" [T] 39:25 - Fanboy does not like how people fall down [T] 41:41 - A criminally small discussion on the acting [T] 43:15 - Another way the movie depicts the gritty reality of war [F] Shreyas on re-listening to the episode does feel that the agreement in the last discussion was organic.

    46 min
  5. 10. Exploring Humanity through Visual Storytelling

    18-07-2020

    10. Exploring Humanity through Visual Storytelling

    In this unusual (mostly spoiler-free) episode, we sit down to discuss two amazing story-centric games "A Normal Lost Phone" {https://bit.ly/2OkwkNM} and "missed messages" {https://bit.ly/38VvUXr}. So join us as we try to talk about the different themes, mechanics and stories both the games have to offer but end up with Shreyas hijacking the episode midway. However, one thing is for sure - all of us enjoyed both the games and with how short their playtimes are there's no reason to not give them a go! Legend: [N - Note] [S - Standoff] [V - Video] [F - Followup] [T - Topic] Things we discuss this episode: [T] 00:00 - Why these games? [N] Bundle for Racial Justice and Equality {https://bit.ly/2ZqhCeg} [T] 01:58 - The LGBTQ themes in both the games and our experiences with them [T] 10:50 - How the games explore their characters (Warning: Shreyas' rant starts here) [T] 15:40 - Summary of rant (which covers the entire planned discussion): Game mechanics, interactability and how it gets one invested in the characters [T] 16:56 - How the games craft their stories [S] Would missed messages have been better if structured like a normal lost phone? [V] A defence of video games {https://youtu.be/Xs6qBDuY1ww} [F] Shreyas would like to correct himself: He does not consider visual novels "not" to be games. [T] 23:47 - How "missed messages" beautifully handles heavy topics like self-harm [N] Rathi really liked that they touch upon the implications of providing superficial help to those in distress [T] 25:07 - Shreyas randomly interrupts the discussion (and the weirdness that ensues) Intro Music: ktvsky - Its just another day

    29 min
  6. 9. Taxi Driver - An Existentialist Perspective

    11-07-2020

    9. Taxi Driver - An Existentialist Perspective

    This time around (with tight time-constraints) we sit down to discuss the "instant-classic" Taxi-Driver. In a first where the fanboy was actually disappointed, we talk about the different themes, endings, and parallels that can be drawn from the movie. So join us as Shreyas starts doubting his life choices, Kshitij is disillusioned by critics and Rathi reflects on his opinions. Watch here {https://youtu.be/Q1igE-hxeHo} with edits from the movie! Things that we discussed this dark episode [T] 00:00 - Intro and first impressions [V] Trailer: {https://youtu.be/UUxD4-dEzn0} [T] 2:45 - A comparison with Joker [T] 4:44 - A discussion about the ending(s) [N] AMA with the Paul Schrader {https://bit.ly/3eeV5VV} [V] The "Dream Sequence" ending described {https://youtu.be/CJ922ZaZVwI} [S] Do your dreams have to be rational? [T] 11:59 - Paradoxes and Contradiction [T] 14:43 - Similarities to Princess Mononoke {https://imdb.to/325z1La} [N] A director directing Travis with what he should do {https://youtu.be/VBEa_roMi7s} [T] 23:18 - Taxi drivers and killers [N] De Niro as a taxi driver in NYC {https://yhoo.it/3fiznSj} [S] Which serial killers are more scary? (Ans: they all are) [T] 27:54 - An interview with Scorsese and Schrader {https://bit.ly/3fuIdNb} [T] 29:46 - A disturbing portrayal of childhood fantasies [T] 33:53 - Why we like Joker {https://imdb.to/329wgZg} [T] 35:30 - Cinematography [T] 38:19 - The confused nature of the movie [T] 39:20 - The commentary on Feminism and Masculinity [V] Masculinity in the age of feminism {https://youtu.be/-pAcJ0lFu94} [T] 43:07 - The final scene and parting thoughts Image Source: Cristiano Siqueira Intro Song: Eiji · Banana Fish

    45 min
  7. 8. Accidentally discussing the wrong anime season

    04-07-2020

    8. Accidentally discussing the wrong anime season

    With an amazing summer season right around the corner (https://bit.ly/3dObWPi) we sit down to discuss the anime that aired the last season (full disclosure: we were supposed to discuss the next season). So join us as we leverage Rathi's video editing skills, Shreyas' love(?) for the medium and Gajapure's lack of preparedness for the off-road topic. (Note: To fully leverage the blood sweat and tears that Rathi put, you're probably better off watching this on YouTube: {https://youtu.be/A1afFQDUiQ4}) Legend: [D - Discussion] [N - Note] [S - Standoff] [V - Video] [F - Followup] [T - Time Stamp] Things discussed this episode (with time-stamps !!!): [T] 00:00 - Intro [N] Spring Anime  2020 {https://bit.ly/3dMZGyA} [T] 01:04 - Kaguya-sama: Love is War? Season 2 (Top Anime !!) {https://bit.ly/2D47IX9} [T] 06:50 - Tower of God {https://bit.ly/2VDtGH1} [D] Because Shreyas did a very poor job of what "edgy" means {http://aminoapps.com/p/bhfeg}  [T] 12:41 - Gleipnir {https://bit.ly/3dTe08L} [T] 15:38 - Sing "Yesterday" for me {https://bit.ly/3eP0LqS} [V] Why are there so many High-School Anime {https://youtu.be/4LfQAxcSZJ0} (by ThePedanticRomantic) [T] 19:34 - Love is hard for otaku {https://bit.ly/31AT9Ve} [T] 23:51 - Kakushigoto (Good starting SoL) {https://bit.ly/2NOCXYj}  [T] 27:45 - Princess Connect: Re Dive {https://bit.ly/38tvrf6} [N] Why Shreyas' likes the show {https://youtu.be/E-7rKdlkDR4}  [T] 29:08 - Appare Ranman {https://bit.ly/2YUkKyV}  [T] 33:13 - Listeners {https://bit.ly/3eTavAB} [F] Shreyas: The premise is not boring  [T] 33:45 - BNA {https://bit.ly/2VEXdA9} [N] The Orange and Teal Look {https://bit.ly/31F67S2}  [T] 38:40 - Great Pretender {https://bit.ly/2An51yP} [T] 41:18 - 91 Days {https://bit.ly/2NPdyOf} [T] 42:51 - Comparison of anime and western cartoons [T] 44:21 - Banana Fish {https://bit.ly/2D4tH0b}  [T] 45:43 - Conclusion [N] Other animes discussed: Gintama; Mob Psycho 100 II; Tokyo Ghoul; Hunter x Hunter; Dorohedoro; Run with the Wind; Usagi Drop; Barakamon; Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun; Shokugeki no Souma; Tom and Jerry: The Fast and the Furry (;D) ; Hachi-nan tte, Sore wa Nai deshou!; Kill la Kill; Bakemonogatari; Carmen Sandiego (;D); Rick and Morty (XD)

    49 min
  8. 7. Comprehending the genius of The Man from U.N.C.L.E

    27-06-2020

    7. Comprehending the genius of The Man from U.N.C.L.E

    This time around we discuss Guy Ritchie's "The Man from U.N.C.L.E."; a movie that exudes so much style, that we had to bring in our friend Shakya to even begin to comprehend it. Join us as elitists are born, filming decisions are questioned and contrived comparisons are constructed. With the fanboy's mic rejecting him, Shreyas going on long rebuttals and Rathi & Shakya sitting in awe of the movie - all we hope is that you enjoy this episode as much as we did the movie. Legend: [D - Discussion] [N - Note] [S - Standoff] [V - Video] [F - Followup] Things discussed this episode [D] Is the plot/setting of the movie "absurd"? [S] Does the movie fail to do some of the things set out to do? Can nitpicking be counted for such a situation? (Spoiler alert: It can't) [D] A discussion on black lines continued from Ep 3 {https://youtu.be/IeSskKdPcOw}  [D] Solo palms the necklace (or does he?) [F] (42 mins into the movie) Props to the fanboy for noticing that [D] A 5 frame shaky cam is a thorn in the fanboy's side  [F] (Just 11 mins into the movie when the car backs up and Solo is looking surprised at Gaby) Yes it does move, but it's not bad [D] It is not a detriment to the movie that it's plot "mediocre", it is because it is like that allows the director to explore his style (though the Matrix {https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0133093/} does contribute a big counterpoint to this)  [V] Snatch {https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0208092/} - Desert Eagle vs. Replica Scene {https://youtu.be/LgBA1jA2-mo}  [D] The movie is a big cliche, and that is not bad. [V] The mind-boggling accuracy of stormtroopers {https://youtu.be/EFeJUfHu0GM}  [D] The nuances that go into making a soundtrack in a movie good. Other movies mentioned Thor: Ragnorok {https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3501632/}, Ford v Ferrari {https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1950186/}  [V] The boat chase sequence {https://youtu.be/MxZ5VQVHMoc}  [V] That one analysis video we all watched {https://youtu.be/DrL2XUHGq_U} [V] Rathi and Shakya's favorite soundtrack - Tom Zé's Jimmy Renda Se {https://youtu.be/0sArp4AnoSA} [V] Stellar Editing + Jazz Music = Epic title sequence (but the fanboy gets misunderstood on the usage of the word "unnecessary") {https://youtu.be/GDnVIJRCu5A} [V] Solo getting drugged....with style {https://youtu.be/tcSN3kmVG3w} [N] Box office standings of the movie {https://bit.ly/2A7DyBg}{https://bit.ly/389iS8r} [D] The acting is on-point and the use of comedy is beautifully  [D] The Russian spy was a big tsundere (Chitoge best girl! {https://youtu.be/yYyZL8t11Hc?t=374})  [S] Is the Russian spy a "great" spy? What character traits are detrimental for spies (because we know what happens in the spy world XD).  [D] Discussing the similarities and differences with Marvel Movies (and esp. Ragnorok).  Thumbnail SAUCE: Kade (kadeart.tumblr.com)

    1u 16m
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Info

3 uncertain college graduates sit down to discuss the things they love. Fueled by passion, these skirmishes might range from the intense to mundane, but the only certainty is that a lively battle will be fought. We will have the most intense and overly in-depth discussions on all forms of art on this podcast. Hosted by Aditya Rathi, Kshitij Gajapure and Shreyas Singh. New episodes every Saturday

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