The Cinematic Soul

Ebakuu
  • 5.0 (5)
  • HISTORIAS DE CINE
  • CADA SEMANA

The Cinematic Soul is where Black films and storytelling meet deep conversations, humor, and a touch of nostalgia. Hosted by EB, a passionate film lover from the South Side of Chicago, this podcast dives into the artistry, culture, and impact of Black cinema—from timeless classics to hidden gems. Each episode brings in-depth film breakdowns, behind-the-scenes insights, and real talk about how these movies reflect Black life, love, and legacy. The Cinematic Soul is a space to celebrate the beauty of our stories!

  1. Two Can Play That Game (But Should We?)

    21 AGO

    Two Can Play That Game (But Should We?)

    What happens when love turns into a chess match? Vivica, Morris, Gabrielle, and the messy brilliance of Two Can Play That Game. We got Shanté’s 10-day plan, the soundtrack that still hits, we’ll talk about the culture, the comedy, and if it really holds up in 2025! Timestamps: 00:18 – Introduction 08:28 – Character Analysis and Dynamics 16:14 – The 10-Day Plan 21:01 – Soundtrack and Musical Impact 27:59 – Final Thoughts and Ratings You can support the show on IG & Threads → @cinematicsoulpod @ebeknowing

    31 min
  2. How Stella Got Her Groove Back: Romance, Regret & Real Life Mess!

    22 JUL

    How Stella Got Her Groove Back: Romance, Regret & Real Life Mess!

    *Sorry for the delay! There was an issue uploading and I had to talk to Riverside support for two days 🥱* Angela Bassett. Taye Diggs. JAMAICA! This week on The Cinematic Soul, let’s get into the 1998 romantic dramedy How Stella Got Her Groove Back, the film that sparked tropical getaways, auntie fantasies, and more than a few side-eyes at Winston’s accent (respectfully 😂). Would you date someone 20 years younger? Let’s talk about it! [00:39] Intro: Welcome back [06:40] How Terry McMillan’s novel became a movie [10:48] Black excellence across the cast (Whoopi, Regina, ANGELA!) [17:43] Jamaica’s glow as a character of its own [25:29] Let’s talk about that age gap [30:41] Happily ever after… or was it? [31:20] The real-life story behind Terry & Jonathan Plummer [36:38] Final thoughts, honest ratings & a question 🤔

    41 min
  3. Hip-Hop Soul Cinema: Brown Sugar & the Era of Black Love

    7 JUL

    Hip-Hop Soul Cinema: Brown Sugar & the Era of Black Love

    Let’s go on a soulful deep dive into Brown Sugar (2002), one of the most beloved Black romantic comedies of the early 2000s. This episode of The Cinematic Soul explores how the film blends hip-hop culture, Black love, and friendship into a timeless story. On this episode I get into the chemistry of Sanaa Lathan and Taye Diggs to Rick Famuyiwa’s direction and the iconic neo-soul/hip hop soundtrack featuring Erykah Badu, Common, and Mos Def, and unpack why Brown Sugar still resonates with fans of Black rom-coms, hip-hop films, and nostalgic cinema! If you love movies like Love Jones, The Best Man, Love & Basketball, or anything from the golden age of Black cinema, this one’s for you. — 📧 Email: cinematicsoulpod@gmail.com 🧵 Threads: @ebeknowing, @cinematicsoulpod 📸 Instagram: @cinematicsoulpod

    52 min
  4. Mackin’, Hangin’, and Growing Up: The Legacy of The Wood

    23 JUN

    Mackin’, Hangin’, and Growing Up: The Legacy of The Wood

    What does it mean to grow up Black, goofy, and just trying to see who can get the most numbers? This week, I revisit one of my all-time favorite films, The Wood, and the layers Rick Famuyiwa gave us in his 1999 ode to brotherhood and coming-of-age 🙌🏾. Let’s go to The Wood! TIMESTAMPS: 00:20 – Introduction to The Cinematic Soul and The Wood 03:16 – Cultural Reception & Impact 07:47 – The Journey of Rick Famuyiwa 13:38 – USC Film School Legacy & Black Cali Directors 18:43 – The Bet: Dares and Dumb Decisions 30:19 – Real-Life Reflections: “Don’t Say My Name, Homie!” 39:11 – Cinematography, Soundtrack & the Warm Glow of Nostalgia 46:12 – The Legacy of The Wood and Giving Flowers 51:17 – Final Thoughts & Outro Follow the socials: Personal Threads: @ebeknowing Podcast Threads: @cinematicsoulpod IG: @cinematicsoulpod

    53 min
  5. On and On: The Makings of Claudine

    15 JUN

    On and On: The Makings of Claudine

    This week on The Cinematic Soul, I’m revisiting Claudine with all of my thoughts and reflections. From Diahann Carroll’s layered performance to James Earl Jones redefining what love looks like under pressure, this one’s personal. I talked about what this film taught me about my own mother, the broken systems our families navigate, and the Curtis Mayfield soundtrack that still speaks volumes. If Claudine meant something to you, or if you’re just discovering it, take a listen! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Claudine 04:31 Diahann Carroll’s Groundbreaking Performance 11:06 The Complexity of Claudine’s Character 15:29 James Earl Jones as Roop: A New Perspective 16:45 Love Under Systemic Oppression 21:37 The Broken Welfare System: Then and Now 32:54 Resilience Amidst Struggles 34:50 The Soulful Soundtrack of Claudine 39:16 Cinematography and Authenticity in Storytelling 42:32 Describing, The Makings of the Music 48:12 Beauty in Simplicity 51:08 Final Thoughts on Claudine Social Media Threads: @Cinematicsoulpod Personal 🧵: @EBeknowing IG: @Cinematicsoulpod

    57 min
  6. The “Forever” Episode

    7 JUN

    The “Forever” Episode

    Mara Brock Akil dropped a gem with Forever! This coming-of-age love story that hits deep. From family scars to first love and flashing lights, it’s layered and loud in all the right ways. I couldn’t wait to talk about this in my own way! This one’s a smash. Let’s get into it. Follow the podcast on social media for updates and conversations: IG: @cinematicsoulpod Threads: @cinematicsoulpod and follow my personal page as well @ebeknowing! Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Season Two 02:22 Exploring 'Forever' by Mara Brock-Akil 04:26 Mara Brock-Akil's Impact on Black Television 11:40 Character Dynamics: Keisha and Justin 15:27 The Weight of Expectations: Keisha's Journey 22:38 Navigating First Love and Trust Issues 26:50 Family Dynamics and Parental Influence 35:23 The Silent Terror of Being Black While Driving (w/Personal Reflection) 44:06 Mothers Supporting Mental Well-Being in Youth 49:28 The Importance of Positive Father Figures 53:19 The Impact of Absent Fathers 56:24 Representation of Black Wealth 01:01:05 Visual Artistry and Cinematography 01:09:23 The Role of Music in Storytelling 01:16:19 Final Episode Reflections and Character Growth

    1 h y 26 min
  7. Sinners Part Two: The Crossroads Between Ancestry, Music, and Magic

    24 ABR

    Sinners Part Two: The Crossroads Between Ancestry, Music, and Magic

    If Part One cracked the door open, Part Two will really leave you thinking! Let’s talk about the blues, legacy, and history Cinematic Soul style! Timestamps: 0:00 – Thank You / Response From Part 1 04:08 – Ancestors on The Dancefloor 12:17 – “I Lied To You” and Its Roots 17:29 – Delta Connections / Black & Chinese Solidarity 20:48 – The Southern Chicago Legacy and Accents 29:42 – Music as a Memory and Time Machine 35:25 – Legendary Blues Stories / Robert Johnson at the Crossroads 39:01 – Rewriting the Narrative on How We View and Respect Dark-Skinned, Curvy Black Women 43:57 – Trauma Passed Down Through Generations 49:51 – History and Legacy Lessons — In this bonus episode of The Cinematic Soul, let’s step back into the layered world of Sinners but this time, dig deeper than folklore and sexual scenes. I pull up a chair at the crossroads with Robert Johnson and reflect on what his myth still means today. I dig into the untold history of Black and Chinese solidarity in the Mississippi Delta. I unpack how Chicago accents carry the rhythm of Southern migration. And, challenge the way media continues to sideline dark-skinned, curvy Black women like Annie—when they’ve always been the heart of the story. Instagram: @cinematicsoulpod | Threads: @ebeknowing

    59 min
  8. Sinners Review: Hoodoo, Horror & Black History in 1932 Mississippi

    20 ABR

    Sinners Review: Hoodoo, Horror & Black History in 1932 Mississippi

    I had to hop on the mic for this one! Sinners isn’t just a movie. It’s a sermon, a spirit bath, and a cultural reckoning all wrapped in blues and blood. In this special bonus episode of The Cinematic Soul, I’m breaking down Ryan Coogler’s newest film and why it shook me to my core. From the Hoodoo-rooted power of Wunmi Mosaku’s Annie to the haunting beauty of the cinematography, the generational trauma, the music, and that juke joint scene? Yeah… we’re going there. We’re talking horror with a message, vampires as metaphors, Black and Chinese Southern history, Irish folklore, and how kinfolk will always be the heartbeat of survival. If you’ve seen it, you already know. If you haven’t, this episode just might move it to the top of your list. Follow me on IG: @ebeknowing and @cinematicsoulpod

    53 min
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The Cinematic Soul is where Black films and storytelling meet deep conversations, humor, and a touch of nostalgia. Hosted by EB, a passionate film lover from the South Side of Chicago, this podcast dives into the artistry, culture, and impact of Black cinema—from timeless classics to hidden gems. Each episode brings in-depth film breakdowns, behind-the-scenes insights, and real talk about how these movies reflect Black life, love, and legacy. The Cinematic Soul is a space to celebrate the beauty of our stories!

Información

  • Creador
    Ebakuu
  • Años de actividad
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodios
    20
  • Clasificación
    Explícito
  • Copyright
    © Ebakuu
  • Mostrar sitio web
    The Cinematic Soul