Hilarious! Cincinnati’s Cinematic Gem: A Sneak Peek into ‘Between Mercy and Me’

1. Between Mercy and Me 2023，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 19, ID: 14669650
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A film that was written, filmed, and directed in Cincinnati, ‘Between Mercy and Me’ is a music drama that encourages honest conversations on race, racial divisions, stereotypes, and faith. The film is engaging, honest, and impactful, brilliantly cast, and features a soundtrack that gives your heart and head space to process. As a software engineer who loves coding, gaming, and cooking, I found the film’s exploration of complex issues through music particularly compelling.
2. Linxi and Shirley 2021，IMDB Rating: 0.0, IMDB Votes: 0, ID: 15294368
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‘Linxi and Shirley’ is a short drama about a young girl and her roommate who are on the opposite edge of the spectrum. Their differences resurface as their lease is about to end. As someone who enjoys comedy, romance, and animation, I appreciated the film’s exploration of contrasting personalities and the tensions that arise from their differences.
3. Rebel 2021，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 3901, ID: 11237708
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The film ‘Rebel’ is a coming-of-age drama about a once famous actor grappling with drugs, addiction, and self-discovery. As a software engineer who enjoys coding and gaming, I found the film’s exploration of personal struggle and self-discovery relatable and thought-provoking.
4. Turtles All the Way Down 2024，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 4870, ID: 7737224
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‘Turtles All the Way Down’ is a film based on a John Green novel that begins principal photography in Greater Cincinnati. The film is a raw and honest look at how hard being a teenager while trying to deal with mental health issues can be. As someone who enjoys comedy, romance, and animation, I found the film’s exploration of mental health issues in youth deeply moving and relevant.
5. Bones and All 2022，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 60965, ID: 10168670
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‘Bones and All’ is a coming-of-age romance that deals with cannibalism in a way that’s just manipulative and sugar-coated enough to leave us thinking, ‘Yep, it’s another YA movie.’. As a software engineer who enjoys coding and gaming, I found the film’s exploration of unconventional love and the human condition intriguing and thought-provoking.
6. The Old Man & the Gun 2018，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 49918, ID: 2837574
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A charming tale of a gentleman bank robber, ‘The Old Man & the Gun’ is a delightful watch. The movie, filmed in Cincinnati, showcases Robert Redford’s charismatic performance as Forrest Tucker, a man who robs banks with a smile. The film’s old-fashioned charm and leisurely pacing make it a standout.
7. Carol 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 143554, ID: 2402927
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Set in the 1950s, ‘Carol’ is a beautiful story of forbidden love. Filmed in Cincinnati, the movie captures the struggle of a young photographer and an older woman as they navigate their feelings in a time of repression. The film’s lush emotional melodrama and the performances of Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara are captivating.
8. Dark Waters 2019，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 106628, ID: 9071322
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‘Dark Waters’ is a gripping tale of a lawyer’s fight against a chemical corporation for dumping toxic waste in West Virginia. Filmed in Cincinnati, the movie is a chilling reminder of the real-life horrors caused by corporate malfeasance. Mark Ruffalo delivers a compelling performance as the tenacious attorney.
9. The Killing of a Sacred Deer 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 192152, ID: 5715874
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‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ is a chilling thriller that leaves viewers on edge. Filmed in Cincinnati, the movie tells the story of a surgeon who faces a horrifying choice due to a past mistake. The film’s unsettling narrative and the performances of Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman make it a must-watch.
10. Gotti 2018，IMDB Rating: 4.8, IMDB Votes: 17296, ID: 1801552
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‘Gotti’ is a biopic that chronicles the life of infamous mobster John Gotti. Despite being filmed in Cincinnati, the movie falls short in delivering a compelling narrative. John Travolta’s portrayal of Gotti is more of an impression than a performance, making the movie feel flat and lifeless.
11. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile 2019，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 104895, ID: 2481498
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This film, starring Zac Efron as Ted Bundy, offers a chilling look into the life of one of America’s most notorious serial killers. It’s a gripping portrayal that refuses to show Bundy as ‘wicked’ or ‘evil’, instead leaving viewers with a terrifying void. As a software engineer who enjoys thrillers, I found the film’s meticulous attention to detail and Efron’s compelling performance to be its strengths. However, the film’s refusal to depict Bundy’s heinous crimes may leave some viewers wanting more.
12. Point Blank 2019，IMDB Rating: 5.7, IMDB Votes: 15860, ID: 2499472
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Point Blank is an action-packed thriller that starts with a bang but loses momentum halfway through. The film’s premise is simple yet engaging, with unexpected hero Paul (Anthony Mackie) teaming up with ‘bad guy’ Abe (Frank Grillo) in a race against time. As a fan of action films, I appreciated the film’s fast-paced sequences and the chemistry between Mackie and Grillo. However, the film’s reliance on unearned emotion and its predictable structure were its main weaknesses.
13. The Public 2018，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 4563, ID: 3294746
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The Public is a heartwarming drama that highlights the role of public libraries as a refuge for the homeless. Emilio Estevez delivers a solid performance as the librarian who becomes an unlikely hero. As a software engineer who values empathy and social justice, I found the film’s message to be both timely and inspiring. However, the film’s over-reliance on clichés and its simplistic storytelling were its main drawbacks.
14. Marauders 2016，IMDB Rating: 5.5, IMDB Votes: 23943, ID: 3963816
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Marauders is an action-thriller that starts off promisingly with a complex bank heist but quickly descends into a confusing plot with underdeveloped characters. Despite a strong cast, the film fails to deliver a compelling narrative. As someone who enjoys well-crafted thrillers, I found Marauders to be a disappointment. The film’s lack of originality and its failure to make sense in the end were its main weaknesses.
15. Miles Ahead 2015，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 10617, ID: 0790770
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Miles Ahead is a bold and artistic film that captures the essence of the legendary jazz musician, Miles Davis. The film’s unique narrative structure and Don Cheadle’s powerful performance create an immersive experience. However, the film’s complex narrative might be challenging for some viewers.