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The CHIRP Blog
KSanders writesTo the Criminal Belongs the Spoils: Reviews of “Ash is the Purest White” & “Birds of Passage”
This month CHIRP volunteer Kyle Sanders is attending the 2018 Chicago Interntional Film Festival and reporting on what he discovers there...
Crime never pays. Oh sure, it can give you a taste of power and riches, but there is always a constant struggle to maintain such control: you're always having to watch your back or sleep with one eye open to fend off anyone trying to knock you off the throne, be it the authorities, a rival crime lord, or even your own friends or family. It seems the higher you rise up, the further you descend into a hell of your own making. Is there a way out? Is there a way to start over? It can depend on the choices you make for yourself. Two films that provide us possible options screened at this year's Chicago International Film Festival provide us two different outcomes (due to festival restrictions, the following are "capsule reviews" of said films):
Ash is the Purest White: A devoted girlfriend lands herself in prison after covering for her Jianghu crime lord boyfriend. Five years later she is released, only to find that her lover has moved on and the gang world she was comfortably living in has very much changed. Determined to survive, she will use her tenacious wit to climb back to the top. Jia Zhangke directs this gripping crime drama that has surprising moments of humor and stunning cinematography showcasing China's metropolitan and rural landscapes.
Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writes@CHIRPRadio (Week of October 15)
EVENTS
- October 17 | Martyrs (3855 N. Lincoln Ave) | CHIRP's live music and lit series presents First Time : First Fall
- October 19 | Bottom Lounge (1375 W. Lake Street) | CHIRP Radio presents Titus Andronicus with a solo performance from Ted Leo
NEW MEDIA
- Amanda Roscoe Mayo interviews Twin Peaks
- Alli Klein chats with Bev Rage and The Drinks
- Kyle Sanders checks out the 2018 Chicago International Film Festival
KSanders writesCHIRP Radio Goes to the 2018 Chicago International Film Festival!
written by Kyle Sanders
Movie critic Roger Ebert put it best when he said "We are put on this planet only once, and to limit ourselves to the familiar is a crime against our minds." It's a quote I've unknowingly followed for years, specifically when it comes to movies. I love movies. And when you've seen as many films as I have, you tend to venture outside your comfort zone and search beyond the familiar to find a flick you've never seen before. Personally speaking, that which is unfamiliar to me are foreign films.
Of course, I've seen many of the classic international motion pictures that every film studies course recommends as essential viewing: The Grand Illusion, Seven Samurai, La Dolce Vita, Black Orpheus, Raise the Red Lantern and so on and so forth. But just like today's new releases of American cinema, who's to say what current foreign films will end up a classic? This is why each year during the month of October, I look forward to the Chicago International Film Festival.
SKaiser writes@CHIRPRadio (Week of October 1)
EVENTS
- October 6 and 7 | Dovetail Brewery (1800 W Belle Plaine Ave) | CHIRP is joining Dovetail Brewery and Begyle Brewing for the 3rd annual Oktoberfestiversary! The festival is free with a $5 suggested donation to benefit CHIRP Radio along with The Friendship Center, and Friendship Pet Food Pantry.
- October 6 and 7 | Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest (CTA Western Brown Line Stop) | Kick off the fall season with CHIRP at the family-friendly Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce's 31st Annual Apple Fest!
NEW MEDIA
- First Time: First Try with Kellye Howard
- Andrew Meriwether caught up with Kaya who records, produces, and performs her music under the moniker Okay Kaya
- Music and Malt: Half Acre Beer Co. by Rebecca Suzan
TOP OF THE CHIRP CHARTS
1. LaLa LaLa – The Lamb (Hardly Art)
2. Noname – Room 25 (self-released)
3. Joey Purp – Quarterthing (self-released)
Mike Nikolich writesBrace Yourself for Sparkletears at CHIRP Night at the Whistler!
written by Mike Nikolich
When Sparkletears delivers their sonic assault at CHIRP Night at the Whistler on Wednesday, Sept. 26, you may be surprised by what you hear and see.
The Chicago trio plays an infectious blend of garage rock, punk, surf and doo-wop that sounds familiar, until you realize those noisy guitars aren’t guitars, but an electric, solid-body ukulele. And, it isn’t a gimmick; it’s how this band rocks.