1. Between Mercy and Me 2023，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 19, ID: 14669650 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Between Mercy and Me’ is a powerful music drama crafted in Cincinnati that sparks vital discussions about race, divisions, stereotypes, and faith, making it a film that resonates deeply with its audience. As a software engineer with passions for coding, gaming, and cooking, I was particularly struck by how the film uses music to tackle such complex and timely issues with sincerity and creativity.
2. Linxi and Shirley 2021，IMDB Rating: 0.0, IMDB Votes: 0, ID: 15294368 Photo by vridar.org, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 ‘Linxi and Shirley’ offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of a young girl and her roommate, highlighting their stark contrasts as their lease comes to an end, leading to a clash of personalities. With my love for comedy, romance, and animation, I found this short drama’s exploration of their differences both relatable and thought-provoking, showcasing the tensions that often arise in relationships.
3. Rebel 2021，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 3901, ID: 11237708 Photo by wordpress.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Rebel’ tells the compelling story of a former celebrity facing the harsh realities of addiction and the quest for self-discovery. As a software engineer who appreciates narratives of personal struggle, I found this coming-of-age drama not only relatable but also a thought-provoking reflection on the journey of finding oneself amidst chaos.
4. Turtles All the Way Down 2024，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 4870, ID: 7737224 Photo by unterrichten.zum.de, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 ‘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 Photo by sketchfab.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Bones and All’ presents a unique coming-of-age romance that tackles the taboo of cannibalism in a surprisingly sweet and endearing manner. As a software engineer who enjoys innovative storytelling, I found the film’s exploration of unconventional love and the complexities of human nature both engaging and intellectually stimulating.
6. The Old Man & the Gun 2018，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 49918, ID: 2837574 Photo by geograph.org.uk, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 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 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Carol’ immerses viewers in the 1950s with a poignant tale of forbidden love, centering on a young photographer and an older woman grappling with their emotions in a time of societal repression. The film’s rich emotional depth, along with the stunning performances by Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, creates an unforgettable cinematic experience that is hard to resist.
8. Dark Waters 2019，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 106628, ID: 9071322 Photo by 100daysinappalachia.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 ‘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 Photo by i1.wp.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 ‘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 Photo by static1.mojnews.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 ‘Gotti’ dives into the life of notorious mobster John Gotti, but despite its Cincinnati backdrop, it ultimately fails to deliver a riveting story. John Travolta’s portrayal felt less like a performance and more like an impression, resulting in a film that lacks the vibrancy and energy needed to truly captivate audiences.
11. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile 2019，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 104895, ID: 2481498 Photo by cyberculture.ro, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 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 Photo by arcadeclub.co.uk, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Point Blank kicks off with thrilling action, introducing unexpected hero Paul and the ‘bad guy’ Abe in a race against time, but it loses steam midway. As an action film enthusiast, I admired the film’s fast-paced sequences and the dynamic between Mackie and Grillo, yet its dependence on cliched emotions and predictable plot points hindered its overall impact.
13. The Public 2018，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 4563, ID: 3294746 Photo by letterstorob.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 The Public is a touching drama that emphasizes the importance of public libraries as safe havens for the homeless, with Emilio Estevez shining as the librarian turned unlikely hero. As a software engineer who prioritizes empathy and social justice, I found this film’s message incredibly timely and uplifting, although its reliance on clichés and straightforward storytelling were noticeable drawbacks.
14. Marauders 2016，IMDB Rating: 5.5, IMDB Votes: 23943, ID: 3963816 Photo by coyotepr.uk, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Marauders features a promising premise of a complex bank heist but quickly spirals into a muddled plot with underdeveloped characters. I, as a fan of well-crafted thrillers, found this film disappointing, as its lack of originality and confusing narrative left much to be desired by the end.
15. Miles Ahead 2015，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 10617, ID: 0790770 Photo by uct.ac.za, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Miles Ahead is an artistic exploration of jazz legend Miles Davis, blending a unique narrative style with Don Cheadle’s captivating performance to create an enriching experience. However, I recognize that the film’s complex storytelling may present challenges for some viewers, making it a thought-provoking yet potentially polarizing watch.
Discover Cincinnati’s Latest Cinematic Treasure: ‘Between Mercy and Me’ and Other Must-Watch Films!
