Boxwalla is a really unique subscription box service that offers four different types of subscriptions: Food, Beauty, Books, and Film. Subscribers can subscribe to multiple boxes, or can hop around among the four boxes from shipment to shipment. Fun! I love movies! Boxwalla's website states, "'Art Cinema is Boring.' The Film Box challenges this notion by demystifying the work of the best filmmakers, by creating a context within which to view them."
Boxwalla kindly sent us this box for review purposes. (Check out our review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription Box: Boxwalla Film
The Cost: $49.95 per shipment (every two months)
The Products: Two films from The Criterion Collection plus an insert are mailed to you. Additional material is emailed to you before and after you have watched the films.
Ships to: US for free, Canada for $11.95, Internationally for $18.95
Check out all our Boxwalla reviews and the Artisan Subscription Box Directory!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
Boxwalla's packaging is beautiful! The box is really high quality and very sturdy. It could easily be used for storage or gifts. This letter was included with information about the films that I was sent. Honestly, I didn't read it before I watched the movies because I hate any kind of spoiler! I did read it afterwards, though, and it was helpful.
August's theme was "The Modernists." I received a post-film discussion, as promised, which I also read after watching the films. It, too, was very helpful.
Film #1: La Notte - Value $21.71 on Amazon (retail price $29.95)
Although my husband is not into film the way I am, he did watch this movie with me, and he instantly said, "Hey. It's that guy. The one who's in every Italian film." Haha! Of course he was referring to the male lead Marcello Mastroianni, and I was happy to see him again after seeing his breathtaking performance in June's 8 1/2! It's not completely accurate to say that we both enjoyed this film, but we were both definitely moved by it. Director Michelangelo Antonioni is famous for, among other things, showing the way people fail to connect, and at times the constant mis-firing of this married couple was heartbreaking. He is also famous for his urban scenes and a definite lingering effect, showing people interacting with their environment.
Film #2: Hiroshima Mon Amor - Value $21.53 on Amazon
I was on my own for this film, which is good because I don't know if my husband could have handled it. Parts of it were difficult to watch, for sure. Director Alain Resnais' first film was a documentary about concentration camps, and this film is a look at the devastation of Hiroshima told through a completely unsatisfying love story. It was an amazing movie, and its unique perspective added so much to the feeling of torment one experiences learning of the horrors of the Second World War. One of the hallmarks of good film (in my opinion) is how strongly the film leaves you feeling whatever emotion it makes you feel, and both of these films left me with a strong feeling of frustration. Well done, Boxwalla!
This is a peek at the post-film discussion that was sent following the movies via email.
Both movies are part of The Criterion Collection, which is an organization that works to preserve and restore classic and modern films that are considered important. The films are published in editions that offer the highest technical quality as well as fantastic supplemental material. As a note, the Criterion Collection will be removed from Hulu after November. At that point they are planning on launching their own streaming service in collaboration with TCM.
Verdict: I love Boxwalla Film. I have always loved classic, foreign, and independent films - basically all kinds of Important Movies - and taking a little time out to watch these movies truly nourishes my intellect. So far every movie they have sent has been pretty cerebral, and I appreciate it so much! I am also really loving building my film collection with smart, classic films!
In terms of value, the purchase price of these two films does not quite meet the cost of the box, but that's not really what this box is about. It's about curation, and I do find that the selection of two films to compare really adds to the experience. Plus, there is a lot of good information in the post-film discussion. I think a few months ago someone suggested using this subscription to start a movie club and pitching in as a small group. I think that's a wonderful idea to keep costs down! And it would give you friends to discuss the many ideas and questions that these films will surely fill your head with.
What do you think of Boxwalla Film box?
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.