This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 213! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey there friends!
Let me take you on a nostalgic trip with “Kim’s Video,” a documentary that feels like a love letter to anyone who has ever lost themselves in the aisles of a video rental store. I mean, do you remember the sheer joy of wandering around, picking up random VHS tapes or DVDs, and discovering hidden gems? Well, this film captures that vibe perfectly.
“Kim’s Video” follows the story of the legendary New York City video rental store of the same name. At its peak, Kim’s Video was like the Mecca for cinephiles, with its extensive and eclectic collection of movies. We’re talking about rare foreign films, obscure indie flicks, and cult classics that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. It was the place to be if you were serious about your movie watching.
The documentary kicks off by introducing us to the charismatic and slightly enigmatic Mr. Youngman Kim, the mastermind behind the store. He started it all with a small electronics shop that slowly morphed into a full-blown video rental empire. Mr. Kim’s passion for movies is infectious, and you can’t help but admire his dedication to curating such an incredible collection.
The heart of the story begins when Kim’s Video, like so many other rental stores, faces the inevitable decline brought about by the rise of digital streaming. Cue the sad violin music. 😢 It’s like watching your favorite childhood playground being torn down. But here’s where things get interesting. Instead of just fading into obscurity, Mr. Kim decides to do something extraordinary with his collection.
In a twist that feels straight out of a movie itself, Kim’s Video collection of 55,000 movies is donated to the small town of Salemi in Sicily, Italy. Yep, you heard that right. Thousands of miles away, in a picturesque but somewhat dilapidated town, the entire collection finds a new home. The idea was to create a cultural hub that would rejuvenate the town and keep the spirit of Kim’s Video alive. It’s like shipping a piece of New York’s indie film scene to the Italian countryside.
The documentary then shifts to follow the journey of these tapes and DVDs to Salemi. And let me tell you, it’s quite the ride. There’s a mix of excitement and melancholy as the collection is packed up and shipped off. The filmmakers do a fantastic job of capturing the emotions of long-time patrons and employees who are seeing an era end. It’s touching and, at times, heart-wrenching.
But here’s where things get interesting. The collection was supposed to be a cultural exchange, a way to bring new life to the struggling town. But when the tapes arrived in Salemi, they were stored in a warehouse and forgotten. Ten years later, a group of filmmakers and Kim’s Video fans discovered the collection and embarked on a quest to bring it back to life.
What I love about “Kim’s Video” is how it beautifully balances nostalgia with a forward-looking optimism. It’s not just about mourning the past but also about celebrating the possibilities of the future. The film is peppered with interviews from former customers, employees, and film critics, all of whom share their fondest memories of Kim’s Video. These anecdotes add a personal touch that makes you feel like you’re part of this quirky, passionate community.
The documentary also serves as a poignant reminder of the physicality of media. There’s something uniquely tactile about holding a DVD or VHS tape, a sense of ownership and connection that’s often lost in the digital age. It’s like comparing reading a paperback to scrolling through an e-book. There’s just something special about the former.
“Kim’s Video” isn’t just a film for movie geeks (though if you are one, you’ll love it even more). It’s also a reminder of the power of film to connect people, inspire creativity, and preserve our cultural heritage. But most importantly, it’s a celebration of the love of movies.
So yeah, if you’re looking for a film that’s off the beaten path, I highly recommend checking out “Kim’s Video.” It’s a quirky, funny, and surprisingly moving documentary that will leave you feeling nostalgic for the days of video stores and VHS tapes. And who knows, it might just inspire you to dust off those old VHS tapes and take a trip to your own personal archive of cinematic treasures. 📽️
Peace Out ✌️
Roger