Photo By Nick Fancher / DTS

Culture | 12.03.2023

The Cinematic High: Top 5 Movies To Elevate Your Perception

Pairing epic movies with potent strains.

Embarking on a cinematic journey with a heightened sense of perception can turn a movie night into an experience that resonates beyond the rolling credits. We will delve beyond the ordinary and explore the nuanced bond between the sublime narrative arcs of masterful cinema and the serene drift brought about by a soothing cannabis-induced haze.

This isn’t about the usual stoner comedies or psychedelic visuals, but about films that, with their compelling storytelling and indelible characters, offer a richer exploration when viewed through a softer, herb-altered lens. Our carefully curated list, peppered with legendary directors and complex plots, seeks to bring you a transcendent viewing experience that moves well beyond the superficial.

Light up, let the curtain of reality lift gently, and prepare to dive deep into these cinematic realms that promise to linger in your consciousness long after. The following five films, profound in their narrative and craftsmanship, beckon the herb aficionado with a promise of a journey into the heart of extraordinary storytelling.

Before we dive into the films, let’s see what you’ll be smoking (or eating) this evening. Below, we’ve included two stellar options for movie nights: the strongest legal gummy in history and a pack of pre-rolls for the whole gang. Check them out below.

The BFG: 3000mg Delta-9 THC Gummy by Binoid

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This gummy is the ultimate party starter. And it was designed to be shared with the whole squad. We’re thrilled to introduce you to the largest legal THC gummy ever made, The BFG from Binoid

Can you guess what BFG stands for? Well, this big effin’ gummy contains 3000mg of premium Delta-9 THC and over 15,000mg of Delta-8 THC. Check out the available flavors below:

  • Blueberry Delight
  • Sour Watermelon
  • Cherry Apple

But how can the entire squad split one gummy? Binoid conveniently included a serving guide on the packaging, demonstrating how to divide the gummy for precise doses. 

Speaking of dosing, it’s crucial to be extra careful when dividing this gummy, as it’s extremely potent and will take you to Mars. Can your tolerance handle it? Order now and find out…responsibly.

THCA Pre-Rolls 3-Pack/6-Pack by Bloomz

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If your group’s more of the smoking kind, consider sparking up with Bloomz’s THCA Pre-Rolls, available in a 3-pack or a 6-pack (psst, get the 6-pack and receive one EXTRA FREE joint for a total of 7).

These brand-new pre-rolls are taking the market by storm, satisfying connoisseurs with heady THCA, the legal version of Delta-9 THC. Inside each joint is one gram of Bloomz’s popular Indoor THCA Hemp Flower, grown by the finest artisanal cultivators in Oregon and Colorado.

Now available in two potent strains:

  • Airheadz
  • Grape Frosty

These best-in-class THCA Pre-Rolls are incredibly potent, as THCA becomes Delta-9 THC when heated. But don’t fret; they’re legal nationwide per the 2018 Farm Bill. Get yours now and take movie night to the next level.

1. Heat (1995)

Photo By IMDb

In the world of crime thrillers, Michael Mann’s magnum opus, “Heat,” stands in a league of its own, painting a gritty and meticulous picture of both sides of the law. As the narratives of a seasoned detective, portrayed by Al Pacino, and a masterful criminal, played by Robert De Niro, entwine and clash amidst the urban sprawl of Los Angeles, the film dives into a complex examination of obsession, honor, and the thin line between good and evil.

When paired with the calm introspection offered by a gentle herbal haze, “Heat” morphs into a cerebral voyage that pushes beyond the typical cat-and-mouse chase. The strategic mind games played out on a sprawling urban chessboard are accentuated, and each carefully crafted dialogue becomes a philosophical probe into the human psyche. The film’s iconic face-off scene between Pacino and De Niro, a subtle yet charged conversation over a cup of coffee, is a moment of cinematic gold that resonates with an even sharper profundity.

Moreover, Mann’s meticulous attention to detail, seen in the realism of the heist sequences and the depth of character exploration, takes on a new dimension. The atmospheric tension, amplified by a haunting score and the rhythmic pulse of LA’s nocturnal heartbeat, heightens the senses, enveloping you in a cloak of introspection that only deepens as the narrative unfolds.

As the drama escalates towards its poetic yet heart-wrenching climax, you find yourself entwined in a narrative so masterfully orchestrated that it leaves a lingering touch. The marriage of a mindful herb-induced serenity with the intricately layered narrative of “Heat” promises an immersive cinematic experience that resonates on a profoundly human level, making every scene, every confrontation, and every quiet moment of reflection a riveting encounter with the nuanced complexities of morality and the human condition.

The score of “Heat” by Elliot Goldenthal is nothing short of a sonic masterpiece that impeccably mirrors the pulsating drama unfolding on screen. In a serene herbal haze, each note resonates deeper, pulling you further into the heart of “Heat’s” profound narrative exploration, making the experience not merely a visual delight but an auditory voyage through the complex emotional tapestry that binds the characters to their destiny. The score is a testimony to the film’s timeless appeal, elevating every frame into cinematic poetry that lingers in the silences long after.

Cannabis Strain Pairing: Granddaddy Purple

2. Chinatown (1974)

Photo By The Ace Black Movie Blog

The subtle artistry of Roman Polanski’s “Chinatown” morphs into a cerebral labyrinth when viewed through the lens of a calm herbal haze. This iconic noir, with Jack Nicholson at the helm, portrays a convoluted tale of deceit, corruption, and unrequited love amidst the backdrop of a drought-ridden 1930s Los Angeles. As private investigator J.J. Gittes delves deeper into a case that unravels the city’s dark underbelly, viewers, too, are pulled into a complex narrative that hints at broader societal malaise.

The timeless allure of “Chinatown” is significantly heightened by its evocative score, composed by the legendary Jerry Goldsmith. Crafted within a mere ten days, Goldsmith’s score is nothing short of a masterstroke, enveloping the narrative in a veil of haunting nostalgia and unresolved mystery. The opening trumpet solo is etched with a melancholy that effortlessly transports the audience to the grim yet enticing world of 1930s Los Angeles. The score of “Chinatown” stands as a testament to Goldsmith’s impeccable ability to meld musical notes with narrative beats, creating an atmospheric symphony that lingers in the consciousness long after the screen fades to black.

Moreover, the vintage aesthetic of “Chinatown”, enriched by its authentic set design and soft, golden-hued cinematography, acquires a dream-like quality. As the plot thickens and moral boundaries blur, the serenity of your herbal companion accentuates the somber tone, making Gittes’ journey not merely a viewing experience but a reflective expedition into the stark realities of a bygone era.

“Chinatown” is not merely a film but a masterfully woven narrative that, with the aid of a gentle high, becomes a transcendental venture into a world where truth holds a bitter yet enlightening flavor. It’s an invitation not just to observe, but to delve deep into the murky waters of human complexity, turning a classic mystery tale into a philosophical dialogue that lingers well beyond the credits roll.

Cannabis Strain Pairing: Blue Dream

3. Apocalypse Now (1979)

Photo By Turner Classic Movies (TCM)

The surreal and haunting voyage that is “Apocalypse Now” embarks into the heart of darkness, not merely on screen but in the minds of its audience. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this masterwork of cinema delves into the horrors and absurdities of war, painting a surreal tapestry that oscillates between the horrific and the hypnotic. The narrative threads through the murky waters of morality and sanity as Captain Willard, portrayed by Martin Sheen, journeys upriver to confront the enigmatic and rogue Colonel Kurtz, a role embodied chillingly by Marlon Brando.

Under the gentle sway of an herb-induced calm, the harrowing journey morphs into a meditative exploration of the human psyche. The narrative, laden with philosophical musings and juxtaposed against the visceral imagery of a war-torn Vietnam, finds a deeper resonance. The eerie calm of the river, coupled with the hypnotic rhythm of helicopter blades and distant artillery, forms a rhythm that lulls and jolts in equal measure.

Coppola’s meticulous framing and haunting imagery become an introspective gaze into the abyss of human nature, each frame holding a mirror to the viewer’s own perception of right and wrong. The film’s score and sound design, layered with haunting ambient sounds and period-centric tracks, amplify the surreal atmosphere, inviting a contemplative silence amidst the cacophony of war.

“Apocalypse Now” is not merely a film; it’s an experience that, when coupled with the ethereal detachment offered by a soothing high, becomes a philosophical journey through the fog of war and into the heart of mankind’s darker inclinations. The ambiguity of its narrative, heightened by the psychedelic visuals and haunting dialogues, renders each scene a canvas for personal reflection and existential pondering. Each stroke of Coppola’s directorial brilliance, when experienced in the tender haze of herb, promises to linger in the mind, urging a deeper exploration into the human condition long after the echoes of war fade into silence.

Cannabis Strain Pairing: Strawberry Cough

4. The Shining (1980)

Photo By IMDb

Stepping into the eerie corridors of the Overlook Hotel alongside Jack Torrance in Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” is a venture into the unknown, a chilling exploration of the human psyche and the supernatural. This seminal work of horror cinematically portrays a descent into madness amidst the frozen solitude of an off-season mountain resort. Kubrick’s meticulous direction, combined with Jack Nicholson’s spine-chilling performance, creates a tense atmosphere ripe for a heightened, herb-enhanced viewing.

With the gentle embrace of a herbal haze, the meticulously crafted frames of “The Shining” take on a surreal quality. The grandiose, haunting halls of the Overlook become a playground for the imagination, with every sinister whisper and echoing footstep resounding through the eerie silence. The chilling score by Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind threads through the narrative, its haunting tunes escalating the tension, intertwining with the spiraling insanity on screen to create a relentlessly unsettling atmosphere.

The experience is amplified by the sinister unfolding of Jack’s descent into madness. His transformation is not merely an on-screen horror, but a psychologically daunting experience, which under the veil of a gentle high, becomes a hypnotic, albeit eerie dance of shadows and fears. The rhythm of the dissonant chords couples seamlessly with the dread-laced visuals, creating a tapestry of terror and awe.

Furthermore, Kubrick’s visual storytelling, laden with symbolism and metaphoric imagery, invites a deeper gaze, offering a fertile ground for introspection and discussion. The intricacies of “The Shining” are many, and under the nuanced perception offered by a calming high, the film unveils layers of meaning, making every viewing a unique venture into its darkly rich narrative.

“The Shining” is more than a horror film; it’s a cerebral excursion into the dark recesses of human nature, a venture made all the more haunting and profoundly beautiful through the haze of a thoughtful high. Kubrick’s masterpiece invites not merely a viewing, but an examination of the fragile veneer of sanity under siege by supernatural forces, offering a chilling yet mesmerizing cinematic experience.

Cannabis Strain Pairing: Northern Lights

5. Signs (2002)

Photo By Little White Lies

The calm yet eerie unraveling of “Signs” by M. Night Shyamalan beckons an exploration into the unknown that is both thrilling and meditative. Set against the serene backdrop of a quaint farmhouse, this sci-fi thriller delves into the realms of faith, family, and the extraterrestrial. As the Hess family, led by Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix, navigate a series of mysterious crop circles and ominous occurrences, the audience is drawn into a narrative filled with suspense, humor, and existential reflections.

When coupled with a tranquil herbal haze, “Signs” transforms into a contemplative experience. The simplistic yet profound exploration of faith in the face of the unknown acquires a deeper resonance. Shyamalan’s nuanced storytelling, characterized by its slow-burn tension and thoughtful dialogue, unfolds gracefully amidst the enhanced perception, allowing viewers a tender exploration of the film’s thematic elements.

The carefully crafted ambiance of suspense, intertwined with moments of familial warmth, strikes a delicate balance that is heightened by the serene detachment offered by a gentle high. The chilling soundtrack by James Newton Howard accompanies the unfolding mystery with a harmonious blend of suspense and melancholy, each note accentuating the tender and terrifying moments that punctuate the narrative.

The subdued performances and the evocative cinematography, with its focus on the mundane turned eerie, become a canvas for the imagination, each frame holding more than meets the eye. As the story unfolds into a climactic confrontation between the earthly and the unearthly, the nuanced play of faith, fear, and family is laid bare, offering a transcendental narrative experience.

“Signs” is more than a thriller; it’s a poetic narrative that, under the tender embrace of a soothing high, invites a deeper examination of the human experience amidst the unfathomable. Each subtle hint, every moment of quiet dread, and the serene landscape become a meditative journey through the enigmatic, making “Signs” a profound cinematic expedition into the quiet yet profound corners of existence.

Cannabis Strain Pairing: Alien OG

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