Kanopy has many cinematic treasures available for you to stream for free using your Louisville Free Public Library card.  One of my current suggestions is rooted in fanatic film culture.  David and Nathan Zellner’s Kumiko: The Treasure Hunter takes inspiration from a true story and lays a cinematic reference to search for meaning in a death of a Japanese woman who traveled to Minnesota.

In the Zellner’s fascinating character story, a shy, socially awkward Japanese office worker discovers a VHS tape of the Coen Brother’s seminal film Fargo, and she believes that the treasure from the film is real, just waiting to be claimed.  With few resources, a strong will, and limited English skills; she sets off to Minnesota in the winter to embark on her quest.

The film is grounded by a riveting performance by Rinko Kikuchi, who was nominated for a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead for the role.  She had earlier received a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her work in Babel, and had roles in Pacific Rim, 47 Ronin, Sideways, and Westworld.

While the release of the new James Bond film No Time to Die has be delayed, there is campy, late 1960s criminal spy adventure Danger: Diabolik adapted from an Italian comic to keep you entertained.  Brilliantly filmed by Mario Bava and featuring a score by Ennio Morricone, the film stars John Phillip Law as the sleek, dashing Diabolik, a cunning anti-hero who masterminds outlandish heists. With high-modern sets, jaw-dropping action, and steamy romance; the film is one of the overlooked treasures of the 60s.

In addition to Kanopy, design documentarian Gary Hustwit is making his films available to stream for free during the COVID-19 crisis—one a week starting with Helvetica, his celebrated film about the typeface that has shaped much of global visual culture. You can watch it here through March 24.