Fu for Thought

In this episode we tackle the first sequel in the Rurouni Kenshin series, Kyoto Inferno. And if I do say so myself, we have a great conversation about it. We ask, "Does anything actually happen in this film?", I try to explore its themes and subtext, and we discuss the fantastic action direction and the film's usage of shaky cam. Later, we tackle listener questions ands probably go on far too long about the type of pirate we'd have sex with. Yes, that's as weird as it sounds. Enjoy!

The gang's all here as we chat about Gareth Evans' long awaited action extravaganza, HAVOC. I talk about my viewing experience and how it relates to graphic novels, we discuss the film's much talked about CGI, we hash out a few of the confusing plot devices and much, much more! Later, we answer some fantastic "Which of you is most like to...?" listener questions and Cyrus finally makes me edit an episode. Enjoy!

It's the entire crew this week as we dive into Vincent Zhao's battle-heavy God of War. I always thought Cyrus would like this one but does he? We discuss the film's not-so-fleshed out plot, the coolness of Samurai armour, tree spear thingies and Vincent Zhao's badass wife (in the film). Later, we answer listener questions. We talk about crimes we've committed, I bring up a story about how much of a d*ckhead I was when I was a teenager, and Cyrus gives us his list of red flags women can have. Enjoy!  

The man...the legend...the icon...Cyrus, is back! He dives back into the Fu for Thought foray to discuss Lau Kar Leung's comedic classic, DIRTY HO. I've avoided showing this one to Devan for years because I thought the "shenanigans" would annoy her. Well, she's finally seen it. Did she love it? Hate it? On this episode, we dicuss the concept of "covert fights," we wonder "What are the 7 Agonies all about?" and Devan expresses her dislike for the "killer cowbell." Later, we answer listener questions. Including whether we'd fight our parents in their prime and if Gordon Liu is an underrated actor. Enjoy!

This episode Devan and I discuss the ultra-violent Korean horror-action film, Project Wolf Hunting! We address the film's level of gore and how it feels different from other films, we bring up Britney Spears and later on we ask, "If you fought your parents, who would win?" Enjoy!

No Cyrus this week, but Devan and I sit down and discuss Patrick Tam's wuxia tragedy, THE SWORD. We get into the randomness of the first few scenes, Devan has qualms about sword lore and fight scene length, and I try (and probably fail) to dig deep for metaphor and symbolism. Tangents include our new adventures with the ol' marijuana. Later we discuss the joys of Christmas when you're a kid and kung fu cinema's finest swordsmen! Enjoy!    

I have to apologize in advance for this episode. It's the first ever solo episode. Go easy on me! On this week's episode I get into 1974's Sonny Chiba classic, THE STREET FIGHTER. I ask, "What makes a karate man?", compare its choreography style to early 70's Bashers, and ask you guys to give me your favourite year in martial arts cinema. After a technical blip, I jump into listener questions. Including an impromptu rant about CGI. Enjoy!

This week we delve into the underworld of Indonesian crime with Timo Tjahanto's latest action epic, THE SHADOW STRAYS. We kick the show off with some important Fu for Thought news and then jump into the review. Varied opinions on this one from the old Fu for Thought crew!   We talk about the juxtaposition between 13 and Umbra, the film's graphic violence, and how gimp masks add an extra layer to a villain. As well as loads more.   Later, we get into listener questions and discuss the feminine qualities of Lord of the Rings orcs, Devan makes a difficult decision between Thor and Black Panther, and we ask, "Are jump scares actually good?"   Enjoy!

It's spooky season so we decided to get a bit ominous and eerie with the 2024 Korean horror, EXHUMA. A bit of a wild ride, this one. It seems one of the things I like about the film, Devan and Cyrus don't (the whole "severe left turn" thing), both Devan and Cyrus ask, "Why's it so big!?" and one of us (and trust me, it's not who you think) wants MORE jump scares. As well as film banter, Cyrus makes Devan spit out her drink...twice. Cyrus tells the story of when he saw people in his closet and I divulge why I'm scared of haunted houses (spoiler: it's racism).   Enjoy!

I decided to take it easy on Devan and Cyrus this week and allow them to watch a movie they already love, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES. It's me who had his mind changed this episode. We discuss the now infamous British censorship of this film (and the cartoon), whether or not Judith Hoag is a "timless beauty", and whether it's filled with enough Asian stereotypes to make it racist. Devan brings up her TMNT sleeping bag, while I bring up my very weird childhood duvet cover. Cyrus kicks things off with a health update. We, of course, answer the classic questions: who is your favorite turtle? But along the way, I tell about half a dozen embarrassing stories from my teenage years and we talk about how we would be able to kill wolves. Enjoy!

We are Cyrus-less again this week, but me and Devan sit down for a little change of pace and review the Korean classic, A BITTERSWEET LIFE. We do a deep dive on the film's themes, discuss whether this is a gangster film or revenge film (or both), and, of course, gush over the amazing action sequences. Later on, we answer listener questions and discuss Quentin Tarantino's recent reveal that he'll never watch Toy Story 4. Enjoy!

It's just me and Devan this week and we get heavy into shapes with Sammo Hung's kung fu classic, THE VICTIM. Devan reiterates her love of weapons, I question the legitimacy of Wilson Tong's "The Foot Doctor" nickname, and I try to explain to Devan the ending of The Thundering Mantis. We also discuss Devan's newfound enjoyment of kung fu cinema and how it differs massively from what she used to think about the genre. Of course, we also answer a smattering of listener quesions, Devan tells an emasculating story about our recent trip to a fair, and more! Enjoy!

You know what they say, "When the cat's away, the mice will be morons." No Devan this week so me and Cyrus sit down to review Brandon Lee's RAPID FIRE. After Cyrus discusses his recent medical issues, we get into talking about the "aura" of 90's action films. I point out some of the influences I spotted in the film, we question the "Italian-ness" of the villains, and highlight some of the nods of Bruce Lee scattered throughout the film. Later, we answer listener questions about movie spoilers, Black History Month, and where we would place a third ear if ear had one. Enjoy!

This episode we finally dip our toes into the complex world of Chor Yuen and review BLACK LIZARD. We discuss the film's incredible atmosphere, get baffled over the ins and outs of the plot, and try to get to the bottom of the final death scene. Later, we answer listener questions. We talk about the MCU, I tell a story about when I once tried to impress a girl, and we come up with some awesome spy names. Enjoy!

Seagal is back! This week we sit down and review the 2001 Stephen Seagal/DMX teamup film, EXIT WOUNDS. We question some of the film's questionable lines, discuss Seagal's magic pistol, express our upset at DMX doing a cartwheel and ask, "Did the captain fancy Seagal?" Also, strap in for our brand new game - FRONT OR BACK? And bask in the glow of our magnificent Game of Thrones impressions. NOTE: We have some minor audio issues in this episode. I think I cranked our mics a little high, so you may want to turn your volume down slightly before listening. ENJOY!

This week we review ONCE UPON A TIME IN SHANGHAI and ask, "Is this kind of...sort of...a Bruceploitation film?" We discuss Andy On's comic book-like villain, Cyrus tells us that he was oblivious to the film's color palette and Devan suggests that that's Yuen Cheung-yan's real voice. Later on we answer listener questions where we find our brand new favorite listener/viewer, Devan reveald her absolute hatred of cockroaches and Cyrus wonders if he can punch Paul Rudd. Enjoy!

Put your kids to bed early because this one's for the grown folks! In this episode, Cyrus and I review the legendary CAT III sleaze-fest, SEX AND ZEN. We discuss which part of movie we think Devan would hate the most, criticize sloppy wedding kissers, delve into the ins and out of flute-centric shenanigans and ask, "Did this film really need a Martial Arts Director?" Later we answer listener questions, including synonyms for saucy parts, which parts of our lives we'd re-do and whether the film would be awkward to watch together. Basically, we get filthy, lewd and x-rated. Enjoy!

This week on the podcast I treat Devan to a shenanigan-less Yuen Woo Ping film with LEGEND OF THE A FIGHTER (1982). You'll be surprised by who likes this one and who's pretty indifferent to it. We discuss the structure of the film and how it defies the norms of the kung fu genre, we question Yasuaki Kurata's character's coughing, I get bamboozled over there being two Eagle Claw styles in the film and Devan may have a blossoming love for Phillip Ko Fei. Later, we get into some bonkers listener questions including one about fighting a four-armed celebrity, Cyrus tries to pick out some lame superheroes and we debate which Power Rangers Zord was the best. Enjoy!

Those Girls with Guns are back! And so is Cyrus! This week we review the action heavy cop thriller, ANGEL TERMINATORS. Devan talks anout enjoying female-centric fight scenes, we all get baffled by how characters are related to one another and I express my chagrin at an under-used Dick Wei. Later we whiz through listener questions as an attempt to keep the episode short and we wrap things up with an argument about my Italian hand gestures. Mamma mia!

No Cyrus this week, but Devan and I jump feet first into discussing CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON. We recall how we thought the film was more complicated than it is, we gush over the incredible fight choreography and ask, "Is the flashback jarring?" We also take a swing at the film's themes, including heroicism versus villainy, the petulence of Jen and the overall focus on love and romance. Later, we answer listener questions, have a surprise cameo from long-time listener, Ramma, and Devan sings us a ditty. Enjoy!

On this weeks episode of the podcast we return to both Shaw Brothers and Shaolin to unravel the murder mystery of SHAOLIN INTRUDERS. We ask Devan whether she's changed her mind on Shaolin films, Cyrus surprises us all and, as always, I gush over what I think is an unheralded classic. With all its weapon fights, does Devan absolutely love this one? Later, I give the other two some solid "Would you rather?" questions and we chat about weird dreams (I take it to a dark place!). Enjoy!

This week on the podcast we review the utterly bonkers (but highly enjoyable) ROAD HOUSE remake. We ask Devan to rate Conor McGregor's cheeks, discover some Easter Eggs and do our best (or worst) "DALTON!" yells. Later, we answer listener questions and discuss our run ins with bouncers and the oldest/newest films we'd put o our "Top 250 films of all time" list. Enjoy!

This week on the podcast we sit down and try to decipher the utterly confounding plot of No Retreat, No Surrender 3. We question Loren Avedon's "Russia jacket," I gush over the legendary scaffold jump and Devan hands out another one of her legendary nicknames. Later, we answer listener questions and talk about heartbreaking films, newly discovered music and we write the ultimate Romcom. Enjoy!

No Devan this week, unfortunately. But Cyrus and I sit down and discuss the ins and outs of Yuen Woo Ping's modern classic, Yuen Woo Ping's Tiger Cage II. I ask Cyrus, "Do you need a reason to have a fight scene?", Cyrus tslks about the film's hilarious (and offensive) dub track and we both agree that squibs are always better than CGI. Later on we answer listener questions and get into an important discussion about Lil Jon's "Get Low." Enjoy!

Love is in the air! On our Valentine's Day special epiode of the Fu for Thought podcst, we review Wong Kar Wai's emotional, thought provoking masterpiece, In the Mood for Love. We get DEEP with this one and discuss the film's various themes, metaphors and ideas. We dive into Chan's (Maggie Cheung's) Singapore visit, the importance of the colour red and we ask if the two leads are ever physically intimate. Later on we answer listener questions about romance and list off our favourite Rom Coms. Enjoy!

This week, we get knocked out and slapped back to consciousness by the latest in the "Crime City" series, The Roundup: No Way Out. We discuss the big laughs in the film, the construction of the fight sequences and the fact that the the film's violence is actually relatively safe. After Devan's oh-so-subtle signal, we answer listener questions and get into one of our favourite podcast discussion about which is scarier: an otter with a knife or an eagle with a gun. Enjoy!

After an illness induced hiatus, we're BACK! This week, we discuss Jackie Chan's globe trotting classic, Operation Condor. Devan wants proof that Jackie's a treasure hunter, I gush over the film's comedic sensibilities and reminisce about the time I believed Chan did all of his own stunts. But the big question is, "Has Devan finally found a Jackie film she likes?" Later, we answer listener questions and do our best to recall Fu for Thought's "greatest hits." Enjoy!

We see 2023 off with a bang by watching and reviewing the infamous "so bad it's good" film, SAMURAI COP (1991). We ask, "Did this film actually have an editor?", question the gratuitous and, let's face it, gross, sex scenes and jointly roll our eyes at the film's racial jokes.I argue that Samurai Cop is a riot, to be watched with friends and Devan...well...she thinks differently. Later we answer listener questions and talk about whay films we'd watch for the first time again, if we had the chance. Enjoy!

On this week's episode, we discuss the merits of the straight-to-sreaming Zatoichi homage, EYE FOR AN EYE: THE BLIND SWORDSMAN. I get pretty ranty as I go on a one man crusade for equality in cinema. Besides that, Devan asks "Is Stevie Wonder really blind?", Cyrus tells us about him trying to assist his "lady friend" in the bathroom and we all go back and forth about which animal has the worst potty mouth. It's a fun one!

We are Cyrus-less this week but Devan and I have a good ol' fashioned chinwag about Lau Kar Leung's Tiger and Crane classic, Executioners from Shaolin. I question the mechanics of the pressure point training dummy, Devan confesses that she didn't know the villain was Pai Mei and we both ask, "Is the final fight scene really any good?" Later, we have fun with listener questions and discuss Thanksgiving food, tattoos and much more. Enjoy!

This episode, we jump feet first into the filmography of Ringo Lam and review his brutal and bloody kung fu film, Burning Paradise! The review soon turns into a discussion comparing martial arts cinema fans to non-martial arts cinema fans and I think some really interesting points were brought up. Later, we answer listener questions including, "When is movie violence too much?" and Devan gives us the funniest way of winning an MMA fight. Enjoy!

It's our HALLOWEEN SPECIAL! This week, we review what is considered one of the greatest Asian horror movies of all time, THE WAILING. We ask a LOT of questions. What's up with the shaman's ritual? What was the father's original sin? And much more. Later on, Devan cracks herself up, we answer a few spoooooooky listener questions and Devan finds a quick and easy way to take care of Michael Myers. Enjoy!

This week, we get down and dirty with Iko Uwais, Tony Jaa, Scott Adkins and a million other martial arts stars as we review Jesse V. Johnson's "B-movie Expendables." I talk about how you can come at this film from two different angles, Devan gives her opinion on who the best actor in the film is and Cyrus remains adamant about his very particular opinion of the movie. Later, we answer listener questions and I am forced to reveal what might be the most embarrassing thing I've ever said on the podcast. Enjoy!

This week we dip our toes back into the Heroic Bloodshed sub genre and watch John Woo's bullet riddled masterpiece, The Killer. Devan kicks off a great discussion about the John Wick style of gunplay compared to the "spray and pray" stylings of John Woo, we discuss the film's "good versus evil" themes as well as the famous religious iconography. Later, Cyrus and Shaun debate what the great shootout of all time is. Then, of course, we tackle listener questions. Enjoy!

This week we celebrate Shawtember and delve back into the directorial filmography of Lau Kar Leung with SHAOLIN MANTIS (1978). Devan elaborates on how it's definitely a film of two halves, Shaun tries to explore the film's themes and both end up disappointed by Gordon Liu's very insubstantial cameo. Later on, Devan blows Shaun's mind with a speech about "shapes versus weapons." Then it's on to the usual listener questions and all that good stuff. Enjoy!

This week we review 2019's Korean serial killer thriller, THE GANGSTER, THE COP, THE DEVIL and Cyrus gets his first taste Don Lee literally slapping someone silly. We go over the interesting themeso of what the "devil" represents, discuss Korean fight choreography and applaud the blurring of lines found throughout the film. Later on, we answer listener questions where we chat about the underrated one-liners found in comedies, what film we'd have an alien watch and Cyrus gives us his views on how to beat The Hulk. Enjoy!

In this week's Cyrus-less episode, Devan and I sit down to talk about the John Woo co-directed wuxia film, REIGN OF ASSASSINS. We compare the film to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Devan asks, "Is there such thing as good wire fu?" We also discuss the villain's crazy motivation and express our chagrin at Michelle Yeoh being dubbed. Later, we answer listener questions and compare the American vocabulary to the British vocabulary. Enjoy!!

On this episode we head back to the old school and one of us reveals that they "Don't really like drunken boxing." Scandalous! We talk about the movie's (lack of) logic, Devan gives us her best kung fu sound effects and Cyrus showers the film with some rare positivity! Later, we answer listener questions, including who we think could lift Thor's hammer, and I reveal my teenage fashion fads. Enjoy!

This week Cyrus and I (no Devan, I'm afraid) sit down and discuss the bow and arrow centric Korean movie, War of the Arrows. We discuss how much we like archery, some of the film's more interesting lines of dialog and its surprising brutality. Later we answer listener question where I talk about the massive disappointment that was Masters of the Universe and Cyrus reveals hia awkward internet search history. Enjoy!

This week we delve into our first Bruceploitation film! I played it safe by going for one of the best but let's just say there were "mixed" views. Devan debates whether this film is a Bruceploitation movie or a biopic, I get salty about Devan implying there are too many fight scenes and Cyrus...well, let's just say her has very "Cyrus" views. Later, we answer listener questions. I get made about Mission: Impossible III and we play a game where Cyrus reveals he knows more about my wife than I do. Enjoy!

In this episode we sit down to have a pretty in-depth conversation about Zhang Yimou's colorless classic, Shadow. We ask, "Who is the shadow in Shadon?" and discuss the film's many subtexts and metaphors. We also ask, "What's up with that final scene?" Later on we answer listener movie questions and you, the listeners, finally get to hear exactly what Devan and Cyrus look for in a film. Enjoy! **WARNING - There may be an audio issue on this episode where we sound overly loud. Sorry about that. Please adjust your volume accordingly!**

We're moving up in the world! Things get a little weird in this episode because, for the first time, we're on camera! "Why?" you might ask. Keep your eyes peeled for our upcoming YouTube channel! In this episode we discuss the latest (and greatest?) John Wick outing. We ask, "How does John Wick travel?" and question whether he's now a full on superhero. Devan has a LOT to say in this episode as the ultimate John Wick apologist and shoots down my minor critiques (rightly so). Later, we get super weird as we discuss Artistic Licene, our favorite kung fu cinema villains and the possibility of Cyrus and I getting intimate. Enjoy!

This episode, we revisit Corey Yuen and one of his most popular examples of the "Girls with Guns" sub genre. We ask, "Is the princess dead?", Cyrus asks "Is the motorcyclist dead?" and we all ask "Is Yuen Wah dead?" Lots of wondering whether people are dead, this episode. We also ponder what happened to the baby, I explain Chekhov's Gun and two out of three of us didn't like Sammo Hung in this one. Later we answer a boatload of listener questions, including a brain busting Hulk Hogan based conundrum. Enjoy!

The fellas are on our own for this episode and when the cat's away, the mice will play! We dive head first into Corey Yuen's vibrant videogame adaptation and ask "Can Jaime Pressly do the splits?" We discuss the grossness of "upskirt" photos, the fact that Collin Chou should have been a superstar and whether Holly Valance is doing a British accent or not. Later, we rate some "old ladies of Hollywood" and Cyrus gerts let off the leash to discuss Dragon Ball Z. It's a fun one. Enjoy!

I give Cyrus a break from martial arts this week and we watch the controversial Japanese classic, BATTLE ROYALE.  We discuss exactly how we'd survive a Battle Royale scenario, we question the film's weird dream sequences and we ask, "Who has the best weapon?" Later, we go nuts with the listener questions and try to answer how many children we could take in a fight. We also tackle the amount of money someone could pay us for us to poop our pants. It's a wild one.

No Cyrus this week, I'm afraid. But Devan puts on her big girl pants and braves the world of low budget, old school kung fu flicks! How does she feel about John Liu? Does she appreciate Hwang Jang Lee's eagle's claw style? Does she get the dose of weapons action she so often craves? Listen to find out! Later, we discuss imaginary business ideas (and I go off on a weird sex-positivity tangent), Devan debates if she'd rather not have a nose or be blind, I discuss Fu for Thought's exciting future and much more! Enjoy!

In this episode. me, Devan and Cyrus return to the world of chain punching as we watch the unofficial prequel to Donnie Yen's Ip Man movies. We answer the question. "Are we tired of Wing Chun," I get confused about the film's controversy and Cyrus has some harsh words. Later on, we answer listener questions which involves discussing actors in fat suits. popular musicians we don't like all that much and foods we love to cook. Enjoy!

The things we do for this podcast! This week we watch the 1994 videogame adaptation, Double Dragon.  We ask "Why is a 30 year old playing an 18 year old?" as well as "Why is Scott Wolf in this film at all?" Devan  gets angry, we all get confused about a particular character (Abobo) and we question the film's depiction of 2007 technoogy. As always we answer listener questions and Devan reveals how terrified she is of AI. This one was quite a ride. Enjoy!

It's just me and Cyrus this week. We start off strong by demonstrating our total lack of knowledge when it comes to American geography. Then we jump into discussing the film, as per usual. Later on, we dive into listener questions and discuss musical collaborations, whether Jackie Chan or Sammo Hung is the better director and making friends as an adult. Enjoy!

This week we review our first ever Michael Jai White film, Blood and Bone. We start the show by talking about Downton Abbey for far too long before I rave about Kamen Rider. Later, we ask, "What's up with Michael Jai White's pants?" and "Is Rufio allowed to say that?" before discussing Eamonn Walker's Oscar worthy performance. As per usual, we have many tangents and answer listener questions!

Episode ONE HUNDRED, baby! We made it! This week we sit down and talk about Jackie Chan's groundbreaking film, Project A. We discuss Dick Wei, Devan suggests that maybe the plot is a little convoluted and we all admire the famous clock tower stunt. Later on, we answer listener questions and tell stories about when our parents embarrassed us (I also tell a story about how I embarrassed my mum with karate). Thank you to everyone that's stuck with us for a hundred episodes! Here's to a hundred more!