Heroic Purgatory: An Asian Cinema Podcast

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory we put on our wuxia hats and EastmanColor glasses for King Hu's 1967 iconic piece, Dragon Inn. It is a film of many influences coalesced into a Ming dynasty tale of brave warriors standing up to an evil eunuch's army, with beautiful action pieces and big emotional swings. We discuss how the film holds up today and how it compares with the more recent Tsui Hark produce New Dragon Gate Inn (1992). We hope you enjoy our discussion. Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2025/05/s5e5-dragon-inn.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

This week in the Heroic Purgatory podcast, we talk about Zhang Yimou's 2002 wuxia film, Hero, staring Jet Li, Maggie Cheung, and Tony Leung. A film as beautiful as it is controversial, Hero is one of the director's best known works, toping both Chinese and international box offices and catapulting the filmmaker into the world of commercial mainstream filmmaking. We hope you enjoy our discussion. Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2025/05/s5e4-hero-2002.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

This week, the Heroic Purgatory team travel to Edo period Japan to witness the bravery of 13 warriors against a tyrannical and sadistic lord. That's right, in this double whammy of an episode we discuss 13 Assassins, both the 1963 version directed by Eiichi Kudo and the 2010 version directed by Takashi Miike (with a light sprinkling of the 1990 version also thrown into the mix). Listen to the heated debate between John and Jason about which version is the better film. We hope you enjoy our discussion. Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2025/05/s5e3-13-assassins.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

The year is 1978. The place: a high school in Seoul, South Korea. The film: Once Upon a Time in High School. The Heroic Purgatory Asian Cinema Podcast is excited to bring you one of the most celebrated films of New Korean Cinema, Yoo Ha's 2004 coming of age story in an increasingly militaristic nation. John and Jason are joined by long time South Korean film reviewer Paul Quinn (http://www.hangulcelluloid.com/) to discuss the film themes, historical significance, and various references to Bruce Lee. We hope you enjoy our discussion. Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2025/04/s5e2-once-upon-time-in-high-school.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

The Heroic Purgatory Podcast returns with a brand new season, this time focusing in historical martial arts. We kickstart the fifth season with the 1972 Bruce Lee film, Fist of Fury. We discuss the film's historical context, action choreography, it's impact on Lee's career as well as its legacy in Hong Kong and Asian cinema. We hope you enjoy our discussion. Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2025/04/s5e1-fist-of-fury.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory, we celebrate the life and works of the recently passed David Lynch (1946 - 2025). We discuss Lynch's career and the films that left the biggest impression on our lives. Enjoy! Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2025/02/special-remembering-david-lynch.html Follow the show on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/heroicpurgatory.bsky.social Follow Jason on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/filmnohito.bsky.social Follow John on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmhimara.bsky.social

Yet another year is behind us, so John and Jason get back behind the mics on this special episode of Heroic Purgatory to discuss their favorite films of 2024. Enjoy! Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2025/02/special-best-of-2024.html Follow the show on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/heroicpurgatory.bsky.social Follow Jason on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/filmnohito.bsky.social Follow John on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmhimara.bsky.social

In another special episode of Heroic Purgatory, we take a right turn towards Texas to visit John Sayles' Lone Star, a film about history and identity. We discuss the film's authenticity, brilliant performances, and which version of history is right or moral. We hope you enjoy our discussion. Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2024/12/special-lone-star-1996.html Follow the show on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/heroicpurgatory.bsky.social Follow Jason on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/filmnohito.bsky.social Follow John on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmhimara.bsky.social

Halloween is here, and Heroic Purgatory is celebrating the spooky season with a spoonful of Roger Corman, Vincent Price, and Edgar Allan Poe. That's right, in this special episode we discuss Roger Corman's Poe cycle. Though we focus mostly on The Raven and The Pit and The Pendulum, we touch on all 8 films as well as other Corman and Price films in the scary category. We hope you enjoy our discussion. Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2024/10/special-corman-poe-cycle.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

In a season of female action heroes for the Heroic Purgatory podcast, we tackle what may be perhaps the first female action hero in the history of cinema: the iconic Ripley in Ridley Scott's 1979 seminal science-fiction horror film, Alien. From the special effects to the production design to the paradigm-shifting female-led action franchise, we can't help but admire every detail of this masterpiece. We hope you enjoy our discussion. Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2024/10/special-alien-1979.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory, we discuss Zhang Yimou's 2004 wuxia love story, House of Flying Daggers, staring Zhang Ziyi, Takeshi Kaneshiro, and Andy Lau. We discuss the film's impressive visuals, anti-authoritarian themes, and its place in Yimou's expansive filmography. We hope you enjoy our discussion. Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2024/08/s4e12-house-of-flying-daggers.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

Once again this year, the Heroic Purgatory podcast is covering the Japan Cuts 2024 film festival which took place between July 10 and 21. As usual, the podcast will present John's and Jason's favorite films of the festival. Additionally, this page includes short written reviews by John of the Japan Cuts movies he managed to see. Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2024/07/special-japan-cuts-film-festival-2024.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifiO

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory, in anticipation of the upcoming Japan Cuts 2024 film festival, we interview two members of Japan Society: director of film Peter Tatara, and programmer Alexander Fee. Find out more about the festival at: https://japansociety.org/film/japancuts/ We hope you enjoy our discussion! Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2024/07/special-interview-with-japan-society.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory, we take on a Hong Kong Yuen Biao double feature, Righting Wrongs (1986) and On the Run (1988). Both films see Biao share the screen with a female co-star, Cynthia Rothrock and Patricia Ha, two riveting action stars who steal the show and make these movies memorable. We hope you enjoy our discussion! Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2024/06/s4e11-righting-wrongs-on-run.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

In this special episode of Heroic Purgatory, we discuss the 2016 kaiju movie, Shin Godzilla, as well as the franchise's various other incarnations that followed it. We talk about the film's themes, social commentary, visual aesthetic, and its place in the Godzillaverse. We hope you enjoy our discussion! Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2024/05/special-shin-godzilla-2016.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory, we discuss the 2017 South Korean film, The Villainess. We discuss the film's action, style, and the merits of its questionably derivative revenge story. We hope you enjoy our discussion! Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2024/05/s4e10-villainess-2017.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory, we talk about The Heroic Trio and its sequel Executioners, both starring three giants of HK cinema, Michelle Yeoh, Anita Mui, and Maggie Cheung. We discuss the genre-mashing effect of these two films and debate passionately on which is the better one. We hope you enjoy our discussion! Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2024/04/s4e9-heroic-trio-1993.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory, we resume our fourth season to talk about the iconic revenge film, Lady Snowblood (1973). We talk about the historical significance of the film, it's phenomenal action set pieces, and Meiko Kaji's role in the film's everlasting longevity. We hope you enjoy our discussion! Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2024/04/s4e8-lady-snowblood-1973.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

In the first episode of the year, the Heroic Purgatory hosts discuss their favorite films of 2023. Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2024/01/best-films-of-2023.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifi

For this years Halloween, we go to the prom with one of the most iconic horror movies ever made, Brian de Palma's Carrie (1976). Does the film stand the test of time? What is the social commentary hidden behind Carrie's blood-stained innocence? We hope you enjoy our discussion! Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2023/11/halloween-special-carrie-1976.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory, we visit Taiwan to discuss of King Hu's most notable films, A Touch of Zen (1971). A seminal piece of the wuxia genre, the film features impressive acting, stunning cinematography, and nail-biting martial arts sequences. Does the film stand the test of time. Listen and find out. We hope you enjoy our discussion! Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2023/10/s4e7-touch-of-zen-1971.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory, we discuss the 2001 South Korean film, My Wife is a Gangster. Does this 20+ year-old action comedy pass the test of time, or is it just another trope-filled product of its time? We hope you enjoy our discussion! Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2023/09/s4e6-my-wife-is-gangster-2001.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory, we discuss the 2019 American film, Alita: Battle Angel, based on the Japanese manga Gunnm by Yukito Kishiro. Is James Cameron's and Robert Rodriguez' adaptation faithful to the source material, or is it just another run-of-the-mill Hollywood blockbuster. Listen to what John and Jason have to say about the film. We hope you enjoy! Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2023/08/s3e5-alita-battle-angel-2019.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory, we discuss the 1984 film, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind by legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, based on his own manga with the same name. We talk about the differences between the film and the manga, the environmental and ecological themes of the movie, as well as its overall place in Miyazaki's remarkable oeuvre. We hope you enjoy! Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2023/08/s4e4-nausicaa-of-valley-of-wind-1984.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

For the third year in a row, the Heroic Purgatory podcast is covering the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) which took place between March 10 and March 19. As usual, the podcast will present John's and Jason's favorite films of NYAFF 2023 (in addition to a general overview of the festival). Additional, this page includes short written reviews by John of the NYAFF movies he managed to see. Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2023/07/new-york-asian-film-festival-2023.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifi

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory, we discuss the 2008 Thai action film, Chocolate. From the makers of Ong Bak and The Protector, this is another entry in a series of Thai films that found significant international success. Is chocolate worthy of its predecessors? Listen to our discussion and let us know what you think. We hope you enjoy! Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2023/07/s4e3-chocolate-2008.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

In the 2nd episode of season 4 of Heroic Purgatory, John and Jason take on a Michelle Yeoh double feature, Yes Madam (1985) and Royal Warriors (1986). They discuss the importance of these two films in the "girls with guns" genre, their merits, their flaws, and how they hold up in midst of the Hong Kong Golden Age. We hope you enjoy! Timestamps 0:01:46 - Film Discussion 1:01:34 - News 1:07:28 - Cultural Consumption Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2023/06/s4e2-yes-madamroyal-warriors-19851986.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

Welcome to season 4 of Heroic Purgatory: An Asian Cinema Podcast, centered around female action heroes. We start the season with none other than Police Story: Supercop, staring Jackie Chan and Michelle Yeoh. One of the best action movies of the 90s, Supercop catapulted Yeoh into international fame and started a new chapter in Jackie Chan's career. We hope you enjoy! Timestamps 00:00 - Film Discussion 1:05:50 - News 1:16:08 - Cultural Consumption Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2023/05/s4e1-police-story-supercop-1992.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

In this special episode of Heroic Purgatory: An Asian Cinema Podcast, John and Jason talk about John Carpenter's 1986 classic, Big Trouble in Little China. They talk about the film's influence's, legacy, and Kurt Russell's underappreciated comedic chops. We hope you enjoy! Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2023/03/osaka-asian-film-festival-2023.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifi

For the second year in a row, the Heroic Purgatory podcast is covering the Osaka Asian Film Festival (OAFF) which took place between March 10 and March 19. As usual, the podcast will present John's and Jason's favorite films of OAFF 2023. We hope you enjoy! Timestamps 1:29:05 - News 1:46:50 - Cultural Consumption Website link: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2023/03/osaka-asian-film-festival-2023.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifi

In this special episode of Heroic Purgatory: An Asian Cinema Podcast, John and Jason rank their favorite films of the 2022. Let us know what your favorite films were. Website link: https://heroic-purgatory.blogspot.com/2023/01/best-films-of-2022.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifi

In the final episode of the season, John and Jason discuss Wong Kar-Wai's In the Mood for Love (2000), perhaps his most famous film. A seminal film in the history of Hong Kong cinema, it denotes a transitional period in the director's career. But is it his best? Listen to our discussion and let us know what your opinion is. We hope you enjoy. Timestamps 2:23 - Media Consumption 28:12 - News 35:26 - Film Discussion Website link: https://heroic-purgatory.blogspot.com/2022/12/s3e13-in-mood-for-love-2000.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory: An Asian Cinema Podcast, John and Jason discuss Park Chan-wook's 2003 masterpiece, Oldboy. A film as dark as it is entertaining, it contains themes of class, religion, fate, and vengeance. Listen as we attempt to analyze one of the most well known Korean films of all time. We hope you enjoy. Timestamps 2:03 - Media Consumption 14:20 - News 19:44 - Film Discussion Website link: https://heroic-purgatory.blogspot.com/2022/11/s3e12-oldboy-2003.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifi

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory: An Asian Cinema Podcast, John and Jason discuss the 2010 Palme D'or winning film, Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall his Past Lives, directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul. They attempt to decipher some of the film's most cryptic imagery and its place in the director's illustrious career. We hope you enjoy. Timestamps 1:42 - Media Consumption 31:14 - News 36:52 - Film Discussion Website link:https://heroic-purgatory.blogspot.com/2022/11/s3e11-uncle-boonmee-2010.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifi

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory: An Asian Cinema Podcast, John and Jason discuss the 2002 Yoji Yamada (of Tara-san fame) film, The Twilight Samurai. Along with its sequels and related films, we discuss the historical setting, multitude of themes, and Yamada's expertise in everyday drama. We hope you enjoy. Timestamps 2:18 - Media Consumption 32:03 - News 34:12 - Film Discussion Website link: https://heroic-purgatory.blogspot.com/2022/10/s3e10-twilight-samurai-2002.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifi

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory: An Asian Cinema Podcast, John and Jason discuss the highly acclaimed 2015 film, The Assassin, directed by Taiwanese master Hou Hsiao-Hsien. We talk about the film's cinematography, editing, action, its mythic origins, and whether or not it deserves its numerous accolades. We hope you enjoy. Timestamps 3:04 - Media Consumption 27:29 - News 31:49 - Film Discussion Website link: https://heroic-purgatory.blogspot.com/2022/10/s3e9-assassin-2015.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifi

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory: An Asian Cinema Podcast, John and Jason discuss the 2018 Lee Chang-dong film, Burning. They talk about the film's themes, style, influences, and its nuanced take on social and existential issues. We hope you enjoy. Timestamps 3:02 - Media Consumption 23:20 - News 30:45 - Film Discussion Website link: https://heroic-purgatory.blogspot.com/2022/09/s3e8-burning-2018.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifi

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory: An Asian Cinema Podcast, John and Jason discuss the 2008 Oscar winning film, Departures. They talk about the film's obvious popular appeal, beautiful score, themes of death -- and finally they ruminate on whether it truly deserves its myriad of awards. We hope you enjoy. Timestamps 2:52 - Media Consumption 21:27 - News 28:16 - Film Discussion Website link: https://heroic-purgatory.blogspot.com/2022/08/s3e7-departures-2008.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory: An Asian Cinema Podcast, John and Jason discuss Johnnie To's 1999 film, The Mission. They talk about the film's style, characters, deep underlying themes, as well as its place in Hong Kong's heroic bloodshed genre. Enjoy! Timestamps 1:35 - Media Consumption 14:50 - News 20:24 - Film Discussion Website link: https://heroic-purgatory.blogspot.com/2022/08/s3e6-mission-1999.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito

In this special episode of Heroic Purgatory, John and Jason discuss their favorite movies from the 2022 New York Asian Film Festival. Timestamps: 1:48 - Media Consumption 10:32 - News 17:13 - Discussion Website link: https://heroic-purgatory.blogspot.com/2022/07/special-nyaff-2022.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifi

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory: An Asian Cinema Podcast, John and Jason tackle their first Iranian film with Abbas Kiarostami's 1997 Palme D'or winner, Taste of Cherry. They discuss the film's deep philosophical themes, cultural references, and unique visual aesthetic. Enjoy! Timestamps 2:10 - Media Consumption 20:05 - News 30:29 - Film Discussion Website link: https://heroic-purgatory.blogspot.com/2022/07/s3e5-taste-of-cherry-1997.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifi

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory: An Asian Cinema Podcast, John and Jason travel to mainland China to discuss Zhang Yimou's seminal 1991 film, Raise the Red Lantern. They discuss the film's accolades, allegorical interpretations, and its place in the director's multifaceted career. Enjoy! Timestamps 2:18 - Media Consumption 25:15 - News 27:27 - Film Discussion Website link: https://heroic-purgatory.blogspot.com/2022/06/s3e4-raise-red-lantern-1991.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifi

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory: An Asian Cinema Podcast, John and Jason discuss Ang Lee's 2000 Wuxia film, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. Breaking all kinds of records when released, the film revitalized the Wuxia genre and brought international recognition to Ang Lee, Chow Yun Fat, and Michelle Yeoh. Listen to John's and Jason's discussion and see if they think the film stands the test of time. Timestamps 2:16 - Media Consumption 15:13 - News 22:30 - Film Discussion Website link: https://heroic-purgatory.blogspot.com/2022/06/s3e3-crouching-tiger-hidden-dragon-2000.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifi

In this episode of Heroic Purgatory: An Asian Cinema Podcast, John and Jason discuss Bong Joon-ho's award winning and record breaking 2019 film, Parasite. They discuss themes of class and gender present in the film, its comparison with other films like Kurosawa's High and Low, and speculations about the film's legacy and success. Timestamps 2:14 - Media Consumption 14:30 - News 18:55 - Film Discussion Website link: https://heroic-purgatory.blogspot.com/2022/05/s3e2-parasite-2019.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifi

Welcome to the 3rd season of Heroic Purgatory: An Asian Cinema Podcast. This season's theme is "award winners." What are the biggest award winners in Asian cinema? How where these films received at the time, how are they received now, and can they tell as something about the state of Asian cinema at the time of their release? John and Jason start the season with this year's big Oscar winner, Drive My Car (2021) directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, based on three short stories by Haruki Murakami. They discuss the film's ample subtext, its merit as a Murakami adaptation, and debate whether the films 3-hour runtime is justified. As always, we hope you enjoy. Timestamps 7:56 - Media Consumption 29:29 - News 30:38 - Film Discussion Website link: https://heroic-purgatory.blogspot.com/2022/05/s3e1-drive-my-car-2021.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifi

In this special episode of Heroic Purgatory, John and Jason discuss their favorite movies from the wonderful 2022 Osaka Asian Film Festival. Timestamps: 2:53 - Media Consumption 19:12 - News 23:42 - Discussion Website link: https://heroic-purgatory.blogspot.com/2022/03/oaff-2022-special.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifi

As we move steadily through the new year, John and Jason take a look back at 2021 and talk about their favorite movies. Timestamps: 2:23 - Media Consumption 15:04 - News 25:32 - Discussion Website link: https://heroic-purgatory.blogspot.com/2022/01/best-of-2021.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifi Intro music: "A Good Bass for Gambling" by Komiku Outro music: Ninja Girl (2021) Original Soundtrack

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone. In this special episode of Heroic Purgatory, John and Jason tackle Satoshi Kon's 2003 film, Tokyo Godfathers. Website link: https://heroic-purgatory.blogspot.com/2021/12/christmas-special-2021-tokyo-godfathers.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifiEpisode Notes

In this special episode of Heroic Purgatory, John and Jason discuss the iconic 1998 anime series, Cowboy Bebop. The boys talk about the characters, their favorite episodes, and like many others, they join the perennial bounty hunt for the myriad pop culture references buried within. Website link: https://heroic-purgatory.blogspot.com/2021/11/november-special-cowboy-bebop.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifiEpisode Notes

Season 2 might be over, but our coverage of great movies continues. In this special episode of Heroic Purgatory, John and Jason talk about John Carpenter's 1982 film, The Thing, and the various iterations that preceded it. Starting with John W. Campbell's novella, Who Goes There, and the Howard Hawks 1951 adaptation, The Thing from Another World, we delve into the many themes and interpretations contained inside this timeless story, focusing primarily on the Carpenter version. Website link: https://heroic-purgatory.blogspot.com/2021/10/halloween-special-thing.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifi

Alas, the season finale is here. In this final episode of season 2 of Heroic Purgatory, John and Jason discuss the 1997 Hong Kong film by Fruit Chan, Made in Hong Kong. We talk about the film's style, themes, and place in post-handover Hong Kong. We also share some overall thoughts on the topic of this season, 90s Asian cinema. Timestamps 3:32 - Media Consumption 18:19 - News 24:27 - Film Discussion Website link: https://heroic-purgatory.blogspot.com/2021/10/s2e10-made-in-hong-kong-1997.html Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeroicPurgatory Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/filmnohito Follow John: https://twitter.com/mildly_scifi