The easternKicks.com Podcast

This week Andy and James take a look at Mongolian cinema. With If Only I Could Hibernate in UK cinemas, Andy chat's to the director Zoljargal Purevdash. Meanwhile regular easternKicks contributor Amarsanaa Battulga joins us to chat about Mongolian cinema in general.  This episode's handy timecodes 00:00:32 - Introduction.  00:01:44 -  Zoljargal Purevdash interview: If Only I Could Hibernate. 00:32:58 - Putting Mongolian cinema in context. Why do we only see coproductions? What do local audiences really watch? 01:06:03 - Outro.  If Only I Could Hibernate is in UK cinemas now, released by Conic Films

James and Andy are back with another look at the latest releases on streamers and in cinemas for March. This episode's handy timecodes 00:00:32 - Introduction.  00:02:20 - The Oscars!  00:11:35 - Shudder, with a sudden appearance of 2000's Uzumaki.  00:15:48 - Amazon Prime, including Suddenly in Dark Night, Doctor (2013) and KKN di Desa Penari: Luwih Dowo, Luwih Medeni.  00:25:04 - Netflix, including Officer Black Belt, Indigo, Shake, Rattle and Roll Extreme, The Parades and The Pig, The Snake and the Pigeon.  00:50:28 - Cinema picks, including Monster, Drift and Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus.  01:00:56 - Outro. 

James and Andy are back with another look at the latest releases on streamers and in cinemas for February. This episode's handy timecodes 00:19 - Introduction 02:33 - Shudder, with Dain Said's Blood Flower 06:53 - Netflix, including Badland Hunters, Home for Rent, The Last Wife, Past Lives, The Bridge Curse – Ritual 26:08 - Amazon Prime, including Expats, Zu Warriors, The Fallen Bridge 36:57 - Cinema picks, including The Moon Thieves, Perfect Days, Evil Does Not Exist 47:46 - Outro

James and Andy ring in the New Year with another look at the latest releases on streamers and in cinemas for this month. This episode's handy timecodes 00:33 - Introduction 01:41 - Special announcement: Focus Hong Kong's Chinese New Year screenings 06:34 - Amazon Prime, including The Long Walk, Chasing the Dragon, Sakra, The Tiger, and Derailed 27:46 - Netflix, including Bad Lands, Badland Hunters, The Abandoned, A Very Good Girl, and The Brothers Sun 41:56 - iPlayer, Decision to Leave 48:46 - Cinema picks, including In Broad Daylight, Ping Pong, and The Scent of Green Papaya 56: 00 - Teaser for future episodes... 58:53 - Outro

James and Andy curate a selection of new and recent releases from streaming platforms, cinema and more.  This episode's handy timecodes 00:19 - Introduction 02:29 - Streaming picks... 03:43 - Netflix, including Sweet Home Season 2, Believer 2 and Hard Days 16:27 - Amazon Prime, including Ashiap Man, The Family, Kwaidan and Third Window 24:08 - Cinema picks, including Godzilla Minus One, Yoshiki: Under The Sky and Raging Grace  21:52 - Outro

In the first of a new format, James and Andy curate a selection of new and recent releases from streaming platforms, cinema and festivals. Plus Andy catches up with Geran and Walid director Areel Abu Bakar in trendy Hackney Wick.  This episode's handy timecodes 00:00:19 - Introduction 00:02:36 - But first, what easternKicks Picks IS, and what it ISN'T 00:06:24 - Streaming picks, including Ballerina, Yellow Door 90's Lo-Fi Film Club and In my Mother's Skin. 00:39:44 - Cinema picks, including Back Home, Past lives and Where the Wind Blows. 00:46:49 - Areel Abu Bakar interview 01:03:16 - Festival roundup, including BFI London Film Festival and London Korean Film Festival. 01:21:52 - Outro

James and Andy look back on Ann Hui's unsung ghost comedy Visible Secret, newly released by Radiance Films and screening in London, as well as more Hong Kong horror in the form of new cinema release Back Home.  This episode's handy timecodes 00:35 - Introduction 01:38 - Visible Secret introduction 06:40 - Great talent in front and behind the camera 14:09 - The plot 16:57 - Lost in the crowd - why was it overlooked? 36:20 - Back Home 44:51 - Outro

This episode Colette Balmain joins James and Andy to chat about Tokyo Melody, a 1985 documentary that recently resurfaced at Japan Cuts 2023 about Ryuichi Sakamoto, and to chat about the great musician, innovator and composer's legacy. Yonah Sichrovsky speaks to the film's director Elizabeth Lennard. Meanwhile, Frank Djeng, king of audio commentaries, shares his thoughts on Sakamoto. Plus we have the return of the easternKicks picks! All in this bumper-packed show! This episode's handy timecodes 00:00:32 - Introduction 00:02:09 - We discuss Tokyo Melody 00:16:30 - Yonah chats to Elizabeth Lennard 00:40:28 - Sakamoto's legacy 00:52:33 - Frank Djeng remembers Sakamoto 00:56:19 - Sakamoto's legacy continued 01:07:20 - easternKicks picks 01:22:48 - Outro

This episode James and Andy introduce the lineup for two summer events for new-ish UK festival Focus Hong Kong, curated by some rather familiar names. This episode's handy timecodes 00:32 - Introduction 01:42 - What is Focus Hong Kong? The full disclosure... 04:55 - Memories to Choke On, Drinks to Wash Them Down 11:16 - Made in Hong Kong 15:58 - Where the Wind Blows 21:44 - A Guilty Conscience 24:43 - Let it Ghost 27:53 - Nomad (Leslie Cheung) 36:26 - Outro You can see the full details for Focus Hong Kong on the official website: focushongkong.uk

Andy chats to Filipino filmmaker Mikhail Red while at Udine Far East Film Festival, while James and Andy take a trip through highlights of his career so far and the latest hit starring Nadine Lustre, DELETER. This episode's handy timecodes 00:33 - Introduction 02:13 - Career highlights 13:28 - Deleter 26:58 - Andy chats with Mikhail Red 54:27 - Outro Deleter had its International Festival Premiere at 25th Far East Film Festival 2023. You can find the EXCLUSIVE shots from Red's next film Friendly Fire here.   

This episode Andy and James are joined by Yonah Sichrovsky to chat about Brotherhood of the Wolf, returning to home media in a new 4K restoration. Yonah also chats to star Mark Dacascos himself about the film, appearing in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Iron Chef! This episode's handy timecodes 00:00:33 - Introduction 00:02:09 - Highlights from Mark Dacascos's career 00:07:00 - Crying Freeman - Christophe Gans and Dacascos's first collab 00:12:37 - Brotherhood of the Wolf 00:47:46 - Yonah chats to Mark Dacascos 01:05:10 - Outro Brotherhood of the Wolf is released on UHD, Blu-Ray and DVD from 15th May by Studiocanal.

Oh, the Calamity! The Calamity of Snakes! Andy and James discuss the controversial exploitation flick, released by Unearthed Films in a glorious 2K restoration, and wonder... just where is the fourth floor? Listen in if you dare, but don't get too distracted knitting. That might not be a bundle of wool... This episode's handy timecodes 00:33 - Introduction 02:53 - The new restoration 11:24 - Background to the production and cast 15:55 - The "plot"!!! 18:10 - The missing floor mystery 19:39 - Snake carnage 22:28 - Context and style 32:01 - The unavoidable bad side 44:06 - Outro Calamity of Snakes is released on Blu-Ray and DVD from April 25th by Unearthed Films

This episode Kay Hoddy chats to the director of 2022 Oscar nominated Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom, Pawo Choyning Dorji. Meanwhile, James gives us a rundown of recent releases on the streaming platforms.  This episode's handy timecodes 00:00:33 - Introduction 00:01:58 - Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom intro 00:05:46 - Pawo Choyning Dorji interview 00:34:25 - Review of the film 00:45:07 - James Mudge's streaming roundup 01:12:37 - Outro Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom is released in UK cinemas from 10th March by Peccadillo Pictures.

With the new series Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre debuting on Netflix, James and Andy are joined by self-confessed Ito fans Colette Balmain and Niina Doherty to chat about his works and how they've been adapted to film and television over the years.  Has anyone done him justice...? This episode's handy timecodes 00:00:33 - Introduction 00:01:37 - Junji Ito in context   00:10:46 - Early adaptions 00:12:34 - Tomie film and TV series 00:34:12 - Uzumaki (2000) 00:40:05 - Other adaption in early 2000s  00:44:22 - Gyo Tokyo Fish Attack (2012) 01:47:37 - Junji Ito Collection (2018) and Junji Ito Maniac (2023) 01:00:50 - Uzumaki, Tomie and other potential adaptions 01:13:55 - Outro Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre is streaming now on Netflix.

It's time for the End of Year Show! James and Andy look back on 2022, the highs and lows. Did anything change for Asian film? What were the big releases and trends? Will there be ranting about that certain recent survey? There's only one way to find out: listen!!! This episode's handy timecodes 00:00:32 - Introduction 00:01:53 - What were the big releases? 00:08:25 - Decision to Leave, innit? 00:25:16 - Other key cinema releases 00:41:37 - Trends, what have we seen from different countries 00:50:22 - The home entertainment renaissance  00:47:46 - Legacy and influence 01:01:45 - The Sight and Sound '100 Greatest Films of All Time' 01:26:35 - Takeaways from 2022? 01:32:36 - The end of the End of the Year Show!

To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of its original release, Stephen Palmer joins Andy and James to discuss the Infernal Affairs Trilogy starring Tony Leung and Andy Lau. Meanwhile, Phillip O'Connor shares his thoughts on the inevitable fates of our protagonists.  This episode's handy timecodes 00:00:32 - Introduction 00:03:00 - Context and concept 00:08:25 - Creative team 00:11:50 - Infernal Affairs 00:25:19 - Infernal Affairs II 00:40:29 - Infernal Affairs III 00:47:46 - Legacy and influence 00:51:53 - Phillip on the inevitability of fate 01:05:42 - The Departed 01:18:09 - Conclusions 01:23:39 - Outro  The Infernal Affairs Trilogy is available now on Blu-ray from The Criterion Collection.

James and Andy take a look at Asian films screening at the 66th BFI London Film Festival 2022, and Andy chats to the director of Liquor Store Dreams, So Yun Um.  This episode's handy timecodes 00:00:32 - Episode introduction 00:01:27 - On to the festival, and the many films from Korea (?) 00:18:14 - So Yun Um interview, Liquor Store Dreams 00:37:18 - Films from Japan 00:39:09 - Films from Thailand and beyond, plus documentaries and more 00:52:25 - Thoughts on the festival 01:06:07 - Outro The BFI London Film Festival 2022 takes place from 5th to 16 October. See the official site for listings. 

On the first anniversary of the show debuting on Netflix and with a big win at the Emmys, we look back at the impact of Squid Game and ask what it really means for the future of both the creators and cast, and Korean film and TV in general... This episode's handy timecodes 00:32 - Episode introduction 02:13 - For those that missed it...(what?) 14:02 - The success of the show, and creators and cast 26:40 - What does that mean for other shows? 44:57 - Wrapping up 48:37 - Outro

James and Andy chat exclusively about Focus Hong Kong's Making Waves, a Hong Kong screening programme coming to London from 8 to 10 July. Full disclaimer, they might have had something to do with it... This episode's handy timecodes 00:31 - Episode introduction 01:43 - An introduction to Focus Hong Kong 05:00 - The Making Waves programme 06:19 - Comrades, Almost A Love Story and Peter Chan holo-presence 13:41 - July Rhapsody 18:32 - Anita 22:34 - Hand Rolled Cigarette 24:51 - Breakout Brothers 26:48 - The First Girl I Loved 28:24 - Tales from the Occult 35:43 - Outro Making Waves takes place at the Soho Hotel and Garden Cinema from 8th to 100th July. Check the website for more details. 

To celebrate the global release of gruesome horror The Sadness on Shudder, James and Andy chat through the film, with an exclusive interview with the films director, Rob Jabbaz. This episode's handy timecodes 00:31 - Episode introduction 01:54 - The Sadness, a quick explainer 08:39 - Rob Jabbaz interview 28:11 - Reactions to the interview 34:52 - easternKicks Picks! 42:40 - Outro The Sadness is available to exclusively stream on Shudder from 12th May. 

This time Jonathan Wroot, senior lecturer in film studies, joins James and Andy to chat in detail about the topic of his new book, Zatoichi! As well as the various influences and successors. And yes, we chat Rutger Hauer too! This episode's handy timecodes 00:00:44 - Episode introduction 00:02:12 - Before we start, how did our guest get into Asian film? 00:06:05 - Kitano's Zatoichi, was it a remake? 00:13:10 - Let's go back to the start  00:17:08 - How star Shintaro Katsu's previous work fed into the film series 00:20:22 - Zatoichi begins 00:25:05 - A minor diversion on Shintaro Katsu's brother 00:29:09 - Something for everyone, the Daiei way 00:30:23 - How wacky did the films get? 00:32:46 - Are there roots to disabled swordsmen? 00:38:14 - The Marvel connection 00:40:45 - Good ol' Westerns 00:45:34 - Zatoichi The Last 00:47:54 - The female versions 00:52:13 - Let's talk about Rutger (and other influences) 01:07:26 - Recommendations on where to start 01:15:43 - Outro Jonathan's book, The Paths of Zatoichi, is available now from rowman.com/lexington. Use discount code LXFANDF30 and get 30% off! Music played on the show:  Zatoichi's Lullaby, sung by Shintaro Katsu. The most commonly known version of the Zatoichi theme song, which first turned up in Zatoichi and the Fugitives (#18). Festivo – the musical number from the end of Zatoichi 2003, written and composed by Keiichi Suzuki.

Seriously cutting into their Giallo viewing time, James and Andy chat to Laos film director Mattie Do and her other 'alf, screenwriter Christoper Larsen in detail about their superb genre-crossing sci-fi horror, The Long Walk and much more. This episode's handy timecodes 00:00:31 – Episode introduction 00:02:16 – Interview with Mattie Do and Chris Larsen 00:52:32 – The easternKicks take on The Long Walk 01:08:05 – Outro The Long Walk is available on digital now via Light Bulb Film Distribution in the UK, and Yellow Veil Pictures in the US.

This episode is a real meeting of minds, as Panos Kotzathanasis of Asian Movie Pulse joins James and Andy to chat about the trends and topics of the year, all bizarrely summed up by titles of soul and funk songs (?) Meanwhile easternKicks regulars Niina and Theo share thoughts on their favourite films of the year.  This episode's handy timecodes    00:00:44 – Episode introduction 00:02:39 – What's in Santa's hat (don't ask!) 00:03:33 – Smoke.Netflix.Chill 00:18:26 – (Get on the) Partyline  00:34:55 – Niina on Howling Village 00:37:43 – Sitting in Limbo 00:45:07 – East West Shuffle 00:53:54 – Theme For "Five Fingers Of Death" 01:05:03 – Spice Of Life (Oh Yes, You're the Best) 01:06:21 – Theo on Drive My Car 01:19:56 – Outro

Is this deja vu? A Korean streaming series taking Netflix by storm. No, it's not Squid Game, but Train To Busan director Yeon Sang-ho's Hellbound. James and Andy chat about the series and wonder, will there be another? Meanwhile James has some more easternKicks picks. This episode's handy timecodes    00:00:44 - Episode introduction 00:02:28 - Putting Hellbound in context 00:07:52 - A brief synopsis 00:11:29 - How it fits with Yeon's other work 00:22:29 - Just what are the demons? 00:24:12 - Comparison with Yeon original Jiok/The Hell animations 00:29:50 - Ah man, more 'VIPs'?  00:31:17 - Other throwaway elements (or are they?) 00:33:43 - On the cast (and casting choices) 00:37:05 - Will there be more? 00:46:06 - Other Korean series making waves 00:55:05 - easternKicks picks 01:07:52 - Outro

Yes, it's that time of year again, and we turn our focus to modern Hong Kong horror, from the tail end of the Shaw Brothers right up to Fruit Chan's Coffin Homes. Meanwhile, Niina and Stephen share some of their favourites... This episode's handy timecodes    00:00:49 - Episode introduction 00:02:18 - Why Hong Kong horror? 00:08:00 - Into the 80s 00:10:34 - Niina on Seeding Of A Ghost 00:13:51 - The evolution from Shaw Brothers 00:25:01 - The glorious descent into Category III 00:27:17 - The 1990s 00:38:07 - Post-handover and the 2000s 00:46:03 - Stephen on Hex 00:49:56 - The last decade 00:56:04 - The future of Hong Kong horror...(?) 01:03:17 - Outro

This time we look at a certain very popular streaming series that seems to have taken over the world (or at least every news platform). That's right, it's Squid Game time! Meanwhile, James has a few more picks to choose from. And don't forget, you can still take advantage of a discount with our friends at Gweilo Beer!  This episode's handy timecodes    00:45 - Episode introduction 01:52 - Let the Squid Game commence 06:52 - Hwang Dong-hyuk, hardly a talent from outta nowhere 11:28 - Korea's so hot right now... 16:06 - High production values, quirky style 19:59 - Wrong-footed pacing 26:48 - Subtitle 'controversy' 30:32 - Superb acting performances 35:28 - How about those other controversies? 43:11 - Do You Want More?!!!??! 47:00 - Time for more easternKicks Picks 57:26 - Outro Squid Game is streaming now on Netflix!

This episode we look back on Kim Jee-woon's classic Korean horror more patterned wallpaper than John Lewis, A Tale Of Two Sisters, with help from Stephen Palmer and Yonah Sichrovsky. We also announce a new association with Gweilo Beer! Don't forget to get your discount! But most importantly, will someone explain what's going on to Yonah? Find out! This episode's timecodes    00:45 - Episode introduction 03:43 - An introduction to A Tale of Two Sisters 07:50 - The house of William Morris 13:18 - A very British Asian horror? 16:07 - The perfect moment 24:10 - When did the American Remakes start? 27:16 - The legacy of Two Sisters 33:56 - A good time to revisit 37:26 - Does it hold up? 44:33 - We finally work out the ending for Yonah (spoilers!) 48:27 - What else would we like to see getting the special edition treatment?  56:59 - Outro A Tale Of Two Sisters is available now on Blu-ray from Arrow Video.

Phillip O'Connor joins Andy and James for a detailed look at everyone's favourite diminutive kaiju, Daimajin, recently restored and on Blu-ray. Okay sure, he's tall, but he's definitely no Godzilla... This episode's timecodes    00:31 - Episode introduction 02:05 - Daimajin's origins 06:28 - Shall we talk about the, erm, plot? 12:27 - Some of the different elements of the films 22:08 - Daimajin's design and special effects 31:20 - Production and shooting 33:45 - Obligatory Steven Segal cameo 36:40 - Original release and popularity 39:38 - Where'd the wee fella go? 43:52 - Godzilla composer Akira Ifukube's film scores 47:57 - Masks and cleft chins 49:27 - The three directors 52:10 - What next? 56:59 - easternKicks Picks 59:06 - Outro The Daimajin Trilogy is available now on Limited Edition Blu-ray from Arrow Video.

In this episode, we turn our eye to some picks from the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), including an extended chat about Benny Chan's final film Raging Fire. Meanwhile Maja Korbeca chats to the "Grandmother of Hong Kong Cinema" Ann Hui, recipient of the NYAFF 2021 Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award.   This episode's timecodes    00:31 - Episode introduction 02:16 - Back to live festivals with NYAFF and Raging Fire 15:36 - Hand Rolled Cigarette and Limbo 22:59 - Shadows and more from Hong Kong 28:59 - Maja interview with Ann Hui 41:41 - Some picks screening from  South Korea, including Spiritwalker, The Prayer and Midnight 49:38 - More picks including Three Sisters and Escape from Mogadishu 51:50 - Picks from Japan, including Last Of The Wolves and Junk Head 52:10 - Picks from Taiwan, including As You Like It, The Silent Forest and My Missing Valentine 58:13 - Outro The New York Asian Film Festival continues with both in-person screenings and online until 22 August. 

In this episode contributor Kaj van Zoelen joins James and Andy to revisit PTU and the classic crime dramas of Johnnie To. Will we ever see its like again? Meanwhile Stephen Palmer shares thoughts on a decidedly different example from To, My Left Eye Sees Ghosts.  This episode's timecodes    00:00:35 - Episode introduction 00:01:38 - PTU review 00:24:01 - PTU and the HK crime drama resurgence of 2000s 00:52:10 - Stephen Palmer on My Left Eye Sees Ghosts 00:58:54 - James and Kaj share some easternKicks Picks 01:06:08 - Outro PTU is available now on UK Blu-ray from Eureka Entertainment. 

In this special edition, we celebrate the return of Wong Kar-wai's classic in newly remastered versions to cinemas. Special guest Bede Cheng, Managing Director at L'Immagine Ritrovata Asia, the laboratory responsible for the new editions, joins us for a chat about the restoration process. Meanwhile, contributors Colette, Theo, Phillip, Yonah, Ethan and Stephen share their thoughts on the filmmakers work. We also have the perfect podcast fuel from Bun House / Wun's Tea Room & Bar. This episode's timecodes    00:00:56 - Episode introduction 00:02:08 - Phillip on As Tears Go By 00:07:19 - Bede Cheng interview part one - What is restoration? 00:26:30 - Ethan on Wong Kar-wai 00:30:49 - Bede Cheng interview part two - Working with WKW 00:33:23 - Theo on Fallen Angels 00:35:57 - Bede Cheng interview part three - More on working with WKW 00:47:11 - Yonah on 2046 00:48:13 - Colette on Wong Kar-wai 01:01:55 - Stephen on Chungking Express 01:07:26 - Outro Wong Kar-wai films screen at the BFI Southbank and ICA Cinema throughout July. 

On this episode James and Andy are joined by easternKicks contributors Phillip O'Connor and Fedor Tot to chat about the new release of Tsui Hark's 2000 action classic Time and Tide, and the director's career at point, with his fleeting dalliance with Hollywood and USA films, pairing with Jean-Claude Van Damme on Double Team and Knock Off.  This episode's timecodes    00:00:33 - Episode introduction 00:03:50 - Time and Tide review 00:37:05 - Enter JCVD 00:40:52 - Double Team review 00:45:26 - Knock Off review 01:13:33 - easternKicks Picks 01:22:50 - Outro Time and Tide is available now on UK Blu-ray from Eureka Entertainment. Double Team and Knock Off are available on Uk Blu-ray from 88 Films.

Join Andrew, James and easternKicks contributor Yonah Sichrovsky for some mainly 'armless fun, as we chat about kung fu classic One Armed Boxer, and director and star, the notorious Jimmy Wang Yu!  This episode's timecodes    00:00:52 - Episode introduction 00:02:41 - One Armed Boxer review 00:19:20 - Jimmy Wang Yu: The main who would be Bruce? 00:34:28 - Will we ever see the popularity of kung fu films return? 00:44:09 - easternKicks Picks: James 00:54:54 - More easternKicks Picks: Yonah, including Demon Slayer 01:02:17 - Outro One Armed Boxer is available now on UK Blu-ray from Eureka Entertainment.

We look at the acclaimed director's latest film, Cliff Walkers, as well his genre work over the last decade. While easternKicks regulars Phillip O'Connor, Maja Korbecka and Stephen Palmer join us for their thoughts on Zhang's work. This episode's timecodes    00:00:32 - Episode introduction 00:02:50 - Cliff Walkers review 00:28:10 - Other works 00:30:10 - Stephen Palmer on the 2008 Olympics 00:36:03 - A Simple Noodle Story aka A Woman, a Gun and a Noodle Shop aka 'Zhang Yimou's Blood Simple' (sigh) 00:41:20 - Maja Korbecka on The Road Home 00:47:40 - The Flowers Of War 00:51:00 - Phillip O'Connor on The Great Wall 00:53:05 - The Great Wall 00:57:30 - Shadow 01:00:15 - One Second and Under The Light 01:09:30 - Outro Cliff Walkers is released in cinemas now, screening in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand via CMC Pictures. 

We revisit Kinji Fukasaku's classic Battle Royale and its sequel in honour of the new 4K UHD release. Why is it such a classic, even after 20 years?  This episode's timecodes    00:01:14 - Episode introduction 00:02:50 - Ready to rumble? It's time for Battle Royale 00:34:07 - Battle Royale II: Requiem. Why? 00:54:54 - easternKicks picks 00:55:54 - Outro Battle Royale is released on Limited Edition 4K UHD Blu-ray 5-disc boxset from Arrow Video from 26 April 2021, with a brand new 4K UHD restoration of the theatrical and director's cut, two cuts of Battle Royale II on separate Blu-rays, and the soundtrack CD.

This episode we explore Indonesian Folk Horror, from the classics of the 80s to the new films of Joko Anwar, Timo Tjahjanto, as well as an exclusive interview with Kimo Stamboel about The Queen Of Black Magic. This episode's timecodes    00:00:31 - Episode introduction 00:02:47 - The Queen Of Black Magic review 00:08:52 - Comparison with the original The Queen Of Black Magic 00:16:06 - James chats to Kimo Stamboel 00:52:34 - Indonesian Horror, then and now; Satan's Slave and Satan's Slaves 01:00:39 - May The Devil Take You and May The Devil Take You Too 01:07:38 - Impetigore 01:16:19 - Outro The Queen Of Black Magic is available to stream now from Shudder, along with the original and Anwar's Satan's Slaves and Impetigore. The original Satan's Slave is available from Severin Films on Blu-ray and DVD. 

James and Andy are joined by Life Of Action and action co-ordinator Mike Fury to chat about Tokyo Gore Police director Yoshihiro Nishimura similarly-titled (but somewhat less gory) Tokyo Dragon Chef, as well as looking back on the career of Japan's 'Tom Savini'. We also discuss the latest from frequent Nishimura collaborator Tak Sakaguchi, Crazy Samurai: 400 vs. 1, aka Crazy Samurai Musashi, featuring a 77-minute one-take. This episode's timecodes 00:00:31 - Episode introduction 00:02:00 - Tokyo Dragon Chef review 00:17:10 - Yoshihiro Nishimura's career and previous work 00:32:22 - What happened to the Japanese 'splatterpunk' scene? 00:44:26 - What are the chances of online or Blu-ray releases? 00:53:44 - Crazy Samurai: 400 vs. 1 review 01:11:13 - Outro Tokyo Dragon Chef is available now on digital and DVD from Terracotta Distribution. Crazy Samurai: 400 vs. 1 is on Well Go USA's streaming service Hi-YAH now, with a Digital, Blu-ray and DVD from March 2.

This episode Tania Hall joins James and Andy for a discussion on that most idiosyncratic of Korean directors, Hong Sang-soo, and his latest film The Woman Who Ran. What is it that makes his films compelling, and where should you start? The Woman Who Ran is currently streaming on MUBI from 20 December. Sign up now with MUBI via easternKicks and get 30 days FREE! This episode's timecodes 00:31 - Episode introduction 01:08 - Discussion on The Woman Who Ran 24:54 - Where should you start with Hong? 32:32 - The influence of Hong Sang-soo on other directors 42:21 - Outro

The nights have drawn in, and Christmas is but a few sleeps away, so for this episode, Andy and James have put together a list of 12 perfect gifts for the Asian film fan in your life - even if it's just yourself! Meanwhile, our Stephen picks his own list of Christmas wishes! And stay listening, for some very special giveaways! You can find all the selections with links at easternkicks.com/giftguide, as well as how to enter our giveaway competitions... This episode's timecodes 00:33 - Episode introduction 01:56 - 1. Parasite soundtrack LP (Sacred Bones) 05:55 - 2. Junji Ito clothing (Crunchyroll) 09:50 - 3. The Untold Story Blu-ray (Unearthed Films) 13:58 - 4. Category III films on Blu-ray (Panorama) 17:08 - 5. Sadako Imperial Stout (Weird Beard Brew) 19:37 - 6. Godzilla 74 Tiki Mug (Mondo) 23:36 - 7. Godzilla: The Showa-Era Films, 1954–1975 (Criterion) 27:32 - 8. Akira 4k Limited Edition set (Manga UK) 30:39 - Stephen's Christmas wish list 34:54 - 9. Screen Anime subscription 37:36 - 10. MUBI subscription 41:39 - 11. Char Siu Kits (Wun's Tea Room & Bar) 43:42 - 12. easternKicks tee shirts (!!!) 45:41 - Outro

This episode author and film lecturer Colette Balman joins us for a special episode on one of Hong Kong cinemas most beloved films: Ronny Yu's The Bride with White Hair – recently released by Eureka Classics. Including some audio from star Brigitte Lin herself, we discuss the magical pairing with the late Leslie Cheung. There are some new discoveries on Netflix and Amazon prime, and we also hear from the last of our Udine Far East Film Festival Campus correspondents. This episode's timecodes 00:00:44 - Episode introduction 00:02:23 - The Bride with White Hair discussion 00:37:17 - Brigitte Lin, translated by Sophia Wong Boccio 01:02:21 - Udine FEFF correspondent: Fan Hong 01:06:58 - easternKicks Picks 01:15:30 - Outro

Feeling brave? This time we're celebrating Halloween as Andrew and James find some hungry ghosts of their own with unfinished business – namely Asian horrors that were overlooked in the post-Ringu boom of the early 00s! Meanwhile, some of the easternKicks team share their own unsung ghostly classics. This episode's timecodes 00:00:31 - Episode introduction 00:02:11 - The Asian horror 'boom' of the 2000s  00:06:28 - The New Blood (2002) 00:12:10 - Stephen on Inner Senses 00:18:02 - The Red Shoes (2005) 00:28:21 - Noroi: The Curse (2005) 00:34:43 - Niina on Yotsuya Kaidan 00:37:54 - Rule #1 (2008) 00:42:33 - Bunshinsaba (2004) 00:47:50 - Horror Hotline… Big Head Monster (2001) 00:51:37 - Asian horror on the streaming services: might we see a return to the 00s? 00:54:58 - Picks from Netflix and Prime 01:12:07 - Ant on Queen Of Black Magic and Boxers Omen 01:14:21 - Outro This podcast includes original audio from trailers for the films.

This episode we have the pleasure of chatting to Helen McCarthy, well-known author of so many of our favourite books on anime, on her latest work about the life and work of manga artist Leiji Matsumoto. Creator of some of the biggest franchises in anime, including Space Battleship Yamato (Star Blazers), Space Pirate Captain Harlock and Galaxy Express 999, but still criminally overlooked in the UK and USA. A collaborative effort with co-editor Darren-Jon Ashmore, with various contributors including Jonathan Tarbox, Ed Hoff and Stefanie Thomas. (You can pre-order the book at https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/leiji-matsumoto.) Meanwhile, members of the easternKicks team pick their favourite animes! This episode's timecodes 00:00:31 - Episode introduction 00:02:10 - Phillip on Giant Robo: The Day The Earth Stood Still 00:06:07 - A chat with Helen McCarthy (pt 1) 00:13:54 - Star Blazers opening theme 00:14:27 - A chat with Helen McCarthy (pt 2) 00:26:50 - Space Pirate Captain Harlock opening theme 00:28:02 - A chat with Helen McCarthy (pt 3) 00:37:58 - Theo on Ping Pong 00:39:55 - A chat with Helen McCarthy (pt 4) 00:55:24 - Yonah on Hunter x Hunter 00:57:04 - A chat with Helen McCarthy (pt 5) 01:04:48 - Outro

We talk to Sophia's Choice founder Sophia Wong Boccio about Chicago-based Asian Pop-up Cinema and the changing shape of film festivals in the Covid-19 era. We also look back on the career of the late and much-loved Hong Kong action director Benny Chan, as well hear from another of our Udine Far East Film Festival Campus correspondents.   This episode's timecodes 00:31 - Episode introduction 01:26 - A chat with Sophia Wong Boccio: Asian Pop-up Cinema 42:51 - A look back at Benny Chan's career 55:58 - Udine FEFF correspondent: Diego Aparicio 59:56 - Outro

We talk to the filmmakers and star behind new Malaysian martial art film Geran, recipient of the New York Asian Film Festival Daniel A. Craft Award for Excellence in Action Cinema. We spoke to director Areel Abu Bakar, action choreographer and lead bad guy Azlan Komeng, and actor Megat Shahrizal, with interpreter Syeela Dzul, about bringing the art of Silat to the big screen. We also find out how Life Of Action and action co-ordinator Mike Fury got into easternFlicks, and hear from another of our Udine Far East Film Festival Campus correspondents. This episode's timecodes 00:00:31 - Episode introduction 00:01:31 - Geran intro 00:03:26 - Geran interview 00:44:54 - Mike Fury: How I got into easternFlicks 00:49:08 - Udine FEFF correspondent: Josep Santcristofol 00:51:31 - Outro

We climb aboard one of the eagerly awaited Asian film releases this Summer, Peninsula. Looking back on the career of director Yeon Sang-ho, having made his name with animated films such as King Of Pigs, The Fake and Seoul Station before his breakthrough live-action global hit Train to Busan. We also hear how author and Neo magazine writer David West got into easternFlicks, and from another of our Udine Far East Film Festival Campus correspondents. This episode's timecodes 00:00:32 - Episode introduction 00:01:17 - Peninsula intro 00:04:33 - Yeon Sang-ho's career 00:16:14 - Boarding the Train to Busan 00:23:38 - ...and onto the Peninsula: a review 00:36:17 - David West: How I got into easternFlicks 00:41:16 - Udine FEFF correspondent: Linda Santu Lama 00:45:08 - Outro

Ant Gates and  Phillip O'Connor join us for an appropriately monster-sized discussion to celebrate the Arrow Video release of Gamera: The Complete Collection. We take in the history of Kaiju, while considering the important questions. Like what does Mothra drink? And exactly what is the deal with Godzilla's son? Stephen Palmer tells us more about the original hero in a half shell, and Helen McCarthy, author of many of our favourite books on anime, tells us How she got into easternFlicks.  This episode's timecodes 00:00:31 - Episode introduction 00:02:35 - The origins of Kaiju 00:22:27 - Stephen on Gamera 00:29:47 - Godzilla's enduring popularity 00:42:58 - Just what is it with Godzilla's son? 00:47:35 - So who's number 2? 00:56:30 - Non-Japanese Kaiju 01:04:41 - Helen McCarthy: How I got into easternFlicks 01:06:06 - What next for Kaiju films? 01:31:55 - What would they drink? 01:36:15 - Outro

This episode Phillip O'Connor joins us for a discussion about acclaimed coming-of-age drama House Of Hummingbird, while Roxy Simmons talks to the film's writer/director Kim Bora. We've got some picks from Prime, Netflix and more, and the first of our Udine Far East Film Festival Campus correspondents. Meanwhile, listen all the way through for a very special offer from our friends at Terracotta. This episode's timecodes 00:00:32 - Episode introduction 00:01:46 - House Of Hummingbird discussion 00:28:16 - Kim Bora Interview 01:14:22 - Udine FEFF correspondent: Adora Tan 01:17:40 - easternKicks Picks: Double World, A Chinese Ghost Story trilogy and Labyrinth Of Cinema 01:24:13 - A special offer from Terracotta Distribution! 01:24:36 - Outro

In another special edition, we put the spotlight on classic martial arts film Wu Xia (aka Dragon), starring Donnie Yen, with an exclusive interview with the film's director Peter Chan. We also look at new release Enter The Fat Dragon and some discoveries on Prime Video.   This episode's timecodes 00:00:32 - Episode introduction 00:01:29 - Wu Xia introduction 00:10:25 - Peter Chan on how the film came about 00:25:33 - Peter Chan discusses getting the best out of action stars 00:33:43 - Peter Chan on casting Jimmy Wang Yu 00:41:25 - Peter Chan on Jake Pollack's cinematography 00:48:25 - Wu Xia vs Dragon: the international cut 00:56:50 - easternKicks Picks: Enter The Fat Dragon (On digital and Blu-ray from Well Go USA) 01:04:59 - easternKicks Picks: Prey, The Spy Gone North and Savage (On Prime Video)  

This episode we profile actor Bae Doona, focusing on career highlights with exclusive audio from an interview with the actor herself. Meanwhile film critic, producer and KoBiz English editor Pierce Conran tells us How he got into easternFlicks! This episode's timecodes 00:32 - Introduction 02:20 - Beginnings 02:57 - The Ring Virus 05:27 - Barking Dogs Never Bite 07:05 - Take Care Of My Cat 09:34 - Sympathy For Mr Vengence 11:30 - Tube  14:01 - Bae on her quirkier roles 14:38 - Linda Linda Linda 15:43 - Air Doll 17:44 - Bae on taking roles outside of Korea  19:04 - The Host 19:27 - Bae on the popularity of The Host 21:19 - Bae on Bong Joon-ho 23:05 - As One  24:39 - Bae on training for Sense8 25:34 - Cloud Atlas 29:18 - Bae on working with the Wachowskis 31:27 - Jupiter Ascending and Sense8  36:49 - A Girl At My Door 42:20 - The Tunnel 43:32 - Kingdom 47:10 - The Drug King  51:14 - Pierce Conran: How I got into easternFlicks 55:50 - easternKicks Picks: Massage Detective Joe and The Forest of Love: Deep Cut

In this bumper edition episode, writer, curator and filmmaker Jasper Sharp joins James and Andrew to select some highlights from the BFI's Japan 2020 season. A celebration of over 100 years of Japanese Cinema, including titles from Third Window Film and Arrow Video. While in a very connected way, our very own Kaj van Zoelen tells us How he got into easternFlicks! BFI's Japan 2020 is currently available on BFI Player and continues throughout the year.  This episode's timecodes 00:00:32 - Introduction Jasper's choices: 00:03:29 - 1) Rashomon (Kurosawa, 1950) 00:17:24 - 2) Good Morning (Ozu 1959) 00:30:59 - Kaj van Zoelen: How I got into easternFlicks 00:34:27 - 3) Hana-bi (Kitano, 1997) 00:47:40 - Wildcard – Black Rain (Imamura, 1989) James's choices: 00:51.33 - 1) The Woodsman and the Rain (Okita, 2011) 01:00.28 - 2) Audition (Miike, 1999) 01:09:25 - 3) Pulse (Kurosawa, 2001) 01:17:01 - Wildcard – Sion Sono, various 01:17:51 - Wildcard – House (Obayashi, 1977) 01:23:07 - Outro

With the UK and many parts of the world under lockdown, or just coming out of it, this episode we take a look at South Korean films you can watch for free, or at least 'free-ish', following on from the phenomenal popularity of Parasite. Hangul Celluloid's Paul Quinn joins us to give recommendations from the Korean Film Archive's YouTube channel, while our very own Roxy scours the depths of Netflix, Amazon Prime and finds some gems, despite the bizarre search results!  This episode's timecodes 00:32 - Introduction Paul's choices: 03:08 - 1) The Housemaid (1960) 11:26 - 2) Mulberry (1986) 16:37 - 3) Seopyeonje (1993) 22.05 - If it says it's Korean on Prime, what are the chances...? Roxy's choices: 27.04 - 1) A Girl at My Door (2014) 35.56 - 2) Battleship Island (2017) 47.15 - 3) The Mimic (2017) 57.08 - James' pick from Netflix: Time To Hunt (2020)