Shows
Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #66 - ChocolateZen's mother Zin was previously a feared gangster who retired to give birth to Zen. However when is diagnosed with cancer Zen takes it upon herself to collect her mother's debts, while also being able to replicate martial arts just by watching them. ---Opening Theme - Coffee DateBeat Provided By https://freebeats.ioProduced By White Hot---
2025-03-3040 min
Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #67 - DaimajinRecorded ahead of the release of the Daimajin trilogy boxset from Arrow, Elwood and Stephen check out the first film in the trilogy in which the samurai lord of a peaceful village is murdered by one of his own men. Claiming the throne and forcing the lord's two small children to flee into the woods near the huge stone statue of Daimajin, the god of their village. Ten Years later they plot to reclaim the throne as they call upon Daimajin to assist them.Review - 00:31:02---Opening Theme - Co...
2025-03-301h 09
Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #65 - The Invisible Man Appears + The Invisible Man Vs. The Human FlyElwood and Stephen check out two forgotten invisable man movies produced by Daiei film and both brings a unique twist to the invisible man mythos as "The Invisible Man Appears" (1949) sees a group of jewel thieves plotting to use the invisibility formula to steal the priceless necklace "The Tears of Amour.". It's completly unliked follow up "The Invisible Man Vs. The Human Fly" (1957) meanwhile has a police officer turned invisible attempting to track down a serial killer with the abilitiy to shrink himself down to the size of a fly. We also look at the career of A...
2025-03-301h 26
Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #63 - The Battle WizardElwood and Stephen look at the wonderfully bonkers Shaw Bros. curiosity "The Battle Wizard" featuring giant snakes, a man eating gorilla, demonic henchmen and an evil wizard on telescopic bird legs!!Check out our sponsor Yes Please VintageBuy a coffee and support the show: https://ko-fi.com/acfilmclubReview:00:22:15Opening Theme - Coffee DateBeat Provided By https://freebeats.ioProduced By White Hot
2025-03-271h 10
Asian Cinema Film ClubTakashi Miike Month: Week #5 RecapElwood and Stephen look back at the month which was as they run down the last movies of this month long event to watch 30 Takashi Miike Movies in 30 DaysMaking up the final picks were the following films which we discuss on the episode* Visitor Q* Dead Or Alive: Final* Lesson of the Evil* Ley Lines* Like A Dragon* The Great Yokai WarElwood also reveals the hits, the misses and the first time watches which have knocked it out of the park!!
2025-03-2757 min
Asian Cinema Film ClubTakashi Miike Month - Week #1 RecapThroughtout September Elwood is attempting to watch 30 Takashi Miike movies in 30 days which considering that Miike has to date directed over 100 movies means there is plenty to choose. On this bonus episode Elwood and Stephen recap what Elwood has watched so far. Throughout september we are raising money for Marvels and Meltdowns Family Support Centre. If you'd like to toss a buck in the donation you can via our justgiving page - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-smethurst2
2025-03-2737 min
Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #60 - Tokyo StoryElwood and Stephen check out thier first Yasujirō Ozu movie with the critically acclaimed "Tokyo Story" in which an elderly couple visit thier grown up children in what is frequently seen as one of the best japanese movies of all time, while regularly topping critical polls for best movies....but is it actually any good?Review: 00:27:22Opening Theme - Coffee DateBeat Provided By https://freebeats.ioProduced By White Hot
2025-03-271h 08
Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #59 - Millennium ActressElwood and Stephen check out Satoshi Kon's tribute to the careers of Setsuko Hara and Hideko Takamine in one of his more overlooked films which sees him take a depature from his usual themes to tell the story of actress Chiyoko Fujiwara. Living as a recluse for thirty years a pair of documentary filmmakers set out to tell her story, only to soon find themselves becoming more immersed in the story of her life and career. Author note: Apoligises for the ending of this episode which Elwood's audio was lost thanks to a laptop crash giving us a...
2025-03-271h 07
Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #52 - ElectionElwood and Stephen correct a great oversight by finally looking at a Johnnie To movie as they check out the Traid thriller "Election" as Simon Yam and Tony Leung Ka-fai star as two gang leaders battling to become chairman of the Wo Luen Shing. Also on this episode Food Wars, Japanese game shows and the changing face of anime plus more!!Review: 00:32:51Opening Theme - Coffee DateBeat Provided By https://freebeats.ioProduced By White Hot
2025-03-261h 22Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #50 - Seven SamuraiWhat better way to mark such a milestone than checking out Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai" which would not only be remade in the west as "The Magnificent Seven" but also layed the foundations for many of the action movie tropes so commonplace now. Check out our sponser Yes Please Vintage for a great selection of hand picked and highly curated vintage, second-hand and upcycled housewares & clothing.Note: Sorry for any audio issues due to a synch issue.
2025-03-261h 35Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C Film Club #49 - A Bittersweet LifeOn this episode we check out Kim Jee-woon's revenge thriller "A Bittersweet life" as Kim Sun-woo (Lee Byung-hun) goes after his former boss when his refusal to do a job lands him with dire concequences. Also check out our new sponser Yes Please Vintage for a great selection of hand picked and highly curated vintage, second-hand and upcycled housewares & clothing.Review:00:37:25Opening Theme - Coffee DateBeat Provided By https://freebeats.ioProduced By White Hot
2025-03-261h 33Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #47 - God of GamblersElwood and Stephen check out a Hong Kong cinema classic as Chow Yun Fat stars as Ko Chun the titular God of Gamblers, a high stakes gambler with a fondness for chocolate and jade pinky rings, who after being knocked unconcious suffers amnesia while being gets taken in by Andy Lau's mediocre gambler Little Knife who sees an oppotunity to exploit Ko Chun's abilities. We also look at the film making legacy of Wong Jing and the numerous spin offs the film inspired, attend a virtual Babymetal concert with The Vern and much more!!
2025-03-261h 24Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #44 - MotherFresh off his historic win at the Oscars on this episode we look at one of the more overlooked titles in Bong Joon-Ho's filmography "Mother" in which Kim Hye-ja play the widowed mother who sets out to clear her mentally handicaped son's name when he is arrested for the murder of a young girl.We also look at what his Oscar win could potentially mean for Asian cinema, look at the upcoming Godzilla Monopoly and Gamera Boxset plus much more!!Review - 00:38:29Opening Theme - Coffee DateBeat P...
2025-03-251h 23Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #42 - Peppermint Candyon this episode we look at Lee Chang-Dong's second film "Peppermint Candy" in which we open to our lead Yong-ho commiting suicide on the train tracks during a reunion with his student group. What follows is a series of flashback which slowly reveal how he came to end his life on the train tracks. On this episode we also question the need for a Noir "Parasite" aswell as questioning it's chances of actually claiming the best film prize, Karmen Rider re-releases and more!!
2025-03-251h 23Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #41 - Antique BakeryKicking off a brand new year with the Korean comedy "Antique Bakery" based on the popular Manga by Fumi Yoshinaga in which Jin-hyuk who has wealth, good looks and charm sets up a bakery in order to meet the love of his life while being joined by his quirky team as they attempt to make the buisness a sucess.We also talk about merchandise, Funko Pops, boxset releases aswell as laying out the plan for the year ahead plus much more!!Shoutouts: Zobo With A Shotgun, Exploding Helicopter Podcast, French Toast Sunday
2025-03-251h 18Asian Cinema Film ClubKaiju Christmas #3 - MothraThe festive season is upon us once again which can only mean the return of "Kaiju Christmas" were once more Stephen and Elwood put thier viewing fates in the hands of thier listeners to pick which Kaiju movie they will be watching. So join us now as we look at "Mothra" (1961) a King Kong style adventure with more than a few similarities to "Gorgo" released the same year we also look back over the highs and lows of the year aswell as revealing our favourite episodes of the year.
2025-03-241h 10Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #39 - Naked WeaponElwood and Stephen look at the sexy action thriller "Naked Weapon" starring Maggie Q as an Assassin trained as a child to kill while being pursued by CIA Agent Jack (Daniel Wu) who is determined to take down the ring headed up by the mysterious Madam MWe also look at the career of producer Wong Jing, Region 2 releases and the winner of Kaiju Christmas 3 is revealed plus more!!
2025-03-241h 25Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #38 - Tokyo GodfathersWith the festive season quickly decending upon us what better time to look at Satoshi Kon's suprisingly festive Tokyo Godfathers as a homeless trio find an abandoned baby and set out on a quest to find the child's family.On this episode we also question why Region 2 is so frequently overlooked for certain titles, Elwood shares his thoughts on Girls Und Panzer the Movie and more!!Review: 00:20:23Opening Theme - Coffee DateBeat Provided By https://freebeats.ioProduced By White Hot
2025-03-241h 07Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #37 - The World of KanankoOn this episode we have a big ole dose of family entertainment as we check out Tetsuya Nakashima's thriller which plays like "Bad Lieutenant" meets "Taken" as a former police detective goes in search of his missing daughter only to uncover the much darker world she was part of. Featuring graphic violence, drugs, sex, the yazkua, wound stomping and a whole host of very bad behaviour!!Elwood also looks at Ang Lee's "Father Knows Best Trilogy" ahead of the launch of Movies and Tea season #4 while Stephen shares his thoughts on "Farewell My Concubine" plus more!!
2025-03-241h 29Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #36 - A Tale of Two SistersHalloween is here once again so needless to say we choose to look at somthing suitably spooky while giving Elwood a chance to cross this off his Cinema Shame list in an episode which you should be warned is heavy on spoilers.Inspired by a Joseon Dynasty era folktale entitled Janghwa Hongryeon jeon which has over the years been adapted several times already as here director Kim Jee-Woon crafts a deceptive tale with the teenage girl, Su-mi (Im Soo-jung) returning home after recently being commited to a mental asylum. Now resuming her protective relationship with her younger...
2025-03-231h 07Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #28 - ThirstElwood and Stephen look at Park Chan-Wook's take on the vampire mythos when a priest finds himself inheriting vampire abilities aswell as cravings from a blood transfusion. Plus: Old school anime collecting, Detective Pikachu, Neon Genesis Evangelion and the changing face of fandom plus much more Review - 00:27:51Opening Theme - Coffee DateBeat Provided By https://freebeats.ioProduced By White Hot
2025-03-231h 20Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #27 - The Bride With White HairElwood and Stephen check out Ronny Yu’s Wuxia take on “Romeo and Juliet” in The Bride With White Hair as Brigitte Lin and Leslie Cheung star as swordsman and star crossed lovers from rival clans who are threaten to be torn apart by the war waging between thier respective clans.Elwood also provides the further watching ideas for Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Stephen has another tale from the Dark Side of Asian Cinema, plus we reveal what we’ve been watching including Snowpiercer and The Wandering Earth!!Review: 00:42:00O...
2025-03-231h 19Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #26 - The EyeElwood and Stephen look at the Pang Brothers Horror “The Eye” in which a blind woman finds that her newly returned sight also enables her to see the dead.Stephen has another tale from the dark side of asian cinema, plus what we’ve been watching and a rather spontaneous discussion about “Carrie” plus more!!Review - 00:15:18Opening Theme - Coffee DateBeat Provided By https://freebeats.ioProduced By White Hot
2025-03-221h 01Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #25 - Battle RoyaleWe are joined by Emily Intravia (The Deadly Doll’s House of Horror Nonsense / The Feminine Critique ) to talk about all things “Battle Royale”. A film which alongside “Ringu” and “Audition” helped usher in a new intrest in Asian cinema while going on to become both a cult favourite in it’s own right.We compare the film to the source novel aswell as revealing the films which have been holding our intrest, Elwood’s “Dragonball Z” recap and Stephen has another tale from the dark side of Asian cinema plus much more!!Opening Theme - Coffee D...
2025-03-221h 24Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #24 - The Bullet VanishesOn this episode are joined by Kim ( Tranquil Dreams / Movies and Tea ) for a Sherlock Holmes style mystery as a pair of Detectives team up to solve a series of unusual murders at a Bullet factory in 1930s Tiancheng County, China.We also look at the many talents of Nicolas Tse, Elwood takes on Dragonball Z and we talk celebrity scandals plus much more!!Review: 00:11:43Opening Theme - Coffee DateBeat Provided By https://freebeats.ioProduced By White Hot
2025-03-2253 minAsian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #23 - The Twins EffectElwood and Stephen kick off 2019 looking at “The Twins Effect” a wonderfully random mash up of vampires, romantic comedy and special friendly appeareances?On this episode they dive into this star studded movie vehicle for Cantopop duo “Twins” while also looking at the many scandels which rocked the various cast members.Stephen has another tale from the dark side of Asian cinema this time looking at the actress Bai Jing, plus podcast recommendations, 2019 releases much more!!
2025-03-221h 21Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #20 - The WailingElwood and Stephen are joined once more by the Dutchess of Dark Cinema Zoe (Zobo With A Shotgun) to discuss the winner of the Halloween listener vote “The Wailing”.A film acclaimed by both audiences and critics alike, aswell asEasternKicks film of the year but does it really live up to the hype?Join us for this suitably spooky Halloween special for a film quite unlike anything that we have seen before.Opening Theme - Coffee DateBeat Provided By https://freebeats.ioProduced By W...
2025-03-2248 minAsian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #12 Pedicab DriverCelebrating year one of the podcast Elwood and Stephen check out the Sammo Hung classic “Pedicab Driver” which despite starting out as a light hearted kung-fu comedy hides a darker second half while also showcasing some truly memorable martial artistry from the legendry Sammo Hung.All this plus Godzilla (Anime) and Devilman Crybaby landing on Netflix, Stephen delves into the much over looked sub-genre of romantic Asian cinema and Elwood names his alternative top couples in Asian cinema plus much more!!Review: 00:40:00Opening Theme - Coffee DateBeat...
2025-03-221h 17Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #9 - The Man From NowhereNine episodes in and Elwood and Stephen finally take thier first look at Korean cinema with the critically praised “The Man From Nowhere” but does it live up to the hype. Elwood reveal the new option online disc rentals, hidden gems and Stephen gives his thoughts on “The Villianess” plus much more! Review Starts - 00:28:00Opening Theme - Coffee DateBeat Provided By https://freebeats.ioProduced By White Hot
2025-03-221h 09Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #8 – Horror DraftIt’s Halloween so what better way to celebrate than sharing our favourite Asian Horror movies as we pit our selections against special guest Zoe (Zobo With A Shotgun)!!We also look at the origin of the long haired ghosts, diffrences between Asian and Western horror and genre hopping plus much more!!You can find a full list of all the films covered on this episode on LetterboxdOpening Theme: Coffee DateBeat Provided By https://freebeats.ioProduced By White Hot
2025-03-221h 44Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #7 - Exte: Hair ExtensionsOn this episode Stephen and Elwood look at the killer hair extensions movie “Exte” aswell the weird yet fantastic cinema of Sion Sono a director who many see as picking up were Takashi Miike’s outlaw period ended.We look at Sono’s career, Takashi Miike’s 100th film aswell as discussing the death of physical media rentals plus much moreReview Start: 00:36:00Opening Theme: Coffee DateBeat Provided By https://freebeats.ioProduced By White Hot
2025-03-221h 10Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #6 - Death NoteWith the Netflix remake of “Death Note” on the horizon, Elwood and Stephen check out the original which along with it’s anime / manga has spawned an incredible cult following since its release. They also share their favourite live action adaptions, the influence of anime on western animation aswell as looking at the films of Hitoshi MatsumotoReview Starts: 00:41:22Opening Theme: Coffee DateBeat Provided By https://freebeats.ioProduced By White Hot
2025-03-221h 13Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #5 - Peking Opera BluesElwood and Stephen check out Tsui Hark’s “Peking Opera Blues”an amazing piñata of a movie that combines more genres and Hong Kong-specific themes than one could possibly imagine. A historical and political intrigue, acrobatic action, screwball comedy, and heroic gunplay elements are thrown together in an intoxicating mix. They also look at the key leading ladies of Asian cinema, Viceland’s new Anime block and Takashi Miike’s “Dead of Alive” trilogy plus much more!!Opening Theme: Coffee TalkBeat Provided By https://freebeats.ioProduced By White Hot
2025-03-2259 minAsian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #4 - Chungking ExpressElwood and Stephen take a look at Wong Kai-War’s Chungking Express, a film comprised of two rather untraditional love stories as Takeshi Kaneshiro plays a cop who finds himself caught up Brigitte Lin’s mysterious drug smuggler. At the same time Tony Leung (also playing a cop) who in attempting to get over the loss of his girlfriend (Valerie Chow) attracts the interest of the quirky snack bar worker Faye (Faye Wong) who has become determined to improve his situationThey also share thier Asian cinema shames as they reveal the films they perhaps should have seen but fo...
2025-03-221h 02
Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #71 - Rainy DogElwood and Stephen look at the Takashi Miike's "Rainy Dog" in which a Yakuza member exiled to Taiwan makes ends meet as a hitman, while his problems only increase when his ex dumps thier son on his doorstep. Elsewhere brother of one of his former hits sets out to get his revenge.
2021-09-281h 03
Asian Cinema Film ClubTakashi Miike Month: Week #4 RecapContinuing his month long challange to watch 30 Takashi Miike Movies in 30 days Elwood runs down with Stephen the latest batch of films he's crossed off his list as he enters week #4 of his challange.
This time they look at The Happiness of the Katakuris, Fudoh: The New Generation, Shinjuku Triad Society, Crows Zero 1 + 2, Graveyard of Honor and Yatterman!
Throughout september we are raising money for Marvels and Meltdowns Family Support Centre. If you'd like to toss a buck in the donation you can via our justgiving page - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-smethurst2
2021-09-2654 min
Asian Cinema Film ClubTakashi Miike Month: Week #3 RecapContinuing his month long challange to watch 30 Takashi Miike Movies in 30 days Elwood runs down with Stephen the latest batch of films he's crossed off his list including Blade of the Immortal, Imprint, Three Extremes, 13 Assassins, First Love and The City of Lost Souls
Throughout september we are raising money for Marvels and Meltdowns Family Support Centre. If you'd like to toss a buck in the donation you can via our justgiving page - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-smethurst2
2021-09-1934 min
Asian Cinema Film ClubTakashi Miike Month: Week #2 RecapContinuing his month long challange to watch 30 Takashi Miike Movies in 30 days Elwood runs down with Stephen the latest batch of films he's crossed off his list including Miike's takes on the Musical, western and superhero genres!
Throughout september we are raising money for Marvels and Meltdowns Family Support Centre. If you'd like to toss a buck in the donation you can via our justgiving page - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-smethurst2
2021-09-1136 min
Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #70 - Shaolin SoccerElwood and Stephen check out "Shaolin Soccer" the film which launched Stephen Chow into the concious of western audiences only for him to disappear as quick as he's appeared!
Here Chow plays a Shaolin monk who teaming up with his friends as they attempt to blend thier Shaolin skills with football in this madcap comedy.
Check out our sponsor Yes Please Vintage
2021-09-111h 13
Asian Cinema Film ClubBattle Royale Podcast #19 - The Third ManWith the numbers quickly dwindling down to just seven remaining students, the time has finally come for our resident hacker to finally unveil his masterplan.
2021-09-0431 min
Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #69 - Ninja ScrollElwood and Stephen check out the anime classic "Ninja Scroll" as the masterless samurai Jubei is despatched to investage a mysterious virus only to soon find himself faced with battling an enemy from his past. We also question if it's still the key title it was when it was released aswell as the part it played in helping anime break through for audiences in the 90's
We also look at the weirder moments of Godzilla's legacy with Stephen revealing his favourite kaiju, Samurai Shodown and more!!
2021-08-271h 21
Asian Cinema Film ClubBattle Royale Podcast #18 - DieCertainly to unpack in this latest episode of our Chapter by Chapter breakdown of "Battle Royale" as Shuya is finally reunited with Noriko while we bid farewell to Hiroki and Mitsuko but not before we get a chance to explore her "Broken Doll" persona.
All this plus more intresting acting choices from Beat Takashi Kitano, questionable fan wiki's and the heroes journey of Shuya plus more!
2021-08-2539 min
Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #68 - Goodbye, Dragon InnElwood and Stephen check out Tsai Ming-liang's "Goodbye, Dragon Inn" a film which is as much a tribute to King Hu’s 1967 wuxia epic "Dragon Inn" as it is a slice of life drama set on the cinema's final night before its closure.
2021-08-181h 13
Asian Cinema Film ClubBattle Royale Podcast #17 - A DreamOur Chapter by Chapter breakdown of "Battle Royale" comes to one of it's more surreal sequences....literarly! Taking a break from the ongoing deathmatch Noriko has a dream about going for an ice lolly with Takashi. But what does this all mean??
We also look at the extensive career of "Beat" Takashi Kitano and the legacy of Takashi's Castle, more British TV nostalgia and more!!
2021-08-1126 min
Asian Cinema Film ClubBattle Royale Podcast #16 - PoisonEmily (Why This Film) joins us to breakdown another chapter of Battle Royale as a plot to poison Shuya is hatched while we also take a closer look at one of the more unique groups to form during the game.
2021-07-221h 08
Asian Cinema Film ClubBattle Royale Podcast #15 - The LighthouseContinuing our chapter by chapter breakdown of the cult classic "Battle Royale" we pick up the story with Shuya having escaped from Kiriyama at the end of the last episode he now finds himself at the Lighthouse were several of the girls have found thier own sanctuary, but will his arrival disrupt their harmony? We also rundown the latest list of the fallen and explore their backstories not shown in the film.
2021-06-2730 min
Podcast KentangEp 21: Suara Peralihan Ft Brainstew & AndiZephyrAnak-anak kentang menampilkan Brainstew dan AndiZephyr yang akan meriliskan lagu baru mereka bertajuk Suara Peralihan pada 2 Julai 2021! P follow depa!
Intagram Kentang: @podcast kentang
2021-06-2045 min
OFFAIRUNDSCVRD : BRAINSTEWSebuah band sejak dibangku sekolah,BRAINSTEW band yang digarap penuh berintipatikan punk rock gaya bali SUPERMAN IS DEAD, ikutan GREENDAY tentunya memberi kepuasan kepada 4 sekawan ini dalam memperjuangkan dan menterjemahkan minat mereka dalam muzik band mereka jom bersama afi kita nak kenal lebih rapat band asal MUO ni....layan yek
2021-06-1106 min
Asian Cinema Film ClubBattle Royale Podcast #14 - Join MePicking up from the cliffhanger ending of our previous chapter our trio find thier clinic hideaway under attack from the ever resourceful Kiriyama, we bid farewell to Froggy while we look at the background of Shinji a.k.a. The Third Man.
2021-06-0128 min
Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #64 - VersusOn this episode we check out the hyper kenetic "Versus" in which Gangsters battle Zombies in the Forest of Resurrection which headed up a revived intrest in asian cinema when it was unleashed in 2000.
We also look at the suprisingly career of it's director Ryuhei Kitamura, the rise and fall of Tartan's "Asia Extreme" Label, Elwood challanges Stephen to the Letterboxd game and more!!
Check out our sponsor Yes Please Vintage
Buy a coffee and support the show: https://ko-fi.com/acfilmclub
2021-05-241h 22
Asian Cinema Film ClubBattle Royale Podcast #13 - A ConfessionContinuing our chapter by chapter breakdown of Battle Royale on this episode we discover the history of Kawada (but bizarely not what causes his scar), reveal the scene that Stephen wishes was included in the film aswell as profile two of the supporting cast with suprising back stories.
2021-05-1636 min
Asian Cinema Film ClubBattle Royale Podcast #12 - Stay With MeEmily Slade (Why This film) joins us to discuss one the of the films more iconic character as we look at Takako Chigusa aswell as one of the films most memorable showdowns. FPu6z5bHgrx93xzanjDb
2021-04-271h 39
Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #62 - CureOn this episode we have one for anyone who's a fan of Michael Mann's "Manhunter" as we check out Kiyoshi Kurosawa's "Cure" in which a string of strange murders see the victims being found with an X carved into them with the murderer near by and no memories of the crime they have commited.
2021-04-101h 10
Asian Cinema Film ClubBattle Royale Podcast #11 - The ClinicThe Battle Royale breakdown continues as we meet another key group in star basketball player, revolutionist and hacker Shinki Mimura aka The Third Man, question the many professions of Kawada's father while also taking a look at the collars as we question if anyone is actually listening to the microphones in the collars?
2021-03-2937 min
Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #61 - Fish StoryCan punk rock save the world? We find out as we check out Yoshihiro Nakamura's "Fish Story" a series of tales all connected by the final song of a punk rock group before they broke up but which ultimatly prove the key to humanities survival in modern day as a meteor heads on a collision course with the earth!
2021-03-211h 16
Asian Cinema Film ClubBattle Royale Podcast #10 - Second ReportAs we near the half way point of our chapter by chapter breakdown it's time for another of Kitano's reports, while we also look at the dining options available to our players, Mitsuko's showdown with the last member of her gang, questionable fan wiki's and more!!
2021-03-1729 min
Asian Cinema Film ClubBattle Royale Podcast #9 - A Cry For HelpThe chapter by chapter breakdown of Battle Royale continues as a new alliance is formed, a questionable plan is put into action and we question what really is the most useless weapon to have on the island plus much more!!
2021-02-2046 min
Asian Cinema Film ClubThe Battle Royale Podcast #8 - First ReportOur chapter by chapter breakdown of Battle Royale comes to one of it's shortest chapters aswell as a chance to catch up with who we have lost so far in the game. It's also a chance for us to look at the backstory of Mitsuko not only an alpha predator in the game, but one of the two gang leaders in the class amassing an impressive wrap sheet before she entered the game which we explore aswell as tracing the events which turned her into the shark like predator she is in the game.
2021-01-2627 min
Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C Film Club #58 - Project AElwood and Stephen check out the Jackie Chan classic set in the late 19th Century Hong Kong as Chan plays the coast guard SGT. Dragon Ma, who is determined to stop the pirates terrorising the city aswell as the corrupt goverment officals funding them.
Best remembered for the now legendry clock tower hang aswell as the film which introduced the now famous end credits blooper reel, we look at the making of the film as well as it's lasting appeal as one of Chan's best films.
2021-01-181h 12
Asian Cinema Film ClubThe Battle Royale Podcast #7 - Comparing WeaponsOur chapter by chapter breakdown of "Battle Royale" arrives at one of its most eventful chapters as alpha predators are revealed and loyalties are tested. We also find out what the use of the fan is while also trying to decide what is actually a good weapon to get in the game plus more!!
2021-01-0745 min
Asian Cinema Film ClubKaiju Christmas - PulgasariIt's once more the happiest time of the year as Kaiju Christmas is here once more!!
This year we have somthing especially special as we look at North Korea's entry into the Kaiju genre with "Pulgasari" whose behind the scenes making of is as equally facinating as the film itself.
Joining us to breakdown the film we have a fantastic pair of guests as Emily (Why This Film Podcast) and Nick (French Toast Sunday) share thier thoughts on the film aswell as the decline of physical media, life lessons learned from kids tv and english cuisine p...
2020-12-181h 25
Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #57 - A Penguins MemoriesOn this episode we look at one of the lost classics of anime "A Penguins Memories" which plays like "Happy Feet" meets "The Deer Hunter" as Mike a young penguin returns home from the war shell shocked and unable to deal with the experience while his friends and family want to celebrate him as a war hero, sending him on the road as he tries to find peace in his life.
We also look at Japan's love for mascots, pumpkin carving and why "The Oily Maniac" which just be the strangest Shaw Bros. movie ever plus much more!!
2020-12-151h 14
Asian Cinema Film ClubThe Battle Royale Podcast #6 - MemoriesThe game is finally afoot as our chapter by chapter breakdown of Battle Royale now sees the students entering into the game for real but who is going to be first to fall?
2020-11-2632 minAsian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #56 - A Moment of RomanceElwood and Stephen pay tribute to Benny Chan as they check out the first film in the "A Moment of Romance" trilogy in which a chance encounter between a getaway driver and a rich heiress leads to an unlikely romance.
We also check out Crunchyroll's first podcast "Anime In America" and how anime managed to sneak into our lives without us even realising. We also look at Disney's problematic "Mulan", Japanese Mascots and much more!!
Sponsor: Yes Please Vintage
2020-11-191h 25
Asian Cinema Film ClubThe Battle Royale Podcast #5 - Life's A GameNick Rehak (French Toast Sunday) joins us as we continue our breakdown of Battle Royale one DVD chapter at a time.
On this episode it's time for the bags to be handed out, while we question the purpose of the games aswell as how the game could be played outside of the island.
2020-11-0352 minAsian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #55 - The Big BossOn this episode we look at the feature film debut of Bruce Lee "The Big Boss" which also might also be one of his unique films especially when he spends a good portion of the film refusing to fight.
We look at the making of the film aswell as Bruce's meteoric rise to fame, the hunt for the missing footage aswell as highlighting the many random delights of the film.
2020-10-221h 25
Asian Cinema Film ClubThe Battle Royale Podcast #4 - The NecklaceOur Chapter by Chapter breakdown of cult favourite "Battle Royale" continues with a look at the must have fashion acessory for any Battle Royale participent as on this episode we are joined by Kim (Tranquil Dreams / Movies and Tea) to breakdown the chapter as the class find out the rules and we bid farewell to two of the class.
Apoligies for the audio issues in part of the this episode due to our recording being insane.
2020-10-1536 minAsian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #54 - MoebiusOn this episode we look at one of our more random film sections with Kim Ki Duck's "Mobieus in which a wife's desire for a revenge on her husband soon has him on a much darker journey of self satisfaction.
2020-09-271h 15
Asian Cinema Film ClubThe Battle Royale Podcast #3 - Today's Lesson IsOur Chapter by Chapter breakdown of Battle Royale this time sees our ill fated class waking up on the island as they are reunited with Kitano and introduced to two new members of thier class Shogo Kawada and Kazuo Kiriyama.
On this episode we explore the backstory of these two students aswell as how they differ from how they were potrayed in the novel and manga. We also look alittle deeper at Kitano and question his own motivation for joining the BR program and the possible hand he had in the class being chosen.
2020-09-1038 minAsian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #53 - Female Prisoner #701: ScorpionOn this episode we check out one of Meiko Kaji's most memorable characters in the first of the female prisoner scorpion movies as she plays a former police spy on a mission of revenge against her ex-boyfriend while trying to survive the gangs and corrupt guards inside the prison in a film possibly best described as art-house sleaze.
2020-08-291h 19Asian Cinema Film ClubThe Battle Royale Podcast #2 - On The BusContinuing our chapter by chapter analysis of Battle Royale as on this episode we look at the ill fated school trip which will soon land the class on the island.
We discuss the characters of Noriko and how she might actually be the only innocent in the game aswell as Shuya's best friend and human grenade nobu let alone a batch of all important cookies and further comparisions to the manga and novel plus much more!!
2020-07-3147 min
Asian Cinema Film ClubThe Battle Royale Podcast #1 - The BR ActWelcome to a brand new bonus show as Elwood and Stephen start thier chapter by chapter analysis of the cult classic "Battle Royale" not only looking at the film and the impact it had on Asian cinema ushering in alongside Audition and The Ring a revived intrest in Asian Cinema, but also comparing the film to the original novel and manga adaptation as they set out on the mother of all deep dives.
On this episode we look at Shuya Nanahara, the Battle Royale act and the youth uprising it was designed to squash plus much more!
2020-07-2149 minAsian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #51 - SnowpiercerIt's a change of pace on this episode as we look at Bong Joon-Ho's english language debut "Snowpiercer" as we look at it's problematic distribution to the UK, the clashes with Harvey Weinstein and the deeper themes when we deep dive into the film with Em from Verbal Diorama
Also make sure you check out our show sponsor Yes Please Vintage for a great selection of vintage homewares and second hand clothing
2020-07-142h 01Asian Cinema Film ClubTop Asian Cinema - The Next 5025 episodes ago Elwood and Stephen shared thier top 50 Asian Cinema and now having just celebrated episode #50 they reveal what thier next 50 would be on the list as they make it a full 100 in this weighty chunk of podcast goodness.
2020-06-272h 57Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #48 - Once Upon A Time In China 2On this episode we are joined by Jeanette Ward (The Mundane Adventures of a Fangirl) to discuss the martial arts classic "Once Upon A Time In China 2" as Jet Li returns as Wong Fei-hung who this time joins forces with a nationalistic militia to overthrow the colonialist powers intent on taking over China.
Best remembered for the showdown between Jet Li and Donnie Yen here making his first leading role appearence a fight that we would have to wait until "Hero" to finally see the rematch between these two legends.
We also look at the...
2020-05-041h 50Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #46 - A Touch of SinOn this episode we check out Jia Zhangke's 2013 A Touch of Sin as he draws from the headlines to craft four tales about the division between the rich and poor against the backdrop of a rapidly changing China often with bloody results.
2020-04-071h 34Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #45 - Tetsuo The Iron Man / Tetsuo 2: Body HammerOn this episode we check out a double feature from one of our most requested directors Shinya Tsukamoto as we look at look at the cult favourites Tetsuo The Iron Man in which after running over a metal fetishist a saleryman finds himself cursed with a disease which is slowly turning his skin metal. We also look at it's big budget sequel Tetsuo 2: Body Hammer which this time sees a saleryman trying to get his son back from a gang of skinhead while his body becomes a living weapon.
We also look at Takashi Miike's First Love, M...
2020-03-231h 32Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #43 - Tokyo DrifterOn this episode we look at the cinema of cool with Seijun Suzuki's "Tokyo Drifter" which along with "Branded to Kill" saw him blacklisted by the Nikkatsu as he set out to create somthing alot more diffrent than the typical Yakuza fare he'd previously been associated with as here enforcer Tetsuya "Phoenix Tetsu" Hondo is forced to become a drifter when his boss disolves the gang and a real estate scam orchestred by thier rivals sees him soon having to evade the hitman "Viper" Tatsuzo in a yakuza movie quite unlike anything which came before and certainly after it.
2020-02-161h 23Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #35 - The Forest of Love / Violence VoyagerElwood and Stephen check out Sion Sono's Netflix exclusive "The Forest of Love" in which a trio of film makers set out to make a film about a suspected serial killer only to soon find themselves drawn into his elabourate schemes.
We also have an advance screening of the uniquly animated "Violence Voyager", question the current state of asian horror, listener mail and the countdown to Halloween plus much more!!
2019-10-171h 09Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #34 - The TerrorizersOn this episode Stephen introduces Elwood to New Taiwan Cinema with Edward Yang's "The Terrorizers" following three groups of people living in Taipei echoing Michelangelo Antonioni's Blowup.
2019-10-111h 05Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #33 - The Castle of CagliostroIt's an episode packed with legends from a legendary animator to a legendary manga artist and his equally legendary creation Lupin The 3rd whose second feature length adventure "The Castle of Cagliostro" see's the master thief attempting to rescue a princess from an evil count who plans to use her to unlock the legendary treasure of Cagliostro.
We also look into the legacy of Lupin, Hong Kong Censorship and so truly random kung fu plus much more!!
2019-09-211h 06Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #32 - AntipornoElwood and Stephen check out Sion Sono's contribution to Nikkatsu's reboot of thier Roman Porno series in a film while not only bends reality but also the audiences perception of what they are watching.
On this episode we also take a look at the history of Roman Porno and the Pink film, Censorship in Japan, the Criterion Godzilla collection and Elwood reveals his contender for worst movie of the year!!
2019-09-051h 20Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #31 - Eastern CondorsElwood and Stephen look at "Eastern Condors" as Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao team up with the an all-star cast as a squad of convicts are sent to Vietnam to destroy a secret ammo dump, while Sammo gets to tap into his inner Rambo!
Also on this episode Batman Ninja, The story behind the Korean Godzilla and Yuen Biao's boy band hair and more!!
2019-08-221h 06Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #30 - Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of VengeanceElwood and Stephen are joined by Author / Podcaster (The Bonus Material Podcast) aswell as three-time International Horror Guild Award Nominee Thom Carnell to discuss the first film in the long running Lone Wolf and Cub series as Ogami Ittō, a disgraced executioner turned wandering assassin for hire and his young son, Daigoro journey through the land they call hell.
A key inspiration for Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" aswell as John Carpenter's "Big Trouble In Little China) we look at the series aswell as the pop samurai genre. Thom also reveals his writing process, aswell as highlighting some of h...
2019-08-091h 20Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #29 - Dead or AliveElwood and Stephen revisit Takashi Miike's outlaw period aswell as the uttlerly bonkers "Dead or Alive" which not only feature one of the most shocking openings ever but an equally bonkers finale as Riki Takeuchi's crime boss and Show Aikawa's dirty cop face off in the first film of the trilogy which many have refered to a the asian version of "Heat".
We also look at Miike's outlaw period and highlight some of our favourites, discuss our favourite genre critics and much more!!
2019-07-151h 25Asian Cinema Film ClubTop 50 Asian Cinema - Part 2 Elwood and Stephen countdown thier top 50 Asian Cinema in this bonus episode they reveal the films which have had the biggest impact on them. Stephen wraps up the list revealing his top picks for the list.
2019-07-031h 29Asian Cinema Film ClubTop 50 Asian Cinema - Part 1 Elwood and Stephen countdown thier top 50 Asian Cinema in this bonus episode they reveal the films which have had the biggest impact on them. In part 1 Elwood reveals his 25 picks for the list
2019-07-031h 35Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #22 - Gamera 3: The Revenge of IrisIt’s the happiest time of the year which of course means that it’s time to once more celebrate a Kaiju Christmas as this year we check out the final part of the 90’s Gamera trilogy.
We also reveal our top episodes aswell as the lows for 2018, while Stephen also discusses the films which made the easternkicks.com yearly best of
2019-07-021h 10Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #21 - The Night Comes For UsOn this episode we knuckle up for one of the most brutal martial arts movies of the year we check out Timo Tjahjanto’s “The Night Comes For Us” which recently got picked up by Netflix and is already being heralded as the spiritual sucessor to “The Raid”.
We also question if violence in action cinema has gone too far, what happened to the Thai cinema boom aswell as reveal the anime eqivilant of “Game of Thrones” plus much more!!
2019-07-021h 01Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #19 - Perfect NumberThis episode it’s all in the numbers on this episode as Elwood and Stephen look at the South Korean adaptation of The Devotion of Suspect X as the brilliant mathematician Kim Seok-go helps his neighbour Baek Hwa-sun cover up the murder of her abusive ex-husband.
Also Stephen shares his thoughts on the original series plus we look at the upcoming Lone Wolf and Cub book from Tom Mes, listener mail and much more!!
2019-07-0256 minAsian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #18 - Pefect BlueOn this episode we revisit a true Anime classic from the legendary Satoshi Kon “Perfect Blue”.
A tense psychological thriller as Mima a former Pop idol decides to quite music to pursue a career as an actress only to soon find herself being targeted and an alternative life for her being played out on the internet. The film would prove a major influence for Darren Aronosky’s “Black Swan”.
Stephen also brings us a tale from the Asian Cinema darkside as he looks at the life and career of Anita Mui plus much more!!
Sorry about...
2019-07-021h 18Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #17 - The ClassicOn this episode we are joined by That Moment In.com‘s very own Dutchess of Dark Cinema Zoe (Zobo With A Shotgun) so of course it made perfect sense that we would be looking at a Korean Romantic Melodrama.
Stephen provides also provides an introduction guide to the genre while Elwood opens the anime vault to look back at “Urotsukidoji: Legend of the Overfiend“.
We also talk cursed jewellry, impressing women with your blood type aswell as asking if toothpaste is a good way to counter tear gas plus much more!!
2019-07-021h 28Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #16 - The KillerElwood and Stephen take thier first jaunt into the world of Heroic Gunplay as they look at the John Woo classic “The Killer” which along with its director has been cited as an influence for the Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez and Johnny To.
So grab your best white suit and join us for a bullet riddled romp through this exciting area of Hong Kong cinema.
2019-07-0257 minAsian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #15 - The Place Promised In Our Early DaysIt’s May so what better time to look at some Anime. This time we look at possibly the most divisive film pick to date with Makoto Shinkai‘s The Place Promised In Our Early Days, especially with Shinkai currently responsible for knocking Spirited Away off the top spot for highest-grossing animated film with his latest film Your Name.
We also look at the designs for Mecha-Godzilla in the upcoming second Godzilla Anime, Sion Sono making his English language debut with Nicholas Cage and much more.
2019-07-0243 minAsian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #14 - Turtles Are Suprisingly Fast SwimmersElwood and Stephen check out “Turtles Are Suprisingly Fast Swimmers” a rather unique Japanese comedy (of sorts) as a mild mannered housewife finds herself being recruited to be spy.
Stephen gives us an overview of the career of the films leading lady Juri Ueno, while we also name our favourite titles from the “Third Window Films” catalogue.
All this plus our favourite Asian authors, Elwood finally watches “Shin Godzilla” and much more!!
2019-07-021h 10Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #13 - Come Drink With Me This time Elwood and Stephen look at the influencial Shaw Brothers favourite “Come Drink With Me” and the influence it would have on martial arts cinema as Pei-pei Cheng stars as the Golden Swallow.
We also look at the “My Wife Is A Gangster” trilogy, Elwood reveals why Game of Thrones fans should watch “Attack on Titan and Stephen discusses the career of Brigitte Lin plus much more!!
Sorry about the audio issues for this episode due to us having some problems with the recorder which hopfully will have been corrected now.
2019-07-0254 minAsian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #11 - The God of CookeryElwood and Stephen are joined by Kim Lo (Tranquil Dreams / Game Warp) to kick off another year of Asian cinema obsession starting with Stephen Chow’s madcap comedy “The God of Cookery” while taking a look at his filmography.
Plus the future of Legendary’s Monsterverse, Journey to the West Adaptations, Sion Sono’s diversive “Antiporno” and much more
2019-07-011h 15Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club #10 - Destroy All MonstersElwood and Stephen celebrate the festive season with thier first ever “Kaiju Christmas” as they watch “Destroy All Monsters” as voted for by you the listeners.
We also look back at the top releases of 2017, Takashi Miike’s “Dead of Alive” Trilogy and much more!!
2019-07-011h 10Asian Cinema Film ClubA.C Film Club #3 - Tears of the Black Tiger Elwood and Stephen head to Thailand for the latest instalment of their introduction to Asian cinema as they look at possibly the most fabulous western ever “Tears of the Black Tiger”.
An Eastern Western which combines elements of romantic melodrama with John Woo style heroic gunplay and a Sam Peckinpah western to create something truly original
2019-07-0153 minAsian Cinema Film ClubA.C. Film Club # 2 - King Kong EscapesElwood and Stephen set sail for Mondo island in this second attempt by Toho studios at a King Kong movie as they team up with Rankin / Bass for this follow up to “King Kong Vs. Godzilla”. So get prepared for giant ape madness as Kong battles his robot clone “Mechani-Kong” in a battle for ape supremacy!!
We also look at the the legacy of Gundam Wing, Stephen also shares his thoughts on the live action “Ghost In The Shell”, the use of blackface in cinema and why Attack on Titan is so essential plus much more!!
2019-07-011h 11