The easternKicks.com Podcast

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...

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 intro...

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...

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 festiva...

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 2...

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 filmmaker...

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 introduc...

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 f...

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...

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...

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 ch...

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, feat...

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 - Ep...

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/giftguid...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 McCart...

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 ....

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 fil...

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...

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 avai...