All Episodes (46)

1. 1. Episode 44: the End of Year Show 2022

   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 - Introduction00:01:53 - What were the big releases?00:08:25 - Decision to Leave, innit?00:25:16 - Other key cinema releases00:41:37 - Trends, what have we seen from different countries00:50:22 - The home entertainment renaissance 00:47:46 - Legacy and influence01:01:45 - 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!

   Dec 29,2022 01:33:09
2. 2. Episode 43: Infernal Affairs 20th Anniversary Special

   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 - Introduction00:03:00 - Context and concept00:08:25 - Creative team00:11:50 - Infernal Affairs00:25:19 - Infernal Affairs II00:40:29 - Infernal Affairs III00:47:46 - Legacy and influence00:51:53 - Phillip on the inevitability of fate01:05:42 - The Departed01:18:09 - Conclusions01:23:39 - Outro 

   The Infernal Affairs Trilogy is available now on Blu-ray from The Criterion Collection.

   Dec 11,2022 01:24:57
3. 3. Episode 42: London Film Festival roundup

   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 introduction00:01:27 - On to the festival, and the many films from Korea (?)00:18:14 - So Yun Um interview, Liquor Store Dreams00:37:18 - Films from Japan00:39:09 - Films from Thailand and beyond, plus documentaries and more00:52:25 - Thoughts on the festival01:06:07 - Outro

   The BFI London Film Festival 2022 takes place from 5th to 16 October. See the official site for listings. 

   Oct 05,2022 01:06:39
4. 4. Episode 41: Happy Anniversary, Squid Game?

   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 introduction02:13 - For those that missed it...(what?)14:02 - The success of the show, and creators and cast26:40 - What does that mean for other shows?44:57 - Wrapping up48:37 - Outro

   Sep 15,2022 49:35
5. 5. Episode 40: Making Waves

   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 introduction01:43 - An introduction to Focus Hong Kong05:00 - The Making Waves programme06:19 - Comrades, Almost A Love Story and Peter Chan holo-presence13:41 - July Rhapsody18:32 - Anita22:34 - Hand Rolled Cigarette24:51 - Breakout Brothers26:48 - The First Girl I Loved28:24 - Tales from the Occult35:43 - Outro

   Making Waves takes place at the Soho Hotel and Garden Cinema from 8th to 100th July. Check the website for more details. 

   Jun 25,2022 36:18
6. 6. Episode 39 - The Sadness special

   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 introduction01:54 - The Sadness, a quick explainer08:39 - Rob Jabbaz interview28:11 - Reactions to the interview34:52 - easternKicks Picks!42:40 - Outro

   The Sadness is available to exclusively stream on Shudder from 12th May. 

   May 11,2022 43:08
7. 7. Episode 38 – Spotlight on... Zatoichi

   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 introduction00:02:12 - 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 series00:20:22 - Zatoichi begins00:25:05 - A minor diversion on Shintaro Katsu's brother00:29:09 - Something for everyone, the Daiei way00:30:23 - How wacky did the films get?00:32:46 - Are there roots to disabled swordsmen?00:38:14 - The Marvel connection00:40:45 - Good ol' Westerns00:45:34 - Zatoichi The Last00:47:54 - The female versions00:52:13 - Let's talk about Rutger (and other influences)01:07:26 - Recommendations on where to start01:15:43 - 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.

   May 03,2022 01:17:57
8. 8. Episode 37 – The Long Walk special

   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 introduction00:02:16 – Interview with Mattie Do and Chris Larsen00:52:32 – The easternKicks take on The Long Walk01:08:05 – Outro

   The Long Walk is available on digital now via Light Bulb Film Distribution in the UK, and Yellow Veil Pictures in the US.

   Mar 09,2022 01:08:33
9. 9. Episode 36 - The End of the Year Show

   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 introduction00:02:39 – What's in Santa's hat (don't ask!)00:03:33 – Smoke.Netflix.Chill00:18:26 – (Get on the) Partyline 00:34:55 – Niina on Howling Village00:37:43 – Sitting in Limbo00:45:07 – East West Shuffle00:53:54 – 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 Car01:19:56 – Outro

   Dec 23,2021 01:20:50
10. 10. Episode 35 – All Aboard... for Hellbound!

    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 introduction00:02:28 - Putting Hellbound in context00:07:52 - A brief synopsis00:11:29 - How it fits with Yeon's other work00:22:29 - Just what are the demons?00:24:12 - Comparison with Yeon original Jiok/The Hell animations00:29:50 - 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 waves00:55:05 - easternKicks picks01:07:52 - Outro

    Dec 07,2021 01:08:21
11. 11. Episode 34 - The horror of Hong Kong!

    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 introduction00:02:18 - Why Hong Kong horror?00:08:00 - Into the 80s00:10:34 - Niina on Seeding Of A Ghost00:13:51 - The evolution from Shaw Brothers00:25:01 - The glorious descent into Category III00:27:17 - The 1990s00:38:07 - Post-handover and the 2000s00:46:03 - Stephen on Hex00:49:56 - The last decade00:56:04 - The future of Hong Kong horror...(?)01:03:17 - Outro

    Oct 27,2021 01:04:10
12. 12. Episode 33 - Do you like calamari?

    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 introduction01:52 - Let the Squid Game commence06:52 - Hwang Dong-hyuk, hardly a talent from outta nowhere11:28 - Korea's so hot right now...16:06 - High production values, quirky style19:59 - Wrong-footed pacing26:48 - Subtitle 'controversy'30:32 - Superb acting performances35:28 - How about those other controversies?43:11 - Do You Want More?!!!??!47:00 - Time for more easternKicks Picks57:26 - Outro

    Squid Game is streaming now on Netflix!

    Oct 15,2021 57:57
13. 13. Episode 32 - Spotlight on... A Tale of Two Sisters

    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 introduction03:43 - An introduction to A Tale of Two Sisters07:50 - The house of William Morris13:18 - A very British Asian horror?16:07 - The perfect moment24:10 - When did the American Remakes start?27:16 - The legacy of Two Sisters33:56 - A good time to revisit37:26 - 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.

    Sep 13,2021 57:59
14. 14. Episode 31 – Spotlight on... Daimajin

    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 introduction02:05 - Daimajin's origins06:28 - Shall we talk about the, erm, plot?12:27 - Some of the different elements of the films22:08 - Daimajin's design and special effects31:20 - Production and shooting33:45 - Obligatory Steven Segal cameo36:40 - Original release and popularity39:38 - Where'd the wee fella go?43:52 - Godzilla composer Akira Ifukube's film scores47:57 - Masks and cleft chins49:27 - The three directors52:10 - What next?56:59 - easternKicks Picks59:06 - Outro

    The Daimajin Trilogy is available now on Limited Edition Blu-ray from Arrow Video.

    Aug 25,2021 01:00:26
15. 15. Episode 30: The best of NYAFF 2021

    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 introduction02:16 - Back to live festivals with NYAFF and Raging Fire15:36 - Hand Rolled Cigarette and Limbo22:59 - Shadows and more from Hong Kong28:59 - Maja interview with Ann Hui41:41 - Some picks screening from  South Korea, including Spiritwalker, The Prayer and Midnight49:38 - More picks including Three Sisters and Escape from Mogadishu51:50 - Picks from Japan, including Last Of The Wolves and Junk Head52:10 - Picks from Taiwan, including As You Like It, The Silent Forest and My Missing Valentine58:13 - Outro

    The New York Asian Film Festival continues with both in-person screenings and online until 22 August. 

    Aug 17,2021 58:40
16. 16. Episode 29: PTU and Johnnie To's crime drama years

    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 introduction00:01:38 - PTU review00:24:01 - PTU and the HK crime drama resurgence of 2000s00:52:10 - Stephen Palmer on My Left Eye Sees Ghosts00:58:54 - James and Kaj share some easternKicks Picks01:06:08 - Outro

    PTU is available now on UK Blu-ray from Eureka Entertainment. 

    Jul 09,2021 01:06:48
17. 17. Episode 28 - The World of Wong Kar-wai

    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 introduction00:02:08 - Phillip on As Tears Go By00:07:19 - Bede Cheng interview part one - What is restoration?00:26:30 - Ethan on Wong Kar-wai00:30:49 - Bede Cheng interview part two - Working with WKW00:33:23 - Theo on Fallen Angels00:35:57 - Bede Cheng interview part three - More on working with WKW00:47:11 - Yonah on 204600:48:13 - Colette on Wong Kar-wai01:01:55 - Stephen on Chungking Express01:07:26 - Outro

    Wong Kar-wai films screen at the BFI Southbank and ICA Cinema throughout July. 

    Jun 25,2021 01:07:57
18. 18. Episode 27: Time & Tide & Tsui

    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 introduction00:03:50 - Time and Tide review00:37:05 - Enter JCVD00:40:52 - Double Team review00:45:26 - Knock Off review01:13:33 - easternKicks Picks01:22:50 - 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.

    Jun 15,2021 01:23:28
19. 19. Episode 26: One-Armed Jimmy

    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 introduction00:02:41 - One Armed Boxer review00:19:20 - 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: James00:54:54 - More easternKicks Picks: Yonah, including Demon Slayer01:02:17 - Outro

    One Armed Boxer is available now on UK Blu-ray from Eureka Entertainment.

    May 29,2021 01:03:00
20. 20. Episode 25: Cliff Walkers and Zhang Yimou

    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 introduction00:02:50 - Cliff Walkers review00:28:10 - Other works00:30:10 - Stephen Palmer on the 2008 Olympics00:36:03 - 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 Home00:47:40 - The Flowers Of War00:51:00 - Phillip O'Connor on The Great Wall00:53:05 - The Great Wall00:57:30 - Shadow01:00:15 - One Second and Under The Light01:09:30 - Outro

    Cliff Walkers is released in cinemas now, screening in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand via CMC Pictures. 

    May 08,2021 01:09:56
21. 21. Episode 24: Spotlight on... Battle Royale

    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 introduction00:02:50 - Ready to rumble? It's time for Battle Royale00:34:07 - Battle Royale II: Requiem. Why?00:54:54 - easternKicks picks00:55:54 - 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.

    Apr 16,2021 56:23
22. 22. Episode 23: Indonesian Folk Horror special

    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 introduction00:02:47 - The Queen Of Black Magic review00:08:52 - Comparison with the original The Queen Of Black Magic00:16:06 - James chats to Kimo Stamboel00:52:34 - Indonesian Horror, then and now; Satan's Slave and Satan's Slaves01:00:39 - May The Devil Take You and May The Devil Take You Too01:07:38 - Impetigore01:16:19 - 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. 

    Apr 13,2021 01:16:45
23. 23. Episode 22: Tokyo Dragon Chef vs Crazy Samurai

    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 introduction00:02:00 - Tokyo Dragon Chef review00:17:10 - Yoshihiro Nishimura's career and previous work00:32:22 - 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 review01:11:13 - 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.

    Apr 13,2021 01:11:48
24. 24. Episode 21: The Woman Who Ran and Hong Sang-soo

    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 Ran24:54 - Where should you start with Hong?32:32 - The influence of Hong Sang-soo on other directors42:21 - Outro

    Dec 22,2020 42:49
25. 25. Episode 20: The Gift Guide

    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 list34:54 - 9. Screen Anime subscription37:36 - 10. MUBI subscription41:39 - 11. Char Siu Kits (Wun's Tea Room & Bar)43:42 - 12. easternKicks tee shirts (!!!)45:41 - Outro

    Dec 15,2020 46:13
26. 26. Episode 19: Spotlight on...The Bride with White Hair

    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 discussion00:37:17 - Brigitte Lin, translated by Sophia Wong Boccio01:02:21 - Udine FEFF correspondent: Fan Hong01:06:58 - easternKicks Picks01:15:30 - Outro

    Nov 29,2020 01:16:00
27. 27. Episode 18: Hungry Ghost Halloween!

    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 Senses00:18:02 - The Red Shoes (2005)00:28:21 - Noroi: The Curse (2005)00:34:43 - Niina on Yotsuya Kaidan00:37:54 - 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 Prime01:12:07 - Ant on Queen Of Black Magic and Boxers Omen01:14:21 - OutroThis podcast includes original audio from trailers for the films.

    Oct 25,2020 01:15:52
28. 28. Episode 17: Into the Leijiverse!

    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 Still00:06:07 - A chat with Helen McCarthy (pt 1)00:13:54 - Star Blazers opening theme00:14:27 - A chat with Helen McCarthy (pt 2)00:26:50 - Space Pirate Captain Harlock opening theme00:28:02 - A chat with Helen McCarthy (pt 3)00:37:58 - Theo on Ping Pong00:39:55 - A chat with Helen McCarthy (pt 4)00:55:24 - Yonah on Hunter x Hunter00:57:04 - A chat with Helen McCarthy (pt 5)01:04:48 - Outro

    Oct 20,2020 01:05:46
29. 29. Episode 16: A pop-up chat about Asian Pop-up Cinema!

    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 Cinema42:51 - A look back at Benny Chan's career55:58 - Udine FEFF correspondent: Diego Aparicio59:56 - Outro

    Sep 07,2020 01:01:13
30. 30. Episode 15: NYAFF Action Award-winner Geran!

    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 intro00:03:26 - Geran interview00:44:54 - Mike Fury: How I got into easternFlicks00:49:08 - Udine FEFF correspondent: Josep Santcristofol00:51:31 - Outro

    Aug 26,2020 52:23
31. 31. Episode 14: All aboard for Peninsula!

    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 intro00:04:33 - Yeon Sang-ho's career00:16:14 - Boarding the Train to Busan00:23:38 - ...and onto the Peninsula: a review00:36:17 - David West: How I got into easternFlicks00:41:16 - Udine FEFF correspondent: Linda Santu Lama00:45:08 - Outro

    Aug 20,2020 46:29
32. 32. Episode 13: Supersized Kaiju special

    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 Kaiju00:22:27 - Stephen on Gamera00:29:47 - Godzilla's enduring popularity00:42:58 - Just what is it with Godzilla's son?00:47:35 - So who's number 2?00:56:30 - Non-Japanese Kaiju01:04:41 - Helen McCarthy: How I got into easternFlicks01:06:06 - What next for Kaiju films?01:31:55 - What would they drink?01:36:15 - Outro

    Aug 16,2020 01:38:06
33. 33. Episode 12: House Of Hummingbird

    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 discussion00:28:16 - Kim Bora Interview01:14:22 - Udine FEFF correspondent: Adora Tan01:17:40 - easternKicks Picks: Double World, A Chinese Ghost Story trilogy and Labyrinth Of Cinema01:24:13 - A special offer from Terracotta Distribution!01:24:36 - Outro

    Aug 11,2020 01:25:30
34. 34. Episode 11: Spotlight on... Wu Xia (Dragon)

    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 introduction00:10:25 - Peter Chan on how the film came about00:25:33 - Peter Chan discusses getting the best out of action stars00:33:43 - Peter Chan on casting Jimmy Wang Yu00:41:25 - Peter Chan on Jake Pollack's cinematography00:48:25 - Wu Xia vs Dragon: the international cut00:56:50 - 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)  

    Jul 03,2020 01:09:00
35. 35. Episode 10: Bae Doona – In Focus

    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 - Beginnings02:57 - The Ring Virus05:27 - Barking Dogs Never Bite07:05 - Take Care Of My Cat09:34 - Sympathy For Mr Vengence11:30 - Tube 14:01 - Bae on her quirkier roles14:38 - Linda Linda Linda15:43 - Air Doll17:44 - Bae on taking roles outside of Korea 19:04 - The Host19:27 - Bae on the popularity of The Host21:19 - Bae on Bong Joon-ho23:05 - As One 24:39 - Bae on training for Sense825:34 - Cloud Atlas29:18 - Bae on working with the Wachowskis31:27 - Jupiter Ascending and Sense8 36:49 - A Girl At My Door42:20 - The Tunnel43:32 - Kingdom47:10 - The Drug King 51:14 - Pierce Conran: How I got into easternFlicks55:50 - easternKicks Picks: Massage Detective Joe and The Forest of Love: Deep Cut

    Jun 18,2020 01:00:23
36. 36. Episode 9: BFI's Japan 2020

    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 easternFlicks00:34:27 - 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, various01:17:51 - Wildcard – House (Obayashi, 1977)01:23:07 - Outro

    May 27,2020 01:24:02
37. 37. Episode 8: Free(ish) Korean films

    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)

    May 12,2020 01:01:18
38. 38. Episode 7: Double Happy, part 2!

    We continue with the second of our two-part celebration of Hong Kong comedy, as Andrew, James and Stephen bring the chat right up to date. Maja picks her favourite as well, while Podcast On Fire's Kenneth Brorsson tells us How he got into easternFlicks!

    This episode's timecodes

    00:32 - Introduction 01:00 - Her Fatal Ways09:15 - Maja Korbecka's favourite HK comedy13:26 - The Ghost Snatchers and Mr Vampire22:23 - Gallants29:44 - Vulgaria40:59 - Men On The Dragon43.37 - Kenneth Brorsson: How I got into easternFlicks

    Apr 29,2020 50:43
39. 39. Episode 6: Double Happy!

    We thought we could all do with a laugh right now, so in a two-part special we celebrate Hong Kong comedy! Stephen joins James and Andrew once again to pick out some of our favourites over the years, from Stephen Chow's mo lei tau, to the spooky and martial art comedies. Podcast On Fire's Kenneth Brorsson picks out one of his favourite scenes, while our own Lu Yin tells us How she got into easternFlicks!

    This episode's timecodes

    00:32 - Introduction 03:07 - The House of 72 Tenants10:04 - The Private Eyes16:48 - Twinkle Twinkle Little Star23.55 - Tricky Brains (and Stephen Chow)31.00 - Kenneth Brorsson's favourite HK comedy44.50 - Wai Lu Yin: How I got into easternFlicks

    Apr 24,2020 49:14
40. 40. Episode 5A: CinemAsia Film Festival Special

    In another standalone special from Maja and Kaj, they report back on Amsterdam's CinemAsia Film Festival. No one knew it at the time, but it was one of the last festivals to go ahead for what might be a while. How things have changed in a month. They discuss Lee Sang-geun’s fun blockbuster Exit, Diao Yinan's The Wild Goose Lake, Arden Roz Condez's John Denver Trending and Lou Ye's latest Saturday Fiction.This episode's timecodes

    00:32.250 - Introduction to CinemAsia Film Festival and Exit14:28.500 - The Wild Goose Lake24:03.250 - John Denver Trending29:02.500 - Saturday Fiction 

    Apr 09,2020 38:20
41. 41. Episode 5: So is that why there are no cute guinea pig films?

    This episode we move away from timely releases to focus on one of James' favourite film series of all time: the notorious Guinea Pig video series from Japan! We also pick out Park Hoon-jung's The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion and the second season of Kingdom for you to binge-watch, while Hangul Celluloid's Paul Quinn tells us How he got into easternFlicks.This episode's timecodes

    00:11.500 - Introduction and the Guinea Pig films39:37.000 - Paul Quinn: How I got into easternFlicks41:52.700 - easternKicks Picks: The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion and Kingdom (Season 2)

    Mar 24,2020 48:14
42. 42. Episode 4: Who is King Hu?

    Stephen joins us for an in-depth discussion about all things King Hu, while the Director of Culture Division at the Taipei Representative Office's Dr Chen Pin-Chuan puts his legacy in context and Niina tells us why you should watch Raining In The Mountain. Japan Times film critic Mark Schilling tells us How he got into easternFlicks. James reports back about Berlinale 2020, and Ant has a pick for us. What is it? Listen to find out!

    Mar 03,2020 48:00
43. 43. Episode 3: Takashi squared

    In this jam-packed episode, Ant Gates joins Andrew and James to get all lovey-dovey about Takashi Miike's First Love, but as we look forward to the new rerelease of the One Missed Call trilogy, we wonder if this was the slushy feelings we were thinking of? Continuing the J-Horror theme, Niina Doherty gets very excited about Takashi Shimizu's Howling Village, while we reminisce about The Grudge and the good old days of Asian horror. Maja and Kaj report back on the International Film Festival Rotterdam, featured in full on the previous special report podcast. Meanwhile, Third Window Film's Adam Torel tells us How he got into easternFlicks...

    Feb 10,2020 50:05
44. 44. Episode 3A: International Film Festival Rotterdam report

    In a special standalone episode, Maja Korbecka and Kaj van Zoelen chat through some highlights from the 2020 International Film Festival Rotterdam.

    Feb 04,2020 24:37
45. 45. Episode 2: A Parasite special

    For our second episode, Andrew and James are joined by Tania Hall to discuss Bong Joon-ho's Parasite in detail. Will he get an Oscar? Will the film's phenomenal success thrust Korean cinema into the mainstream? Listen and find out what we think. We also hear from lead star Korean actor Song Kang-ho.

    Jan 24,2020 43:53
46. 46. Episode 1: How *we* into easternFlicks

    Welcome to the easternKicks podcast, a fortnightly magazine programme about East Asian film led by Andrew Heskins, founder and grandmaster of easternKicks.com, and lead writer James Mudge. Each episode we’ll be taking a look at the latest films, news and festivals, often chatting to filmmakers and stars along the way. But for our first episode, we answer a question we get asked a lot, just what started our passion for Asian film? And then we review Ip Man 4: The Finale, lord help us.

    Jan 11,2020 41:23