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 episo...
Jun 25, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 28
On this episode James and Andy are joined by easternKicks contributors Phillip O'Connor and Fedor Tot to chat about the new release of Tsui Hark 's 2000 action classic Time and Tide , and the director's career at point, with his fleeting dalliance with Hollywood and USA films, pairing with Jean-Claude Van Damme on Double Team and Knock Off . This episode's timecodes 00:00:33 - Episode introduction 00:03:50 - Time and Tide review 00:37:05 - Enter JCVD 00:40:52 - Double Team review 00:45:26 - Knoc...
Jun 15, 2021•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Join Andrew, James and easternKicks contributor Yonah Sichrovsky for some mainly 'armless fun, as we chat about kung fu classic One Armed Boxer , and director and star, the notorious Jimmy Wang Yu ! This episode's timecodes 00:00:52 - Episode introduction 00:02:41 - One Armed Boxer review 00:19:20 - Jimmy Wang Yu: The main who would be Bruce? 00:34:28 - Will we ever see the popularity of kung fu films return? 00:44:09 - easternKicks Picks: James 00:54:54 - More easternKicks Picks: Yonah, includi...
May 29, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 26
We look at the acclaimed director's latest film, Cliff Walkers , as well his genre work over the last decade. While easternKicks regulars Phillip O'Connor, Maja Korbecka and Stephen Palmer join us for their thoughts on Zhang's work. This episode's timecodes 00:00:32 - Episode introduction 00:02:50 - Cliff Walkers review 00:28:10 - Other works 00:30:10 - Stephen Palmer on the 2008 Olympics 00:36:03 - A Simple Noodle Story aka A Woman, a Gun and a Noodle Shop aka 'Zhang Yimou's Blood Simple' (sigh...
May 08, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 25
We revisit Kinji Fukasaku's classic Battle Royale and its sequel in honour of the new 4K UHD release. Why is it such a classic, even after 20 years? This episode's timecodes 00:01:14 - Episode introduction 00:02:50 - Ready to rumble? It's time for Battle Royale 00:34:07 - Battle Royale II: Requiem . Why? 00:54:54 - easternKicks picks 00:55:54 - Outro Battle Royale is released on Limited Edition 4K UHD Blu-ray 5-disc boxset from Arrow Video from 26 April 2021, with a brand new 4K UHD restoration ...
Apr 16, 2021•56 min•Season 1Ep. 24
This episode we explore Indonesian Folk Horror, from the classics of the 80s to the new films of Joko Anwar , Timo Tjahjanto , as well as an exclusive interview with Kimo Stamboel about The Queen Of Black Magic . This episode's timecodes 00:00:31 - Episode introduction 00:02:47 - The Queen Of Black Magic review 00:08:52 - Comparison with the original The Queen Of Black Magic 00:16:06 - James chats to Kimo Stamboel 00:52:34 - Indonesian Horror, then and now; Satan's Slave and Satan's Slaves 01:00...
Apr 13, 2021•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 23
James and Andy are joined by Life Of Action and action co-ordinator Mike Fury to chat about Tokyo Gore Police director Yoshihiro Nishimura similarly-titled (but somewhat less gory) Tokyo Dragon Chef , as well as looking back on the career of Japan's 'Tom Savini'. We also discuss the latest from frequent Nishimura collaborator Tak Sakaguchi, Crazy Samurai: 400 vs. 1 , aka Crazy Samurai Musashi , featuring a 77-minute one-take. This episode's timecodes 00:00:31 - Episode introduction 00:02:00 - To...
Apr 13, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 22
This episode Tania Hall joins James and Andy for a discussion on that most idiosyncratic of Korean directors, Hong Sang-soo, and his latest film The Woman Who Ran . What is it that makes his films compelling, and where should you start? The Woman Who Ran is currently streaming on MUBI from 20 December. Sign up now with MUBI via easternKicks and get 30 days FREE! This episode's timecodes 00:31 - Episode introduction 01:08 - Discussion on The Woman Who Ran 24:54 - Where should you start with Hong?...
Dec 22, 2020•43 min•Season 1Ep. 21
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 in...
Dec 15, 2020•46 min•Season 1Ep. 20
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...
Nov 29, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Feeling brave? This time we’re celebrating Halloween as Andrew and James find some hungry ghosts of their own with unfinished business – namely Asian horrors that were overlooked in the post- Ringu boom of the early 00s! Meanwhile, some of the easternKicks team share their own unsung ghostly classics. This episode's timecodes 00:00:31 - Episode introduction 00:02:11 - The Asian horror 'boom' of the 2000s 00:06:28 - The New Blood (2002) 00:12:10 - Stephen on Inner Senses 00:18:02 - The Red Shoes ...
Oct 25, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 18
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 includ...
Oct 20, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 17
We talk to Sophia's Choice founder Sophia Wong Boccio about Chicago-based Asian Pop-up Cinema and the changing shape of film festivals in the Covid-19 era. We also look back on the career of the late and much-loved Hong Kong action director Benny Chan , as well hear from another of our Udine Far East Film Festival Campus correspondents. This episode's timecodes 00:31 - Episode introduction 01:26 - A chat with Sophia Wong Boccio: Asian Pop-up Cinema 42:51 - A look back at Benny Chan's career 55:5...
Sep 07, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 16
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...
Aug 26, 2020•52 min•Season 1Ep. 15
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 ...
Aug 20, 2020•46 min•Season 1Ep. 14
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 ep...
Aug 16, 2020•1 hr 38 min•Season 1Ep. 13
This episode Phillip O'Connor joins us for a discussion about acclaimed coming-of-age drama House Of Hummingbird , while Roxy Simmons talks to the film's writer/director Kim Bora. We've got some picks from Prime, Netflix and more, and the first of our Udine Far East Film Festival Campus correspondents. Meanwhile, listen all the way through for a very special offer from our friends at Terracotta . This episode's timecodes 00:00:32 - Episode introduction 00:01:46 - House Of Hummingbird discussion ...
Aug 11, 2020•1 hr 26 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In another special edition, we put the spotlight on classic martial arts film Wu Xia (aka Dragon) , starring Donnie Yen , with an exclusive interview with the film's director Peter Chan . We also look at new release Enter The Fat Dragon and some discoveries on Prime Video. This episode's timecodes 00:00:32 - Episode introduction 00:01:29 - Wu Xia introduction 00:10:25 - Peter Chan on how the film came about 00:25:33 - Peter Chan discusses getting the best out of action stars 00:33:43 - Peter Cha...
Jul 03, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 11
This episode we profile actor Bae Doona, focusing on career highlights with exclusive audio from an interview with the actor herself . Meanwhile film critic, producer and KoBiz English editor Pierce Conran tells us How he got into easternFlicks ! This episode's timecodes 00:32 - Introduction 02:20 - Beginnings 02:57 - The Ring Virus 05:27 - Barking Dogs Never Bite 07:05 - Take Care Of My Cat 09:34 - Sympathy For Mr Vengence 11:30 - Tube 14:01 - Bae on her quirkier roles 14:38 - Linda Linda Linda...
Jun 18, 2020•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 10
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 - Introduc...
May 27, 2020•1 hr 24 min•Season 1Ep. 9
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...
May 12, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 8
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 Ways 09:15 - Maja Korbecka's favourite HK comedy 13:26 - The Ghost Snatchers and Mr Vampire 22:23 - Gallants 29:44 - Vulgaria 40:59 - Men On The Dragon 43.37 - Kenneth Brorsson: How...
Apr 29, 2020•51 min•Season 1Ep. 7
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 Tenants 10:04 - The P...
Apr 24, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 6
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 Exit 1...
Apr 09, 2020•38 min•Ep. 5
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 films 39:37.000 - Paul Quinn: How I got into easternFlicks 41:52.700 -...
Mar 24, 2020•48 min•Season 1Ep. 5
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 min•Season 1Ep. 4
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 ...
Feb 10, 2020•50 min•Season 1Ep. 3
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•25 min•Ep. 3
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•44 min•Season 1Ep. 2
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 min•Season 1Ep. 1
