This week Andy and James take a look at Mongolian cinema. With If Only I Could Hibernate in UK cinemas, Andy chat's to the director Zoljargal Purevdash. Meanwhile regular easternKicks contributor Amarsanaa Battulga joins us to chat about Mongolian cinema in general. This episode’s handy timecodes 00:00:32 - Introduction. 00:01:44 - Zoljargal Purevd…

James and Andy are back with another look at the latest releases on streamers and in cinemas for March. This episode’s handy timecodes 00:00:32 - Introduction. 00:02:20 - The Oscars! 00:11:35 - Shudder, with a sudden appearance of 2000's Uzumaki. 00:15:48 - Amazon Prime, including Suddenly in Dark Night, Doctor (2013) and KKN di Desa Penari: Luwih …

James and Andy are back with another look at the latest releases on streamers and in cinemas for February. This episode’s handy timecodes 00:19 - Introduction 02:33 - Shudder, with Dain Said's Blood Flower 06:53 - Netflix, including Badland Hunters, Home for Rent, The Last Wife, Past Lives, The Bridge Curse – Ritual 26:08 - Amazon Prime, including …

James and Andy ring in the New Year with another look at the latest releases on streamers and in cinemas for this month. This episode’s handy timecodes 00:33 - Introduction 01:41 - Special announcement: Focus Hong Kong's Chinese New Year screenings 06:34 - Amazon Prime, including The Long Walk, Chasing the Dragon, Sakra, The Tiger, and Derailed 27:…

James and Andy curate a selection of new and recent releases from streaming platforms, cinema and more. This episode’s handy timecodes 00:19 - Introduction 02:29 - Streaming picks... 03:43 - Netflix, including Sweet Home Season 2, Believer 2 and Hard Days 16:27 - Amazon Prime, including Ashiap Man, The Family, Kwaidan and Third Window 24:08 - Cinem…

In the first of a new format, James and Andy curate a selection of new and recent releases from streaming platforms, cinema and festivals. Plus Andy catches up with Geran and Walid director Areel Abu Bakar in trendy Hackney Wick. This episode’s handy timecodes 00:00:19 - Introduction 00:02:36 - But first, what easternKicks Picks IS, and what it ISN…

James and Andy look back on Ann Hui's unsung ghost comedy Visible Secret, newly released by Radiance Films and screening in London, as well as more Hong Kong horror in the form of new cinema release Back Home. This episode’s handy timecodes 00:35 - Introduction 01:38 - Visible Secret introduction 06:40 - Great talent in front and behind the camera …

This episode Colette Balmain joins James and Andy to chat about Tokyo Melody, a 1985 documentary that recently resurfaced at Japan Cuts 2023 about Ryuichi Sakamoto, and to chat about the great musician, innovator and composer's legacy. Yonah Sichrovsky speaks to the film’s director Elizabeth Lennard. Meanwhile, Frank Djeng, king of audio commentari…

This episode James and Andy introduce the lineup for two summer events for new-ish UK festival Focus Hong Kong, curated by some rather familiar names. This episode’s handy timecodes 00:32 - Introduction 01:42 - What is Focus Hong Kong? The full disclosure... 04:55 - Memories to Choke On, Drinks to Wash Them Down 11:16 - Made in Hong Kong 15:58 - Wh…

Andy chats to Filipino filmmaker Mikhail Red while at Udine Far East Film Festival, while James and Andy take a trip through highlights of his career so far and the latest hit starring Nadine Lustre, DELETER. This episode’s handy timecodes 00:33 - Introduction 02:13 - Career highlights 13:28 - Deleter 26:58 - Andy chats with Mikhail Red 54:27 - Out…

This episode Andy and James are joined by Yonah Sichrovsky to chat about Brotherhood of the Wolf, returning to home media in a new 4K restoration. Yonah also chats to star Mark Dacascos himself about the film, appearing in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Iron Chef! This episode’s handy timecodes 00:00:33 - Introduction 00:02:09 - Highlights f…

Oh, the Calamity! The Calamity of Snakes! Andy and James discuss the controversial exploitation flick, released by Unearthed Films in a glorious 2K restoration, and wonder... just where is the fourth floor? Listen in if you dare, but don't get too distracted knitting. That might not be a bundle of wool... This episode’s handy timecodes 00:33 - Intr…

This episode Kay Hoddy chats to the director of 2022 Oscar nominated Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom, Pawo Choyning Dorji. Meanwhile, James gives us a rundown of recent releases on the streaming platforms. This episode’s handy timecodes 00:00:33 - Introduction 00:01:58 - Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom intro 00:05:46 - Pawo Choyning Dorji interview 0…

With the new series Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre debuting on Netflix, James and Andy are joined by self-confessed Ito fans Colette Balmain and Niina Doherty to chat about his works and how they've been adapted to film and television over the years. Has anyone done him justice...? This episode’s handy timecodes 00:00:33 - Introduc…

It's time for the End of Year Show! James and Andy look back on 2022, the highs and lows. Did anything change for Asian film? What were the big releases and trends? Will there be ranting about that certain recent survey? There's only one way to find out: listen!!! This episode’s handy timecodes 00:00:32 - Introduction 00:01:53 - What were the big r…

To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of its original release, Stephen Palmer joins Andy and James to discuss the Infernal Affairs Trilogy starring Tony Leung and Andy Lau. Meanwhile, Phillip O'Connor shares his thoughts on the inevitable fates of our protagonists. This episode’s handy timecodes 00:00:32 - Introduction 00:03:00 - Context and concept 00…

James and Andy take a look at Asian films screening at the 66th BFI London Film Festival 2022, and Andy chats to the director of Liquor Store Dreams, So Yun Um. This episode’s handy timecodes 00:00:32 - Episode introduction 00:01:27 - On to the festival, and the many films from Korea (?) 00:18:14 - So Yun Um interview, Liquor Store Dreams 00:37:18 …

On the first anniversary of the show debuting on Netflix and with a big win at the Emmys, we look back at the impact of Squid Game and ask what it really means for the future of both the creators and cast, and Korean film and TV in general... This episode’s handy timecodes 00:32 - Episode introduction 02:13 - For those that missed it...(what?) 14:0…

James and Andy chat exclusively about Focus Hong Kong's Making Waves, a Hong Kong screening programme coming to London from 8 to 10 July. Full disclaimer, they might have had something to do with it... This episode’s handy timecodes 00:31 - Episode introduction 01:43 - An introduction to Focus Hong Kong 05:00 - The Making Waves programme 06:19 - Co…

To celebrate the global release of gruesome horror The Sadness on Shudder, James and Andy chat through the film, with an exclusive interview with the films director, Rob Jabbaz. This episode’s handy timecodes 00:31 - Episode introduction 01:54 - The Sadness, a quick explainer 08:39 - Rob Jabbaz interview 28:11 - Reactions to the interview 34:52 - e…

This time Jonathan Wroot, senior lecturer in film studies, joins James and Andy to chat in detail about the topic of his new book, Zatoichi! As well as the various influences and successors. And yes, we chat Rutger Hauer too! This episode’s handy timecodes 00:00:44 - Episode introduction 00:02:12 - Before we start, how did our guest get into Asian …

Seriously cutting into their Giallo viewing time, James and Andy chat to Laos film director Mattie Do and her other 'alf, screenwriter Christoper Larsen in detail about their superb genre-crossing sci-fi horror, The Long Walk and much more. This episode’s handy timecodes 00:00:31 – Episode introduction 00:02:16 – Interview with Mattie Do and Chris …

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:…

Is this deja vu? A Korean streaming series taking Netflix by storm. No, it's not Squid Game, but Train To Busan director Yeon Sang-ho's Hellbound. James and Andy chat about the series and wonder, will there be another? Meanwhile James has some more easternKicks picks. This episode's handy timecodes 00:00:44 - Episode introduction 00:02:28 - Putting…

Yes, it's that time of year again, and we turn our focus to modern Hong Kong horror, from the tail end of the Shaw Brothers right up to Fruit Chan's Coffin Homes. Meanwhile, Niina and Stephen share some of their favourites... This episode's handy timecodes 00:00:49 - Episode introduction 00:02:18 - Why Hong Kong horror? 00:08:00 - Into the 80s 00:1…

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…

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! …

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 diff…

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 …

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 00:24:0…

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…

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 epis…

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? 00:34:2…

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:…

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 - Outr…

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 …

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 Sa…

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 …

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 …

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 discoveri…

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 intr…

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 Expre…

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…

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…

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 Wes…

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 th…

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 ver…

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 intr…

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 D…

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…