Action
-
Episode #89 (S11E9) – Tokyo Drifter [東京流れ者] (1966)
Director Seijun Suzuki is a really unique figure in the world of Japanese cinema, with a style all his own. In this episode, Japanese film scholar Jennifer Upton returns to the show for a discussion of one of his most famous works, Tokyo Drifter.
-
Episode #88 (S11E8) – Godzilla Raids Again [ゴジラの逆襲] (1955)
Fellow podcaster Mike Lund returns to the show for a discussion of Godzilla Raids Again. The first of many Godzilla sequels, it also set the tone for the Showa Era of Toho's blockbuster property. Listen to our fun debate over the merits and faults of this film.
-
Episode #85 (S11E5) – Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart to Hades [子連れ狼 死に風に向う乳母車] (1972)
This week, Perry is joined by Trevor McKillop of the First Look, Final Word podcast. We've discussed the first Lone Wolf and Cub film long ago, now we're skipping the second and jumping straight into the third to discuss this action-packed samurai thriller!
-
Episode #77 (S10E6) – 2LDK (2003)
Director and writer Claire Downs appears on the show to discuss the minimalist 2LDK. Featuring two actresses whose roommate quarrels spiral into violence, there's also a lot of stuff in here about the treatment of the Japanese entertainment industry's treatment of women.
-
Episode #74 (S10E3) – A Colt is My Passport [拳銃は俺のパスポート] (1967)
In this episode, we dip into Nikkatsu's noir catalog. Illustrator Joey Weiser joins the show to discuss A Colt is My Passport, a fun noir film featuring Joe Shishido, the man with the most distinctive cheekbones in Japanese cinema.
-
Episode #73 (S10E2) – Sukiyaki Western Django [スキヤキ・ウエスタン ジャンゴ] (1997)
New guest Nick Frame joins the show to discuss Takashi Miike's gonzo ramen western film, Sukiyaki Western Django. Clearly inspired by spaghetti westerns and trying to mix the western genre with Japanese history, there's some good stuff here, but also some strange choices.
-
Episode #71 (S9E9) – Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance [修羅雪姫 怨み恋歌] (1974)
For the final episode of the season, Perry is joined by returning guest Joshua Cervenka to discuss Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance. And while there are some interesting ideas in this film, plus an appearance by a pre-directing Juzo Itami, the film unfortunately doesn't quite live up to the original.
-
Episode #68 (S9E6) – Akira [アキラ] (1988)
Konner Hudson and Michael Hale of the KMP Podcast Project return to Japan On Film to join Perry for a discussion on the groundbreaking Akira. We talk about the film's long-enduring legacy, how it compares to the far more sprawling manga, and how it still feels a bit unfinished.
-
Episode #65 (S9E3) – Kagemusha [影武者] (1980)
In this episode, Perry is joined by Derick McDuff of the Underrated podcast network to discuss Akira Kurosawa's 1980 film, Kagemusha. It received a lot of support from George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola, but ultimately represents something of a downturn for the acclaimed director.
-
Episode #64 (S9E2) – Battles Without Honor and Humanity [仁義なき戦い] (1973)
This week, Perry is joined by Jordan Forbes, co-host of the Shonen Flop Podcast. We discuss Kinji Fukasaku's 1973 yakuza film, Battles Without Honor and Humanity (仁義なき戦い). It's the first film in what's known as The Yakuza Papers series in the west and it's often been called "the Japanese Godfather." But it's much more unique in its own right.
