Drama
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Episode #87 (S11E7) – 100 Yen Love [百円の恋] (2014)
Film fan and podcaster Sam Inglis joins the show today to discuss Masaharu Take's boxing romance, 100 Yen Love. We break down the story, discuss some of its commentary on Japanese society, and praise the amazing performance by Sakura Ando.
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Episode #86 (S11E6) – Drunken Angel [酔いどれ天使] (1948)
Jamie Ryder, author and proprietor of Yamato Magazine, stops by the show to discuss Akira Kurosawa's gangster classic, Drunken Angel! Notable for being the first of Kurosawa and Toshiro Mifune's string of collaborations, it also contains a number of themes Kurosawa would continue to explore throughout his career.
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Episode #78 (S10E7) – Red Beard [赤ひげ] (1965)
In this episode, Ian Buckley joins the show to discuss Red Beard, one of Kurosawa's most renowned films. With a lot of similar themes to Kurosawa's earlier film, Ikiru, it's also got some other stuff that we have fun discussing. And the film is notable for Kurosawa going to excess with detail and creating a rift between him and star Toshiro Mifune.
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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.
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Episode #70 (S9E8) – My Friend “A” [友罪] (2018)
Perry welcomes back returning guest Jenn to discuss My Friend "A". Marketed as something of a mystery or even a thriller, it actually turns out to be more of a drama with some strong performances, but also some questionable decisions.
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Episode #69 (S9E7) – Tampopo [タンポポ] (1985)
Ray Chmielecki of the Spoon Mob podcast makes his debut appearance. He joins Perry to discuss Juzo Itami's ramen western, Tampopo. We discuss the film's influence on food culture, how Itami uses food to criticize different aspects of Japanese society, and a lot more.
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Episode #66 (S9E4) – After Life [ワンダフルライフ] (1998)
In the latest episode, Perry is joined by story coach Erin Rodgers to discuss Hirokazu Kore-eda's 1998 film, After Life. They share their memories of discovering this film and dive into some of the themes this movie raises about memory and life.
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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.
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Episode #59 – Survival Family (サバイバルファミリー)
Perry is joined by Oliver of the Watching Asia Film Reviews blog to discuss Shinobu Yaguchi's post-apocalyptic dramedy, Survival Family. We discuss the ideas of generational conflict, the alienation of the Japanese nuclear family, and find this film topical in light of Russia's war on Ukraine. Also as a fan of Yaguchi, Oliver provides a lot of insight into the director's way of thinking and his criticisms of modern society.
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Episode #56 – Grave of the Fireflies (火垂るの墓)
Maison Collawn of the MC Anime Podcast joins this episode to discuss Grave of the Fireflies.
