Drama
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Episode #95 (S12E05) – Pom Poko [平成狸合戦ぽんぽこ] (1994)
Comic creator Ryan Estrada makes his debut to discuss one of Studio Ghibli's strangest films, 1994's Pom Poko! We talk about the movie's interesting structure, the deeper themes, and, of course, the power of raccoon balls.
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Episode #93 (S12E03) – Typhoon Club [台風クラブ] (1985)
Fellow podcaster Sam Inglis returns to discuss 1985's Typhoon Club. A great character study, though with some aspects that are difficult to watch.
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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.
