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Na Hong-jin has returned with Hope - a uniquely Korean interpretation of a big alien spectacle blockbuster. The director behind The Chaser, The Yellow Sea and The Wailing has made something considerably bigger, louder and more… fun? than his previous films. Hope is an alien invasion action thriller with a surprisingly blockbuster-sized ambition, a bunch of very funny characters, plenty of Korean swearing, some impressive practical effects and some pretty questionable CGI. We watched Hope in 4DX, while Thavy also experienced it in IMAX, so naturally we had to discuss whether being physically thrown around by your cinema chair makes an already ridiculous movie even better. But underneath all the aliens, explosions and questionable digital creatures, what do we actually think of Hope? We talk about the performances from Hwang Jung-min, Jung Ho-yeon and Jo In-sung, the personality of the film, Na Hong-jin's very different approach to blockbuster filmmaking, and whether Hope has anything deeper going on beneath all the chaos. We also discuss the curious amount of attention given to the film's Western stars, Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander, and whether the international media focus on them really reflects what makes this movie interesting. And yes… we talk about the CGI. So where does Hope rank alongside The Chaser, The Yellow Sea and The Wailing in Na Hong-jin's small but highly regarded filmography? Let's discuss. SPOILERS BEGIN AT 35:23. TIMECODES 00:00 The Start (Thavy's Back!)  03:52 Hope — Spoiler-Free Review  05:11 The Synopsis (Aliens!)  07:32 The Actors — Ho-yeon, Jung-min & In-sung  09:22 Na Hong-jin's Previous Works  11:45 The Funny Characters  13:27 The Practical Effects  14:58 The 4DX Experience  17:26 The Critical Response  22:23 The Swearing  24:30 The CGI Monsters  27:08 Just a Fun Movie… or Something More?  29:19 Is a Sequel in the Works?  31:52 Better Than Avatar?  35:23 SPOILERS BEGIN  1:10:28 Final Thoughts Have you seen Hope? Let us know where you think it ranks among Na Hong-jin's films — and whether the CGI really is as questionable as we think. Subscribe to Two Asian Blokes for more reviews and discussions about Asian cinema, Korean movies, Hong Kong action, martial arts films, anime, Asian pop culture and whatever else we've decided to spend two hours arguing about. 👉 Subscribe to Two Asian Blokes: https://www.youtube.com/@twoasianblokes?sub_confirmation=1 Got a film, interview, collaboration or general nonsense you want to send our way? Email: [email protected] Instagram: @twoasianblokes YouTube: @twoasianblokes #Hope #NaHongJin #KoreanCinema #KoreanMovies #HwangJungMin #JungHoYeon #JoInSung #MichaelFassbender #AliciaVikander #TwoAsianBlokes

In Part 2 of our interview with James Pax, we’re putting some of the biggest martial arts and action stars of the 70s, 80s and 90s into a tier list - and James is not holding back. You probably know James Pax best as Lightning from Big Trouble in Little China, but that’s just one chapter of a career spanning more than 40 years. James has worked as an actor and filmmaker across the US, Hong Kong, China and Japan, and has been studying martial arts since childhood. Along the way, he’s worked on film sets with some of the very people we’re talking about here, giving him a perspective on martial arts cinema that you simply don’t get from watching the movies alone. So what does James really think of Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao, Michelle Yeoh, Wesley Snipes, Jason Statham, Tony Jaa, Donnie Yen, Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee? There’s plenty of love for some of these legends. There are a few surprises. From breaking of contracts to on-set rudeness, James has some industry stories and behind-the-scenes insight that might make you look at some of your favourite action stars a little differently. Whether you grew up on Hong Kong action cinema, 80s martial arts movies, 90s action stars or just love a good old-fashioned Tier List argument, this one is for you. TIMECODES 00:00 The Start 00:47 Jackie Chan 01:12 Jet Li 05:26 Jean-Claude Van Damme 06:26 Sammo Hung 11:39 Morgan Freeman 15:49 Yuen Biao 16:48 Keanu Reeves 18:54 Michelle Yeoh 20:23 Wesley Snipes 21:36 Jason Statham 25:26 Tony Jaa 27:46 Donnie Yen 32:29 Chuck Norris 34:28 Bruce Lee 36:22 James Pax Want to hear more from James?? James Pax will be appearing LIVE at the Astor Theatre on November 21st for a special Big Trouble in Little China 40th Anniversary event, featuring a screening, Q&A and the opportunity to meet James in person. Tickets are available now: https://kungfulegends.com/australia ABOUT TWO ASIAN BLOKES Two Asian Blokes is an Australian podcast and YouTube channel shining a spotlight on Asian cinema and pop culture through a uniquely Asian-Australian lens. We talk Hong Kong action, martial arts movies, Asian films and TV, Hollywood's attempts at Asian cinema, and pretty much anything else we can find an excuse to talk about. Subscribe to Two Asian Blokes: https://www.youtube.com/@twoasianblokes?sub_confirmation=1 Got a film, interview, collaboration or general nonsense you want to send our way? Email: [email protected] Instagram: @twoasianblokes YouTube: @twoasianblokes #JamesPax #MartialArts #MartialArtsMovies #JackieChan #JetLi #BruceLee #DonnieYen #MichelleYeoh #HongKongCinema #ActionMovies #BigTroubleInLittleChina #TwoAsianBlokes

Video version -- https://youtu.be/r6Cf1JA97zE James Pax AKA Lightning from Big Trouble in Little China joins us once again, this time to break down four of his most iconic characters including his roles in Big Trouble in Little China, The Heroic Trio, Remains of a Woman, and Nasty Boys. Don't miss the upcoming double screening of Big Trouble in Little China and The Heroic Trio at the Astor Theatre in Melbourne on Saturday November 21st. Tickets and info: https://kungfulegends.com/australia 00:00 About James Pax 05:11 Big Trouble in Little China LIGHTNING 11:57 The Heroic Trio THE PROFESSOR 17:38 Remains of a Woman BILLY CHAN 25:22 Nasty Boys JIMMY KEE Don't miss Part 2 where James helps us put some of the best martial arts actors of all time into a tier list, while dishing out some tea at the same time. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Two Asian Blokes https://www.youtube.com/@twoasianblokes?sub_confirmation=1 📩 Email us: [email protected] 👥 Join the Friends of Two Asian Blokes Facebook group to discuss movies, anime, and pop culture. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @twoasianblokes #bigtroubleinlittlechina #theheroictrio #hongkongmovie #johncarpenter

In this episode of Two Asian Blokes we finally get around to reviewing The Furious - one of our most anticipated films of this year. The Furious is a HK produced martial arts film, directed by Japanese director Kenji Tanigaki, with action direction from Kensuke Sonomura, and an international cast - Xie Miao (Hunt the Wicked), Joe Taslim (The Night Comes for Us), Joey Iwanaga (Baby Assassins 2), Yayan Ruhian (The Raid) and Brian Le (Everything, Everywhere, All at Once). Filmed in Thailand by a predominantly Thai film crew and a Japanese stunt crew, this movie blends all flavours of Asian action cinema into one beautiful and adrenaline-fueled package. Despite the movie being predominantly in English, this movie inexplicably did not get an Australian cinema release, much to our frustration. However, let me tell you - The Furious was worth the wait. If you are a fan of action cinema and martial arts cinema, you've probably already watched it and developed your opinions. But here are our thoughts. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Two Asian Blokes https://www.youtube.com/@twoasianblokes?sub_confirmation=1 00:00 The Start 04:09 The Furious spoiler review 10:11 Good to see JeeJa Yanin 13:57 Sonomura's action 16:39 Some criticisms 22:38 JeeJa's fight and the abduction 26:48 The club fight 31:12 Joe Taslim vs Xie Miao 33:01 Brian Le vs Joe and Xie 36:15 The Snake Pit 41:30 The Royal Rumble 47:46 Joe Taslim's revenge 52:43 The final showdown 56:33 Final thoughts 💬 What did you think of The Furious? 📩 Email us: [email protected] 👥 Join the Friends of Two Asian Blokes Facebook group to discuss movies, anime, and pop culture. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @twoasianblokes #thefurious #martialarts #actionmovies #kungfu #martialartsmovies #moviereview

🎬 JAMES PAX IS COMING TO MELBOURNE! On Saturday, August 29, James Pax - aka Lightning from Big Trouble in Little China - is bringing a special retrospective double feature to The Astor Theatre in Melbourne, featuring Big Trouble in Little China (1986) and The Heroic Trio (1993). The event includes live Q&As, meet & greet opportunities, autograph sessions and VIP experiences with James. 🎟️ Tickets are on sale now: https://kungfulegends.com/australia BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW — WE'LL SEE YOU AT THE ASTOR! In this special episode of Two Asian Blokes, Danh and Thavy sit down with James Pax to talk about his incredible career across Hollywood and Hong Kong cinema. Watch the video -- https://youtu.be/y576tOCi3_c James takes us behind the scenes of Big Trouble in Little China, including his experience playing Lightning, working with director John Carpenter, and what it was like working alongside Kurt Russell. We also dive into The Heroic Trio, James' experience working in Hong Kong compared with Hollywood, and his thoughts on the golden era of Hong Kong action cinema. James also shares his favourite martial arts movies, his thoughts on what makes a film become a cult classic, and his approach to action choreography after decades of working in the genre. Finally, we talk about James' upcoming action film Vortex, where he steps behind the camera as director and brings his experience from Hollywood and Asian cinema into his latest project. If you're a fan of Big Trouble in Little China, The Heroic Trio, Hong Kong action movies, martial arts cinema, John Carpenter, Michelle Yeoh, cult movies or classic action films, this is an episode you won't want to miss. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Lightning is coming to Australia! 03:52 James talks Big Trouble in Little China 16:21 James talks The Heroic Trio 28:04 James talks Vortex 33:36 James' upcoming Melbourne retrospective 🎬 JAMES PAX RETROSPECTIVE — MELBOURNE 📅 Saturday, August 29 📍 The Astor Theatre, Melbourne 🎞️ Big Trouble in Little China + The Heroic Trio 🎤 Live Q&A with James Pax 🤝 Meet & Greet ⭐ VIP Experiences 🎟️ Tickets & information: https://kungfulegends.com/australia  Two Asian Blokes is a podcast celebrating Asian cinema, Asian representation and the movies we love, from Hong Kong action classics to Hollywood blockbusters and everything in between. If you enjoyed the episode, like, subscribe and let us know in the comments what your favourite James Pax performance is. #JamesPax #BigTroubleInLittleChina #TheHeroicTrio #HongKongCinema #MartialArtsMovies #JohnCarpenter #CultMovies #ActionMovies #TwoAsianBlokes

We're wrapping up John Woo-LY 2026 with what many consider to be the definitive John Woo film: The Killer (1989). This isn't just another great Hong Kong action movie. It's arguably the purest expression of John Woo's creative vision—the film where he had almost complete artistic control from start to finish, refining everything that made him one of the most influential action directors of all time. Heroic Bloodshed. Dual pistols. Slow motion. Brotherhood. Betrayal. White doves. It's all here. And it's an absolute banger. In fact, The Killer is so good that we felt it deserved its own dedicated episode, even though we already talked about it while reviewing John Woo's 2024 American remake. (Let's just pretend that one never happened.) Starring Chow Yun-fat as the legendary assassin Ah Jong alongside Danny Lee and Sally Yeh in her final film role, The Killer follows a hitman determined to make amends after accidentally blinding an innocent nightclub singer during one of his assignments. As rival gangs, corrupt cops, and old loyalties begin to close in around him, the lines between hero and villain become increasingly blurred. In this review, we discuss John Woo's love of French cinema, his famously unconventional filmmaking process, the influence of The Killer on action cinema around the world, the film's exploration of honour, loyalty, and redemption, and why many still regard it as the greatest Heroic Bloodshed film ever made. Is The Killer not only John Woo's masterpiece, but one of the greatest action films ever made? If you enjoy movie reviews, Hong Kong cinema, action films, and Asian pop culture, check out our weekly podcast, Two Asian Blokes, where we chat about films, TV, and vaguely Asian stuff. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Two Asian Blokes https://www.youtube.com/@twoasianblokes?sub_confirmation=1 ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 The Killer (1989) – The Original Masterpiece 01:34 John Woo's Love of French Cinema 03:06 The Killer Plot Overview 04:37 Sally Yeh's Final Film Role 05:47 John Woo's Wild Filmmaking Process 08:13 The Unusual Musical Choices 09:55 The Most John Woo Film Ever Made? 12:49 Hong Kong vs Hollywood Filmmaking 14:11 Brotherhood, Loyalty & Betrayal 15:36 The Villain 17:13 Blurring the Moral Lines 19:20 John Woo's Philosophy 21:33 The Tragic Ending 💬 What do you think of The Killer? Is this John Woo's greatest film, or do you prefer A Better Tomorrow, Hard Boiled, Bullet in the Head, or another classic? 📩 Email us: [email protected] 👥 Join the Friends of Two Asian Blokes Facebook group to discuss movies, anime, and pop culture. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @twoasianblokes #TheKiller #JohnWoo #ChowYunFat #HongKongCinema #HeroicBloodshed #MovieReview

Next up on John Woo-LY 2026 is Hard Target (1993), John Woo's explosive first foray into Hollywood. And who better to help introduce Woo to the American film industry than the all-American action hero of the '90s... Jean-Claude Van Damme. Hard Target is widely regarded as the first major Hollywood studio film directed by a Chinese—and more broadly, an Asian—director. Universal reportedly had concerns about whether Woo could direct a big-budget American production with his limited English, but he answered those doubts the only way he knew how: with slow-motion doves, flying motorcycles, dual pistols, ridiculous explosions, and enough John Woo style to make Hard Target stand out among the sea of '90s action movies. The film follows Chance Boudreaux, a Cajun drifter who finds himself in the crosshairs of an international human-hunting syndicate led by the wonderfully theatrical Emil Fouchon, played by Lance Henriksen. Unfortunately for them, Chance turns out to be a considerably harder target than advertised. In this review, we discuss John Woo's transition from Hong Kong cinema to Hollywood, Jean-Claude Van Damme's performance, the villains, the action choreography, the unmistakable "John Woo-isms" that survived the move to America, and whether Hard Target still ranks among the best action films of the 1990s. Say what you will about Van Damme... the man can wear the heck out of a mullet. If you enjoy movie reviews, Hong Kong cinema, action films, and Asian pop culture, check out our weekly podcast, Two Asian Blokes, where we chat about films, TV, and vaguely Asian stuff. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Two Asian Blokes https://www.youtube.com/@twoasianblokes?sub_confirmation=1 ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 John Woo's First Hollywood Film 01:34 How John Woo Came to Hollywood 03:44 Hard Target Plot Overview 06:30 New Orleans, Jean-Claude Van Damme & The Mullet 09:13 Emil Fouchon & The Villains 11:13 Classic John Woo Style in Hollywood 16:27 Action, Stunts & Explosions 19:40 The Incredible Final Act 💬 What do you think of Hard Target? Is it John Woo's best Hollywood movie, or do you prefer Face/Off, Broken Arrow, or Mission: Impossible II? 📩 Email us: [email protected] 👥 Join the Friends of Two Asian Blokes Facebook group to discuss movies, anime, and pop culture. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @twoasianblokes #HardTarget #JohnWoo #JeanClaudeVanDamme #90sAction #MovieReview

We're continuing John Woo-LY 2026 with perhaps the strangest film in John Woo's entire filmography. Heroes Shed No Tears (1984) wasn't a passion project. It was a movie made out of contractual obligation, shelved for two years by its production company, and only released after the enormous success of A Better Tomorrow turned John Woo into one of Hong Kong cinema's hottest directors. It's safe to say this is the John Woo film he would probably rather you forgot. The film follows a group of mercenaries on a mission deep into hostile territory to rescue a powerful crime lord. What begins as a straightforward military operation quickly descends into a chaotic survival story filled with relentless action, jungle warfare, and some of the most unexpectedly unhinged tonal shifts you'll ever see in an action movie. In this review, we discuss the film's bizarre production history, its blend of action, comedy, and shocking violence, whether traces of the classic "John Woo touch" are already beginning to emerge, and if there's a genuinely good movie buried beneath the rushed production. It's messy. It's weird. It occasionally feels like three different films stitched together. But is there still something worth discovering in one of John Woo's most overlooked movies? 🔔 **SUBSCRIBE to Two Asian Blokes** https://www.youtube.com/@twoasianblokes?sub_confirmation=1 ⏱️ **Chapters** 00:00 Why John Woo Wants to Forget This Movie 01:06 Heroes Shed No Tears – First Impressions 03:22 Big Guns, Tiny Handcuffs & Pure Chaos 09:10 Comedy, Horror & Extreme Violence 12:40 The Infamous Love Shack Scene 15:49 Eye for an Eye – The Film's Brutality 18:59 Weak Characters or Missed Potential? 20:36 Is Heroes Shed No Tears Worth Watching? 💬 What do you think of Heroes Shed No Tears? Is it an underrated John Woo film, or one best left forgotten? 📩 Email us: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) 👥 Join the Friends of Two Asian Blokes Facebook group to discuss movies, anime, and pop culture. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @twoasianblokes #HeroesShedNoTears #JohnWoo #HongKongCinema #ActionMovies #MovieReview

Welcome to John Woo-LY 2026, where for the month of July we're celebrating the legendary director of Hong Kong action cinema, John Woo. Every week we'll be revisiting one of his defining films and asking the important questions: do they still hold up, and where do they rank in one of cinema's greatest filmographies? We're kicking things off with A Better Tomorrow (1986), the film that launched John Woo into stardom and popularised the Heroic Bloodshed subgenre. If you've ever wondered where slow-motion gunfights, dual pistols, and tragic bromances came from, this is a very good place to start. Starring the holy trinity of Hong Kong cinema - Ti Lung, Leslie Cheung, and Chow Yun-fat as the legendary Mark Gor - and developed by the dynamic duo of Tsui Hark and John Woo (before the falling out), A Better Tomorrow has everything: melodrama, two-gun action, unforgettable one-liners, and enough brotherly angst to power an entire decade of action movies. The story follows Ho, a triad gangster who, after serving three years in prison, tries to leave his criminal past behind and reconcile with his younger brother Kit, who is a police officer. But when old loyalties come calling, Ho is forced to choose between the brother he fought beside and the brother he wants back. In this review, we discuss the cast, the state of 1980s Hong Kong cinema, Chow Yun-fat's controversial casting, the morality of Heroic Bloodshed, the emotional core of the story, and why A Better Tomorrow remains one of the most influential action films ever made. Is this John Woo's greatest film? If you enjoy movie reviews, film analysis, Hong Kong cinema, and Asian pop culture, check out our weekly podcast, Two Asian Blokes, where we chat about films, TV, and vaguely Asian stuff. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE -- https://www.youtube.com/@twoasianblokes?sub_confirmation=1 ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction – Welcome to John Woo-LY 2026 01:40 Is A Better Tomorrow John Woo's Best Film? 03:10 The Cast & 1980s Hong Kong Cinema 06:48 Why Chow Yun-fat Was a Controversial Choice 08:12 A Better Tomorrow Plot Overview 10:45 The Morality of Heroic Bloodshed 12:50 Family, Loyalty & Brotherhood 16:30 The Emotional Conflict & Heartbreak 18:34 Why the Action Still Holds Up Today 20:30 The Iconic Final Gunfight 23:06 A very personal movie 💬 What do you think of A Better Tomorrow? Is it John Woo's finest film, or do you prefer The Killer, Hard Boiled, Bullet in the Head, or another classic? Let us know in the comments, or contact us at [email protected] 👥 Join the Friends of Two Asian Blokes Facebook group to keep the discussion going. 🎧 Find us on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok @twoasianblokes #ABetterTomorrow #JohnWoo #ChowYunFat #HongKongCinema #HeroicBloodshed #MovieReview

Two Asian Blokes Podcast returns with a review of one of our most anticipated South Korean films of the year: Colony. From director Yeon Sang-ho, the filmmaker behind Train to Busan, Colony assembles an incredible cast including Jun Ji-hyun, Ji Chang-wook, Koo Kyo-hwan, Shin Hyun-been, and Go Soo for some sticky zombie action. Expectations were high... perhaps dangerously high. In this episode, we discuss what worked, what didn't, and whether Colony is able to set itself apart from Yeon Sang-ho's much-loved magnum opus.  We also spend some time talking about one of our favourite recurring features of South Korean cinema: deliciously unlikeable bureaucrats. Whether they're covering things up, making catastrophically bad decisions, or confidently marching everyone towards disaster, Korean films have a remarkable talent for making government officials spectacularly frustrating. We discuss how Colony fits into that tradition and whether its portrayal of bureaucracy reflects broader anxieties about institutions and public trust. Is Colony the next great South Korean genre film, or does it struggle to escape the shadow of Train to Busan? Whether you're a fan of Korean cinema, science fiction, creature features, or Yeon Sang-ho's unique brand of social commentary, we've got you covered. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Two Asian Blokes https://www.youtube.com/@twoasianblokes?sub_confirmation=1 00:00 Introduction – Thavy Got High and Watched Obsession 08:20 Hope Interview Controversy – Forgetting the Korean Actors 12:26 Colony (2025) Spoiler-Free Review 15:32 Colony Plot & Sci-Fi Premise 18:22 Sticky Zombies? Hive Mind Creatures Explained 20:11 Colony Cast & Character Performances 24:04 South Korean Bureaucracy & Social Commentary 25:43 Colony vs Train to Busan – Which Is Better? 29:15 Final Verdict – Is Colony Worth Watching? 31:19 Colony Spoiler Discussion 💬 What did you think of Colony? Do you like sticky zombies? 📩 Email us: [email protected] 👥 Join the Friends of Two Asian Blokes Facebook group to discuss movies, anime, and pop culture. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @twoasianblokes #Colony #YeonSangHo #TrainToBusan #KoreanCinema #MovieReview  #연상호 #부산행 #전지현 #지창욱 #구교환 #신현빈 #고수 #콜로니

Two Asian Blokes Podcast returns with Korean cinema hype, Fantastic Film Festival highlights, and one of the strangest J-horror comedies we’ve seen in a while. We kick things off by talking about several upcoming South Korean films that already have us cautiously optimistic. There’s Hope from Na Hong-jin, best known for The Wailing, The Brigands of Rattlecreek from Park Chan-wook of Oldboy fame, and Colony from Yeon Sang-ho, director of Train to Busan. In other words, South Korean genre cinema continues to refuse to slow down. After that, we dive into this year’s Fantastic Film Festival, where we caught retrospective screenings of Ichi the Killer and Love Exposure, alongside newer releases like The Girl Who Stole Time, a visually stunning 2025 Chinese animated film, and About a Place in the Kinki Region, a Japanese found footage horror movie that quietly gets under your skin. Then we get to the main review of the episode: New Group, a satirical Japanese horror-comedy directed by rising filmmaker Yuta Shimotsu. The film follows introverted high schooler Ai and rebellious transfer student Yu as they navigate a deeply bizarre social phenomenon where classmates and community members transform into mindless followers obsessed with forming grotesque human pyramids. Subtlety is not on the menu here. New Group wears its themes directly on its sleeve, swings hard at conformity and social pressure, and somehow becomes more effective because of it. It’s strange, funny, uncomfortable, and exactly the kind of movie we love talking about on this podcast. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Two Asian Blokes https://www.youtube.com/@twoasianblokes?sub_confirmation=1 ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 05:42 Upcoming South Korean Films We’re Excited For 12:50 Fantastic Film Festival Retrospectives – Ichi the Killer & Love Exposure 20:57 The Girl Who Stole Time (2025) – Spoiler-Free Review 28:32 About a Place in the Kinki Region – Spoiler-Free Review 41:20 New Group – Spoiler-Free Review 55:51 New Group Spoiler Discussion 💬 What upcoming Korean or Japanese films are you most excited for? And would you survive the social nightmare of New Group? 📩 Email us: [email protected] 👥 Join the Friends of Two Asian Blokes Facebook group 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @twoasianblokes #NewGroup #JapaneseHorror #JHorror #FantasticFilmFestival #ParkChanWook #NaHongJin #YeonSangHo #MovieReview #AsianCinema #TwoAsianBlokes

Two Asian Blokes Podcast returns with another edition of Show-and-Tell, where guests bring an Asian film that means something to them and we dive into why it matters. This time, friend of the show Chad from the Cheers Big Ears Podcast joins us to talk about Big Trouble in Little China — the cult 1980s classic directed by John Carpenter and starring Kurt Russell. Part martial arts movie, part fantasy adventure, and big-time box office bomb, Big Trouble in Little China has built a massive cult following over the years thanks to its chaotic energy, unforgettable characters, and endlessly quotable dialogue. We talk about our first experiences watching the film, why it means so much to Chad, and whether the movie still holds up today. Along the way, we break down the highs, the lows, the action, the practical effects, and yes… the semi-racist bits. Because revisiting beloved cult classics from the 1980s is always a slightly unpredictable experience. And of course, we finish things off with our recurring segment: Let’s Pitch a Bad Hollywood Remake, where we attempt to make a studio executive somewhere very happy... and a fanbase very angry. Check out more from Chad over at Cheers Big Ears https://open.spotify.com/episode/4z14TuvLzKtUqHazNcfwWA?si=KdvNy4JNSUesUnuLNWOBTg 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Two Asian Blokes https://www.youtube.com/@twoasianblokes?sub_confirmation=1 ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction – Welcoming Chad from Cheers Big Ears Podcast 08:48 Big Trouble in Little China (1986) – Review & Discussion 12:10 Big Trouble in Little China Plot Breakdown 18:08 Why Big Trouble in Little China Is a Beautiful Chaotic Mess 26:20 Practical Effects & Creature Design 33:59 Kurt Russell & the Wild Acting Choices 40:10 Asian American Character Actors in 1980s Hollywood 46:47 Big Trouble in Little China – From Box Office Bomb to Cult Classic 50:18 Has Big Trouble in Little China Aged Well? 56:41 Let’s Pitch a Bad Hollywood Remake 1:05:08 Why Modern Movies Lack Charisma 1:13:34 Final Thoughts on Big Trouble in Little China 💬 Does Big Trouble in Little China still hold up? And who would you cast in a terrible modern remake? 📩 Email us: [email protected] 👥 Join the Friends of Two Asian Blokes Facebook group 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts  📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @twoasianblokes #BigTroubleInLittleChina #JohnCarpenter #KurtRussell #CultClassic #MovieReview #FilmPodcast

Two Asian Blokes Podcast returns with Coachella complaints and a deep dive into Exit 8. We kick things off with a discussion about this year’s Coachella. Or more specifically, Thavy has a big whinge. From Justin Bieber’s allegedly “lazy” set to the invasion of the influencers, we ask the important question: is modern festival culture cooked? After that, we move into our main topic: Exit 8, a Japanese liminal space horror film based on the indie game of the same name. Set in an endlessly looping subway station, the film traps its protagonist in a quiet, deeply unsettling nightmare where the only way out is to observe your surroundings and spot subtle anomalies. It’s part psychological horror, part “spot the difference,” and far more stressful than it sounds. We talk about how the film translates its minimalist concept from game to screen, the production choices that make it work, and the way it uses silence and repetition to build tension. There’s also a broader discussion about modern video game adaptations and whether Exit 8 succeeds by keeping things simple, or if the concept starts to wear thin the longer it goes. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Two Asian Blokes https://www.youtube.com/@twoasianblokes?sub_confirmation=1 ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction – Coachella & Modern Music Rant 03:24 Thavy Hates Coachella Now 14:36 Exit 8 – Spoiler-Free Review 18:40 Exit 8 Production & Game Adaptation 21:31 Silence in Horror – Why It Works 24:04 Video Game Adaptations Discussion 27:54 Repetition, Loops & Anomalies 32:32 Exit 8 Spoiler Discussion 💬 What did you think of Exit 8? Thank you for listening! If you want to follow us or get in touch, hit us up! 📩 Email us: [email protected] 👥 Join the Friends of Two Asian Blokes Facebook group 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts  📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @twoasianblokes #Exit8 #JapaneseHorror #LiminalSpace #Coachella #MovieReview #FilmPodcast #TwoAsianBlokes

Two Asian Blokes Podcast is back with a special guest episode — featuring Sam from You, Me, and a Podcast — for another edition of Show-and-Tell. In this recurring segment, we invite guests to bring an Asian film that means something to them… and this time, Sam has chosen a heavy hitter: Battle Royale. Which also happens to be Thavy’s favourite movie. No pressure. Directed by Kinji Fukasaku, Battle Royale is a cult classic that blends brutal violence, social commentary, and unforgettable characters. In this episode, we break down the film’s production, its stacked cast, our favourite scenes, and the themes that have kept it relevant for over two decades. We also discuss how Fukasaku’s World War II experiences shaped the film, spotlight performances like Chiaki Kuriyama, and ask the important question: how long would we actually survive in a Battle Royale scenario? (Answer: not long.) From its most hard-to-watch moments to its lasting legacy in pop culture, we dissect why Battle Royale remains one of the most influential and delightfully gruesome films ever made. 🎙️ Check out Sam’s podcast — You, Me, and a Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1i43ToDCKrzDmOcKq1STSC?si=8b72d4fb6c3742f8 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/you.me.and.apodcast/ 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Two Asian Blokes https://www.youtube.com/@twoasianblokes?sub_confirmation=1 ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction – Meet Sam (You, Me, and a Podcast) 03:55 About You, Me and a Podcast 07:35 Sam’s Movie Taste 12:52 Battle Royale (2000) – Review & Discussion 28:03 The Battle Royale Cast 33:38 Kinji Fukasaku’s WWII Experience & Influence 39:15 Favourite Scenes from Battle Royale 44:55 Themes & Social Commentary 58:49 Chiaki Kuriyama Spotlight 1:01:54 The Ending Explained & Message 1:04:02 Most Hard-to-Watch Moments 1:08:21 Pitching a Bad Hollywood Remake 1:12:32 Final Thoughts 💬 What’s your favourite scene from Battle Royale? And how long do you think you’d last? 📩 Email us: [email protected] 👥 Join the Friends of Two Asian Blokes Facebook group 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts  📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @twoasianblokes #BattleRoyale #KinjiFukasaku #JapaneseCinema #MovieReview #FilmPodcast #CultClassic #TwoAsianBlokes

Two Asian Blokes Podcast returns with “What Have We Been Watching?” and a deep dive into Save the Green Planet! vs Bugonia. After a trip to Japan and a short break from recording, we bring back one of our favourite segments: What Have We Been Watching? — where we catch up on recent releases, hidden gems, and everything in between. This week, we discuss films like Ready or Not 2, They Will Kill You, War Machine, The Fable, Jurassic World Rebirth, and The Wrecking Crew — a mix of new releases and chaotic viewing choices. But the main event is a comparison between the cult South Korean dark comedy Save the Green Planet! and its 2025 American remake Bugonia, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons. We break down:  How the remake compares to the original  The differences in tone, violence, and storytelling  Whether the “weirdness” translates across cultures  And which version ultimately works better Does Bugonia successfully reinterpret a cult classic, or does Save the Green Planet! still stand on its own? 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Two Asian Blokes https://www.youtube.com/@twoasianblokes?sub_confirmation=1 ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction – Podcast Returns + Japan Trip 02:09 What Have We Been Watching? (Movie Catch-Up) 02:45 Thavy’s Picks – Ready or Not 2 & They Will Kill You 12:07 Danh’s Picks – War Machine, Jurassic World Rebirth & The Fable 20:57 Save the Green Planet! vs Bugonia – Movie Comparison 24:00 Save the Green Planet! (2003) – Original Film Breakdown 28:12 Comparing the Violence 32:28 Comparing Plot & Music 35:50 Comparing the Tone & Weirdness 38:51 Comparing Themes & Messaging 45:32 Which Version Do We Prefer? 53:27 Spoiler Discussion 💬 Which version do you prefer — Save the Green Planet! or Bugonia? 📩 Email us: [email protected] 👥 Join the Friends of Two Asian Blokes Facebook group 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts  📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @twoasianblokes #SaveTheGreenPlanet #Bugonia #YorgosLanthimos #EmmaStone #JessePlemons #MovieReview #FilmPodcast #TwoAsianBlokes