Episode 24 - River

After more than two years away, The Third Window Films Podcast is finally back from the dead. Ben and Adam catch up on everything that has happened since the last episode before diving into a packed couple of years for Third Window Films. On the agenda are recent and upcoming releases including Crazy Lips / Gore From Outer Space, Scars of the Sun / Blow the Night, Transcending Dimensions and the long-awaited release of Survive Style 5+. Plus plenty of tangents, behind-the-scenes stories and the usual conversation about the weird and wonderful world of Japanese cinema. It's been far too long. Welcome back to The Third Window Films Podcast.

This time Ben shares his experience with the alphabet film challenege for January before the boys dive into Junta Yamaguchi's latest two minute time loop masterpiece 'RIVER'. River is available to own now from  Terracotta Distribution here  The links Ben's January and February alphabet challenge lists are below. Stay tuned for the Third Window alphabet list next episode!  https://letterboxd.com/benjybox/list/alphabet-challenge-2024-january/ https://letterboxd.com/benjybox/list/alphabet-challenge-2024-february/ If you are a fan of the podcast then please take a couple of minutes to rate or review us wherever you listen, and follow Adam and Ben to keep up with all the latest news and reviews from Third Window Films.

The Third Window Films Podcast is back after an unexpected hiatus, but we are starting off 2024 with a bang! This episode Adam and Ben kick things off by sharing their favourite East Asian films from last year. They also do a deep dive on the wildly entertaining and utterly bonkers action comedy, 'MAD CATS', which is making its Blu-ray debut this month! And the cherry on top? Ben had the incredible opportunity to talk with the director Reiki Tsuno himself! Reiki shares his experiences and challenges during the production, providing fascinating insights into the making of this unconventional cinematic gem. Mad Cats is available to own now from Terracotta Distribution here  The links to the videos Adam mentions of Ruice Mori and her mother recreating classic Bruce Lee scenes are below: https://x.com/run_kiti/status/1651925225880305672 https://x.com/run_kiti/status/1631988755052769283  https://x.com/run_kiti/status/1667143107975217153 If you are a fan of the podcast then please take a couple of minutes to rate or review us wherever you listen, and follow Adam and Ben to keep up with all the latest news and reviews from Third Window Films.  

Join Adam and Ben in this latest episode as they explore the contrasting Halloween festivities of Japan and the UK. From the Tokyo International Film Festival to the eclectic screenings at the London East Asian and Cambridge Film Festivals, they share their top picks and hidden gems from this year's events. They also delve into Third Window Films' newest release, the double feature 'Door' and 'Door II: Tokyo Diary'. Directed by Banmei Takahashi, these cult Japanese horror classics from the 'Directors Company Collection' are now available in the UK, complete with new digital restorations and exclusive content. DOOR (DIRECTORS COMPANY EDITION BLURAY) available to buy from Terracotta Distribution here, or to rent digitally via Terracotta Asian Film Streaming here. If you enjoy our show then please give us a 5 star rating and review wherever you listen, and don't forget to subscribe for more from Third Window Films. Follow Adam on Twitter, Instagram and Youtube Follow Ben on Twitter and Letterboxd As always, thanks for listening x

This month Adam and Ben take another deep dive into the world of Japanese cinema as they unpack Kiyoshi Kurosawa's "The Guard From Underground". From Kurosawa's early days at Rikkyo University to his initial foray into directing within the pink film scene, the boys unravel the enigmatic journey of this acclaimed filmmaker. The episode also sheds light on Third Window Films' journey to secure the distribution rights for "The Guard From Underground" in the UK. Discover the role Susumu Miyasaka and the Director's Company played in shaping the careers of budding filmmakers like Kurosawa, Gakuryū Ishii, and Shinji Sōmai. Learn about the unique environment this guild created by merging talents from the pink film industry with independent cinema. Adam and Ben delve into the standout sequences and memorable shots that make "The Guard From Underground" a pivotal piece in Kurosawa's filmography. They also discuss the behind-the-scenes story of Kurosawa's second feature, initially envisioned as "College Girl: Shameful Seminar", and its transformation into "Bumpkin Soup" (also known as "The Excitement of the Do-Re-Mi-Fa Girl"). Whether you're a seasoned Kurosawa fan or new to his works, this episode is a great companion piece to the brand new Blu-ray release available through Terracotta Distribution here - https://shop.terracottadistribution.com/collections/new-releases/products/the-guard-from-underground Follow Adam on Twitter, Instagram and Youtube Follow Ben on Twitter and Letterboxd If you enjoy our show then please give us a 5 star rating and review wherever you listen, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. As always, thanks for listening x

This episode Adam and Ben are joined by documentarian Sarah Appleton and film historian Jasper Sharp to talk all about their new film The J-Horror Virus. We talk about the origins of the genre, our favourite J-Horror films, and the creators that shaped horror culture for decades to come. Follow Adam on Twitter, Instagram and Youtube Follow Ben on Twitter and Letterboxd If you enjoy our show then please give us a 5 star rating and review wherever you listen, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. As always, thanks for listening x

It's been a minute but your boys are back and better than ever! This episode we catch up on Adam's European tour with Katsuhito Ishii, the glorious double bill at the Prince Charles Cinema with a live Q&A, a surreal dinner with Gareth Evans, and of course the latest boxset from Third Window Films including 6 films from the mighty Katsuhito Ishii himself. We also look to the future and what's coming next for TWF! It's good to be back :) Follow Adam on Twitter, Instagram and Youtube Follow Ben on Twitter and Letterboxd If you enjoy our show then please give us a 5 star rating and review wherever you listen, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. As always, thanks for listening x

This month we talk to Swim Deep keyboardist and film journalist extraordinaire James Balmont about our favourite music in Japanese film. We cover the most successful director/composer collaborations, from Takeshi Kitano and Joe Hisaishi to Sogo Ishii and Hiroyuki Onogawa to Shin'ya Tsukamoto and Chu Ishigawa, and loads more! Follow Adam on Twitter, Instagram and Youtube Follow Ben on Twitter and Letterboxd If you enjoy our show then please give us a 5 star rating and review wherever you listen, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. As always, thanks for listening x

This month we talk about the illustrious career of the one and only Tadanobu Asano. Actor, musician, illustrator, and all around renaissance man. He's starred in everything from iconic classics like ICHI THE KILLER and ZATOICHI, to cult international arthouse films like RUINED HEART and LAST LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE. We also discuss Adam's two big releases for the month, Gakuryu Ishii's ELECTRIC DRAGON 80.000V and PUNK SAMURAI SLASH DOWN. In Electric Dragon, Tadanobu plays a violent, guitar-playing, electrically charged boxer wh0 faces off against an electronic wizard half-merged with a metallic Buddha. If you think that sounds crazy then just wait till you see who he plays in Punk Samurai!!! Both films are available with limited edition artwork and slipcases via Terracotta Distribution here - https://shop.terracottadistribution.com/ Follow Adam on Twitter, Instagram and Youtube Follow Ben on Twitter and Letterboxd If you enjoy our little show then please give us a 5 star rating and review wherever you listen, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. As always, thanks for listening x

This episode Adam and Ben answer questions from the audience! The boys go through 30 questions from 30 fans and at the end they randomly pick one question to receivea Third Windown Films Blu-ray of their choice. Please leave us a rating or review wherever you can, and be sure to tell your friends about us. It's going to be a big year for The Third Window Films Podcast and we are excited to share some of the news with you very soon.