In A Snowy Grove

 This week two Japanuary staples return. 

     The Jidaigeki psychological crime film that dragged Japan into the international film stage, kicked (with The Bicycle Thief and Monsieur Vincent) the Academy Award doors open for international films, innovated narrative structure in a way that had been endlessly imitated but never rivaled, changed the way films are shot and edited, and its title has become the term for different points of view and interpretations of the same event across all fields of study. A monk and woodcutter take refuge from a storm under a decaying gate outside Kyoto. They have just been witnesses in a trial and are still trying to understand what happened in that sunny forest grove between the dead samurai, his bride, and an infamous bandit. Is there a definitive truth in Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon?
     11 years after having her bloody revenge, Yuki Kashima better known at large as Lady Snowblood, is finally taken into custody and sentenced to death. Her transport is overtaken on the way to the gallows and Yuki is offered an out by the head of the Secret Police. If she infiltrates the home of an enemy of the state, finds some dangerous documents, and executes the traitor she will be given immunity from her previous crimes. Before long Yuki begins to question her mission and must choose between her freedom and the freedom of all. Based on the manga by prolific author Kazuo Koike. Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance
     All that and Kevin isn't afraid of no ghosts, Dave eats too many marching marshmallows, and Tyler plans his escape from yet another basement sex dungeon. Join us, won't you?

Episode 240- In A Snowy Grove

Of Gulls and Steel

     This week two tales of men and obsession.

     When a storm turns a four week temp job into an endless nightmare beans get spilled and so does some blood. Is it a brilliant work of art about humanity's most base self or a lot of bright light and fury signifying nothing? Either way there a whole lot to unpack in you take a job at The Lighthouse.

     A train carrying $400 thousand gets robbed by the best led gang in the West. Unfortunately, they get really greedy and steal a gift for the American president and murder one of it's samurai guards. Now an unlikely pair are thrown together on a quest of redemption and revenge. Three of the coolest actors of all time join forces to face the Red Sun.

     All that and Dave remembers, Kevin gets Christmasy, and Tyler suffers for art. Join us, won't you?

Episode 183- Of Gulls and Steel