Best Hirokazu Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode 104: Far, Far Away and Close to the Heart 1:09:09

2h ago1:09:09

1:09:09

Recorded in September 2023, Fikri and friend of the show Hafiz fly off into a galaxy far, far away to talk about ‘Andor’. They touch base with the diversity in the story, and analyse how the show’s settings (such as Coruscant) and real-life locations (like London) can say about the classism and gentrification of society as a whole. Fikri is especia…

1
Giuseppe Makes a Movie (2014) | Dir. Adam Rifkin 2:05:57

6d ago2:05:57

2:05:57

In this episode, we discuss Adam Rifkin's Giuseppe Makes a Movie, including Giuseppe’s filmmaking process, how it inspires us, and the importance of documenting a community that no longer exists. See where Giuseppe Makes a Movie is available to watch. Supplemental Material: Giuseppe Makes a Movie Official Website Cinelicious Pics' Giuseppe Makes a …

1
Three Colors: Red (1994) | Dir. Krzysztof Kieślowski 2:07:17

21d ago2:07:17

2:07:17

In this episode, we discuss Krzysztof Kieślowski's Three Colors: Red, including its connections to Blue and White, the film's telephone motif, and the way Kieślowski’s camera conveys connection and disconnection. See where Three Colors: Red is available to watch. Supplemental Material: The Criterion Collection's Three Colors Blu-ray Curzon's Three …

1
Three Colors: White (1994) | Dir. Krzysztof Kieślowski 1:21:16

1M ago1:21:16

1:21:16

In this episode, we discuss Krzysztof Kieślowski's Three Colors: White, including the strong opening sequence, its connections to Three Colors: Blue, and whether the film effectively handles the theme of equality. See where Three Colors: White is available to watch. Supplemental Material: The Criterion Collection's Three Colors Blu-ray Curzon's Thr…

1
2023 Film and TV in Review 1:37:46

1M ago1:37:46

1:37:46

The Oscars may tell us Hollywood’s popular picks, but what about the… Deep Cut picks? Deep Cut’s 2023 in Review is ready to give the last word on yesteryear’s best in motion pictures. Tune in for debates on the year’s biggest hits and hot takes on the year’s shabbiest flops. It all culminates in Wilson, Ben, and Eli’s top three favorites of the yea…

1
Three Colors: Blue (1993) | Dir. Krzysztof Kieślowski 1:58:07

2M ago1:58:07

1:58:07

In this episode, we discuss Krzysztof Kieślowski's Three Colors: Blue, including possible interpretations of the film’s abstract moments, the depiction of loss and grief, and Juliette Binoche's internal performance. See where Three Colors: Blue is available to watch. Supplemental Material: The Criterion Collection's Three Colors Blu-ray Curzon's Th…

1
Hirokazu Kore-eda: Monster 45:27

2M ago45:27

45:27

We go back to our Deep Cut roots with Kore-eda's latest, but don't call us Monster(s) for skipping out on the previously released Broker!Awarded the Queer Palm at Cannes in 2023, Monster is a return to form (and Japan) for Kore-eda, igniting a sprawling conversation about the film and its connections to his larger ouevre. We debate the film's visua…

1
Marilou Diaz-Abaya: Moral 1:04:54

3M ago1:04:54

1:04:54

Join us for a Deep Cut episode on the exceptional 1982 film Moral from director Marilou Diaz-Abaya. The trio are blown away by the intricate script work and editing within the film, and they finally help coin the acronym GFWTM (Go Fucking Watch This Movie) for Wilson to use in the future. Eli and Ben discuss how Diaz-Abaya and screenwriter Ricky Le…

1
Kelly Reichardt: Showing Up 38:59

3M ago38:59

38:59

Join us as we SHOW UP for Kelly Reichardt’s latest work: Showing Up. Reichardt teams up again with regular collaborator Michelle Williams in their portrait of a grumpy artist. Wilson analyzes the performances of Michelle Williams and Hong Chau, Eli appreciates the film’s humor and subtlety, and Ben is fascinated by the film’s focus on the ordinary.…

1
Todd Haynes: May December 43:53

3M ago43:53

43:53

May you join us this December for a Deep Cutversation on May Deepcutber? Wait, this is confusing... what's NOT confusing is the moral clarity of American director Todd Haynes' latest pressure-cooker drama about the evils of our time. While Eli sees horror lurking beneath the pleasant cinematography of Christopher Blauvelt, Ben ponders the omission …

1
End of Year Review | 2023 1:03:28

4M ago1:03:28

1:03:28

We’re sorry for the delay on this episode, but we hope you enjoy the looser discussion. We’ll be back on March 1st, discussing Krzysztof Kieślowski’s Three Colors: Blue. In this episode, we discuss our favorite films featured on the podcast. We also discuss the best and worst films we watched in 2023, lessons learned, and our 2024 film resolutions.…

1
Christmas, Again (2014) | Dir. Charles Poekel 1:46:59

4M ago1:46:59

1:46:59

In this episode, we discuss Charles Poekel's Christmas, Again, including Poekel's extensive research, Kentucker Audley's naturalistic performance, and the film's lack of traditional exposition. See where Christmas, Again is available to watch. Supplemental Material: Factory 25's Christmas, Again Blu-ray Christmas, Again Kickstarter Christmas, Again…

1
Frederick Wiseman: Menus-Plaisirs - Les Troisgros 58:43

5M ago58:43

58:43

Bon appetit! The DC Trio are in for a treat this week as we savor Frederick Wiseman’s latest documentary, MENUS PLAISIRS - LES TROIGROS, a scrumptious looking film about three French restaurants, and the family that runs it. From the bustling kitchen to the tense moments shared between members of the Troigros dynasty, the trio immerses themselves i…

1
Nine Days (2020) | Dir. Edson Oda 2:13:32

5M ago2:13:32

2:13:32

This episode features discussion of suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. https://988lifeline.org/ In this episode, we discuss Edson Oda's Nine Days, including multiple inter…

1
After Life (1998) | Dir. Hirokazu Kore-eda 1:23:12

5M ago1:23:12

1:23:12

In this episode, we discuss Hirokazu Kore-eda's After Life, including the film's documentary aesthetic, how Kore-eda communicates information visually, and the way exposition is made engaging. See where After Life is available to watch. Supplemental Material: The Criterion Collection's After Life Blu-ray BFI's After Life Blu-ray After Life: In Memo…

1
Marilou Diaz-Abaya: José Rizal 58:42

6M ago58:42

58:42

The DC Trio takes a plunge into a new director and dives into the works of Marilou Diaz-Abaya, one of the leading figures of the second golden age of Filipino cinema. In the first episode, Wilson shares his love for a national cinema that is deeply tied to his roots. What better way to be introduced to Pinoy cinema than through a biopic of one of t…

1
The Descent (2005) | Dir. Neil Marshall 1:56:12

6M ago1:56:12

1:56:12

In this episode, we discuss Neil Marshall's The Descent, including the film’s lighting, the mistakes made in the first act, and whether the creatures help or harm the film. See where The Descent is available to watch. Supplemental Material: The Descent Blu-ray Additional Audio Sources: The Descent Trailer "The Descent: Beneath the Scenes" on The De…

1
Prince of Darkness (1987) | Dir. John Carpenter 1:52:56

6M ago1:52:56

1:52:56

In this episode, we discuss John Carpenter's Prince of Darkness, including the screenplay's missteps, the effective use of insects, and Carpenter's visual techniques. See where Prince of Darkness is available to watch. Supplemental Material: Scream Factory's Prince of Darkness Blu-ray John Carpenter on Managing to "Survive" Hollywood (Variety Inter…

1
It Comes at Night (2017) | Dir. Trey Edward Shults 1:36:26

7M ago1:36:26

1:36:26

In this episode, we discuss Trey Edward Shults' It Comes at Night, including the film's marketing, our interpretations of "it", and the film's use of traditional horror conventions and iconography. See where It Comes at Night is available to watch. Supplemental Material: It Comes at Night Blu-ray Anatomy of a Scene: Trey Edward Shults Narrates a Sc…

1
Possession (1981) | Dir. Andrzej Żuławski 1:41:37

7M ago1:41:37

1:41:37

In this episode, we discuss Andrzej Żuławski’s Possession, including our interpretations of the film's creature and doppelgängers, the expressive actor blocking, and the abrasive (yet successful) performances. See where Possession is available to watch. Supplemental Material: Mondo Vision's Possession Blu-ray Additional Audio Sources: Possession Of…

1
Synecdoche, New York (2008) | Dir. Charlie Kaufman 1:57:21

8M ago1:57:21

1:57:21

In this episode, we discuss Charlie Kaufman’s Synecdoche, New York, including the lack of subtlety, the execution of numerous themes and ideas, and whether the film encapsulates the human experience. See where Synecdoche, New York is available to watch. Supplemental Material: Synecdoche, New York Blu-ray Charlie Kaufman | BAFTA Screenwriters’ Lectu…

1
Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972) | Dir. Werner Herzog 1:58:25

9M ago1:58:25

1:58:25

In this episode, we discuss Werner Herzog's Aguirre, the Wrath of God, including Herzog's process, the unconventional storytelling, and the masterful approach to perspective. See where Aguirre, the Wrath of God is available to watch. Supplemental Material: Shout! Factory's Aguirre, the Wrath of God Blu-ray Werner Herzog's MasterClass Werner Herzog:…

1
No Bears (2022) | Dir. Jafar Panahi 1:40:46

9M ago1:40:46

1:40:46

In this episode, we discuss Jafar Panahi's No Bears, including the self-reflective themes, Panahi's focus on women in Iranian society, and how Panahi captures the documentary aesthetic. See where No Bears is available to watch. Supplemental Material: Jafar Panahi's Miami Film Festival Precious Gem Award Acceptance Speech Ramin Bahrani on No Bears J…

1
Bless Their Little Hearts (1984) | Dir. Billy Woodberry 1:46:06

10M ago1:46:06

1:46:06

In this episode, we discuss Billy Woodberry's Bless Their Little Hearts, including the film's expertly crafted opening, the theme of masculinity, and the film's place within the L.A. Rebellion film movement. See where Bless Their Little Hearts is available to watch. Supplemental Material: Milestone Films' Bless Their Little Hearts DVD UCLA Library …

1
Miami Connection (1987) | Dir. Richard Park & Y.K. Kim 1:48:36

10M ago1:48:36

1:48:36

In this episode, we discuss Richard Park & Y.K. Kim's Miami Connection, including Kim’s aspirations for the film, the unsuccessful execution of fight scenes, and why every character is an orphan. See where Miami Connection is available to watch. Supplemental Material: Vinegar Syndrome's Miami Connection 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray Vice Outsider | TaeKwon…

1
Mani Ratnam: Ponniyin Selvan: Part II (featuring Thanmye Lagudu) 1:06:48

10M ago1:06:48

1:06:48

With special guest and friend Thanmye Lagudu we come together to crown a new king. Mani Ratnam completes his magnum opus with Ponniyin Selvan: Part II and we're back in the theatre again for more palace intrigue, romantic entanglements, and some of that signature Ratnam flair. Can Ratnam one-up himself with part two? We discuss PS2's visual glow-up…

1
HKIFF 2023: Interview with Daishi Matsunaga 25:15

11M ago25:15

25:15

As part of his coverage for HKIFF 2023, Wilson interviews Japanese director Daishi Matsunaga, a day after the Hong Kong premiere of his new film, Egoist. Director Matsunaga talks about the film's moving story, the specific visual language he uses, his thoughts on iPhone footage, and so much more. A massive thank you to dear friend of the pod Fumiko…

1
Hard Ticket to Hawaii (1987) | Dir. Andy Sidaris 2:07:17

11M ago2:07:17

2:07:17

In this episode, we discuss Andy Sidaris' Hard Ticket to Hawaii, including the nonsensical narrative and character decisions, the lazy action filmmaking, and Sidaris’ filmmaker trademarks. See where Hard Ticket to Hawaii is available to watch. Supplemental Material: Andy Sidaris Official Website Mill Creek's Hard Ticket to Hawaii Blu-ray Naked Trut…

1
Trash Cinema Month | Introduction 10:48

11M ago10:48

10:48

In this episode, we introduce our June film series, Trash Cinema Month, including the definition of “Trash Cinema”, what makes a “Trash Film”, and the value of watching and discussing “Trash Cinema”. Join us for our first Trash Cinema Month selection, Hard Ticket to Hawaii. Supplemental Material: Trash Cinema: The Lure of the Low (Shortcuts Series)…

1
Episode 103: How the Brothers Ali Dunk on Films (with Care) 46:56

11M ago46:56

46:56

Fikri check in with friend of the show Iki Ali on his latest venture, the Brothers Ali YouTube channel. Launched earlier this year as a film review outlet with his brother, Sy Ali, they discuss its seeds of origin, and the scope and approach employed in their film discussion. They also consider how Iki’s film reviewing career (starting in 2010) has…

1
HKIFF 2023 Dispatch 1:02:38

11M ago1:02:38

1:02:38

As Cannes wraps up in the South of France, we bring you a dispatch from another festival halfway across the world. An exhausted Wilson joined Ben and Eli in the middle of his festival marathon to dish about the movies he saw at this year’s Hong Kong International Film Festival, and talk about the experience of officially covering a festival for the…

1
Aftersun (2022) | Dir. Charlotte Wells 1:58:50

11M ago1:58:50

1:58:50

In this episode, we discuss Charlotte Wells' Aftersun, including the numerous ideas and themes presented, the brave filmmaking choices, and our differing interpretations of the film's final moments. See where Aftersun is available to watch. Supplemental Material: Charlotte Wells' Short Films Aftersun Screenplay Charlotte Wells Interview with Film a…

1
Shiva Baby (2020) | Dir. Emma Seligman 1:24:03

12M ago1:24:03

1:24:03

In this episode, we discuss Emma Seligman's Shiva Baby, including how the feature compares to the short, the tightrope walk between comedy and anxiety, and how the film grammar places the audience into Danielle’s perspective. See where Shiva Baby is available to watch. Supplemental Material: Utopia's Shiva Baby Blu-ray Making It: Women in Film | Ex…

1
The Handmaiden (2016) | Dir. Park Chan-wook 1:44:07

12M ago1:44:07

1:44:07

In this episode, we discuss Park Chan-wook’s The Handmaiden, including the screenplay's masterful use of setup and payoff, the film's relationship to the rest of Park's filmography, and Park's filmmaking process. See where The Handmaiden is available to watch. Supplemental Material: Curzon's The Handmaiden Blu-ray The Handmaiden: Why Costume Design…

1
S. S. Rajamouli: RRR 1:07:43

1y ago1:07:43

1:07:43

Rise. Roar. Revolt. Review. Here it is. Our long awaited Deep Cut Upkeep episode on the S.S. Rajamouli worldwide phenom RRR, and it’s a doozy. Hear the Deep Cut Trio talk about why Rajamouli’s brand of action filmmaking has entranced audiences, and why Ben and Wilson have this film at the top of their 2022 year end lists, while Eli explains why he …

1
Rebels of the Neon God (1992) | Dir. Tsai Ming-liang 1:35:11

1y ago1:35:11

1:35:11

In this episode, we discuss Tsai Ming-liang’s Rebels of the Neon God, including its similarities to Edward Yang's The Terrorizers, Hsiao-Kang's multi-layered motivations, and Tsai's skill at introducing/establishing characters. See where Rebels of the Neon God is available to watch. Supplemental Material: Big World Pictures' Rebels of the Neon God …

1
The Terrorizers (1986) | Dir. Edward Yang 1:41:04

1y ago1:41:04

1:41:04

After debate over the title, we discuss Edward Yang’s The Terrorizers, including the unconventional filmmaking, the possible interpretations of the ending, and who is/are the terrorizer/s. See where The Terrorizers is available to watch. Supplemental Material: Edward Yang (Contemporary Film Directors) (Book) It's All Over: Edward Yang’s The Terrori…

1
Mulholland Drive (2001) | Dir. David Lynch 1:44:52

1y ago1:44:52

1:44:52

In this episode, we discuss David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive, including the film's journey from television pilot to the silver screen, the many possible interpretations, and what it means to be Lynchian. See where Mulholland Drive is available to watch in the US | UK. Supplemental Material: The Criterion Collection's Mulholland Dr. (Blu-ray) Lynch on…

1
2022 Film and TV in Review 2:25:48

1y ago2:25:48

2:25:48

Another year has wrapped production, and the production assistants are here to clean up! Just in time for the 2023 Oscars, Ben, Wilson, and Eli mop up the mess left by superheroes and conductors, stop motion shells and Na’vi, interdimensional travelers and cannibals, mourners and partiers. By breaking down the year’s big trends–– directors fictiona…

1
Episode 102: Selected Indonesian Films in 2022 (part 2) 59:51

1y ago59:51

59:51

Fikri, Nadia and Tiara conclude their discussion on selected 2022 Indonesian films. Inspired by an article in The Jakarta Post, they run through the rigmarole of films they have seen (or not) in ‘Nana’, ‘Like & Share’, ‘The Big 4’ and ‘Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap’. They discuss the communist purge in the 1960s, contexts of female conditioning, the representa…

1
Miranda July: The Future 51:02

1y ago51:02

51:02

We conclude our series on Miranda July's filmography with her divisive sophomore feature, The Future. Tune in for a feisty episode where Ben tries desperately to defend his deep cut choice while Eli and Wilson have their limits tested by July's storytelling tendencies. See the future in our Discord server. Keep up with Deep Cut on Instagram, Twitte…

1
Metropolis (1927) | Dir. Fritz Lang 1:38:21

1y ago1:38:21

1:38:21

In our debut episode, we discuss Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, including the restoration that produced this most complete version to date, the culture that Metropolis influenced, and Metropolis’ status as a masterpiece. See where Metropolis is available to watch in the US | UK. Supplemental Material: Kino Lorber's The Complete Metropolis (Blu-ray) Eurek…

1
Scene by Scene | Introduction 15:16

1y ago15:16

15:16

In this episode, we introduce ourselves, explain the show’s format, and discuss what we hope to accomplish with Scene by Scene. If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast and rate/review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can emai…

1
Miranda July: Me and You and Everyone We Know 59:29

1y ago59:29

59:29

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1
Miranda July: Kajillionaire 1:13:10

1y ago1:13:10

1:13:10

Deep Cut returns to regularly scheduled programming with the decidedly irregular films of American independent director/writer/actor/multi-hyphenate Miranda July. You might even call them quirky. We begin our series by learning about her long list of artistic endeavours and discuss the connotations of "quirk" in the context of July's films before d…

1
Episode 101: Selected Indonesian Films in 2022 (part 1) 1:04:31

1y ago1:04:31

1:04:31

We kick off the next century of episodes by looking at selected Indonesian films from 2022. Friend of the show Nadia returns along with a debuting Tiara, and their passion for Indonesian cinema will guide Fikri through this discussion inspired by an article in The Jakarta Post. The first of two parts considers the films they have seen (or not!) in …

1
Sundance 2023 Dispatch (featuring Russell Goldman) 31:15

1y ago31:15

31:15

Wilson, Ben, and Eli are once again joined by director and friend of the podcast Russell Goldman to talk about his experience and the best movies he saw at this year’s Sundance Film Festival! We get a chance to preview this year in independent American and international cinema, talk about the state of Sundance in its first in person year, and dig i…

1
Episode 100: The Centurion Episode 1:12:28

1y ago1:12:28

1:12:28

Finally, our 100th episode! Ezzah, Fikri and Muz got together (separately) to discuss their recent film experiences in Europe and Asia respectively. In the first part, Muz details the distinctions between the different parts of Italy and how it affects stories found in the likes of ‘Gomorrah’ and ‘Cinema Paradiso’. Later on, Fikri checks in on Ezza…

1
Episode 99: On the Malayan Film Unit (part 2) 39:12

1y ago39:12

39:12

This episode is the final part of Fikri and Hassan Muthalib’s discussion of the Malayan Film Unit. They look at some key films like ‘The Red Book’ and ‘Abu Nawas’; given Fikri’s research interests, they also delve into the likes of ‘Letters from Home’ and ‘Rohani Steps Out’, highlighting how women are instructed to ‘behave’ in certain contexts. In …

1
Episode 98: On the Malayan Film Unit (part 1) 56:14

1y ago56:14

56:14

In part one of a two-parter, Fikri invites friend of the show, film historian Hassan Muthalib, to discuss the Malayan Film Unit. Created by the British colonial administration, they talk about the start of Hassan’s film career and how he came to be involved with the department. They also get into its efficacy in combatting communism in the country,…

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