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heroicpurgatory.bsky.social
@heroicpurgatory.bsky.social
A film podcast where the focus is East Asian cinema.
Halloween Special - The Thing
www.heroic-purgatory.com
October 27, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Other John Carpenter films discussed on #HeroicPurgatory include...

Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

www.heroic-purgatory.com/2023/05/spec...
Special - Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
www.heroic-purgatory.com
October 27, 2025 at 7:34 PM
And, of couse, there is also the Jackie Chan classic "Police Story," which has a plot very similar to "Project A" and was made two years later.

www.heroic-purgatory.com/2020/08/epis...
Episode 1 -- Police Story (1985)
www.heroic-purgatory.com
July 30, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Other episodes connected to this one are the "Yes, Madam" one, since the pirate leader is played by Dick Wei, who is the main bad guy’s heavy in the Michelle Yeoh/Cynthia Rothrock film.

www.heroic-purgatory.com/2023/06/s4e2...
S4E2 - Yes Madam/Royal Warriors (1985/1986)
www.heroic-purgatory.com
July 30, 2025 at 8:01 PM
These things and the use of real locations, Project A’s place in Chan’s filmography and more are discussed in this episode of #HeroicPurgatory
July 30, 2025 at 8:01 PM
For his efforts, the film became a box-office sensation across East Asia and won Chan the award for Best Action Choreography 4th Annual Hong Kong Film Awards in 1985.
July 30, 2025 at 8:01 PM
The film is also full of legendary stunt sequences, such as the bike chase through the narrow streets of the township location and also Chan hanging off the clock tower face.
July 30, 2025 at 8:01 PM
The film was Chan’s fourth as writer/director and his return to Hong Kong following a failed attempt to crack Hollywood with Battle Creek Brawl and Cannonball Run. It features his trademark knockabout comedy martial arts and playful choreography as Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao joined the action.
July 30, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Project A is a stunt-filled swashbuckling adventure set in late 19th Century Hong Kong that stars Jackie Chan as Dragon Ma, a heroic marine battling a pirate gang and he’s joined in this endeavour by Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Jmu...
Project A (1983) - 2K Restoration Trailer
YouTube video by FilmArchive
www.youtube.com
July 30, 2025 at 8:01 PM
It became the biggest Korean hit of 2011 with over 7 million tickets sold and won multiple awards, including Best Actor for Park Hae-il and Best New Actress for Moon Chae-won at various ceremonies.

What did John and Jason make of it as a whole? Listen to the episode to find out!
July 16, 2025 at 1:34 AM
With exciting bow-based action scenes, richness in historical accuracy/costuming, and a solid tale of family ties against momentous events across northern Korea and southern China, the film works as a solid pursuit story and rockets by.
July 16, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Set during the second Manchu Invasion of Korea in 1863, a Korean hunter named Nam-yi (Park Hae-il) wields his bow to face off against the invaders, led by a deadly archer named Juushinta (Ryoo Seong-ryong), to save his sister Ja-in (Moon Chae-won) from slavery

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTxg...
War Of The Arrows | Official Trailer
YouTube video by CineAsia UK
www.youtube.com
July 16, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Gosha's jidaigeki are examples of using period tales to explore the politics, social tensions, and anxieties of the age they were made in. Japan's defeat in WWII to its economic miracle and influence of the US are some of what John, Jason, and Jack discuss in the latest episode of #HeroicPurgatory.
July 1, 2025 at 8:01 PM
SWORD OF THE BEAST was the second film from TV veteran Hideo Gosha following 1964's THREE OUTLAW SAMURAI. They lay the foundation for a career of macho and bloody yakuza and samurai flicks before he transitioned to equally complex and action-packed female-led films, starting with Onimasa (1982).
July 1, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Set at the tail end of the Tokugawa period, we follow a ronin on the run from his clan after he is used for an assassination by a power-hungry counsellor. Seeking money, he heads to a mountain full of gold and encounters other desperate people in his travels.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuUR...
Samurai Gold Seekers CLASSIC | SAMURAI | ACTION trailer (eng subs) ケダモノノケン
YouTube video by LB Global Media
www.youtube.com
July 1, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Listen in on what they say about the fighting styles, deviations in plot, warrior women, and more as they both discuss Dragon Gate Inn and New Dragon Gate Inn!
June 1, 2025 at 3:48 PM
This is the second time that John and Jason have covered King Hu on #HeroicPurgatory following their episode on A Touch of Zen:

www.heroic-purgatory.com/2023/10/s4e7...
S4E7 - A Touch of Zen (1971)
www.heroic-purgatory.com
June 1, 2025 at 3:48 PM
... and the Hong Kong Legends trailer for the remake which highlights the increase in stars (Brigitte Lin, Maggie Cheung), sex appeal, romance and fantastical combat:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFKq...
New Dragon Gate Inn Trailer 1991 (新龍門客棧) [Donnie Yen]
YouTube video by donnieyenfilms
www.youtube.com
June 1, 2025 at 3:48 PM
The 1967 movie by King Hu is the focus but the two find time to compare and contrast story and martial arts stylings as the Tsui Hark influence and collaborators make their presence felt in the 90s remake. See for yourself with the trailers for the original:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAq3...
Dragon Inn | Trailer | New Release
YouTube video by Film at Lincoln Center
www.youtube.com
June 1, 2025 at 3:48 PM