In the latest episode of Heroic Purgatory: An Asian Cinema Podcast, John and Jason get sassy in South Korea with the 2001 romantic comedy, My Sassy Girl. A critical darling of the early 21st century, the film has been somewhat forgotten or relegated as a curio of a different era in Korean cinema . Does it still hold up? We discuss how the film's comedy and romance may or may not have aged, and whether it should regain its place in the list of the the best Korean films ever made.

Website: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2026/05/s6e5-my-sassy-girl-2001.html

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In this episode of Heroic Purgatory: An Asian Cinema Podcast, John and Jason talk about arguably the best Taiwanese film ever made, Edward Yang's Yi Yi. While tackling existential alienation of in the face of modernity, the film explores the complex dynamics of a 21st century family, their screw ups, past regrets, and above all, their need for connection.

Website: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2026/05/s6e4-yi-yi-2000.html

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In this episode of Heroic Purgatory: An Asian Cinema Podcast, John and Jason revisit the heroic bloodshed genre with arguably the second (and far less melodramatic) entry into the category: Ringo Lam's City on Fire (1987). While male friendship is central to the film, Lam injects a fair amount of social criticism into his film, making him a unique and often underappreciate voice among the the action filmmakers of 1980s Hong Kong. Listen as we dissect the many themes of City on Fire and even take a jab at Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs, which it inspired.

We hope you enjoy!

Website: https://www.heroic-purgatory.com/2026/04/s6e3-city-on-fire-1987.html

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