Created and hosted by Brian Scherschel. A podcast about the appreciation of kaiju and tokusatsu movies and discovering their historical and cultural value
In the latest Bonus Behind-the-Scenes Special Feature, I explain how I created the show’s structure and the role my patriotism played. I put this feature together to go into my thought process during that time. I strongly believe that America helps its friends and its allies, and that we stay strong for them, as they help us. The structure itself reveals the important information and opinions every time it’s used.
MP3:
Host/Editor/Director/Scenic Videos: Brian Scherschel
Video Location: St. Joseph River, Spencerville, Indiana
It’s the last Toho classic kaiju movie, and there’s so much to like! The engaging cinematography and Kenji Sahara’s performance as Obata are two of the best things. And there aren’t any annoying squeaky-voiced little kids either! The subtle symbolism regarding Chinese Communism in the story and the kaiju is fascinating. Celebrate the end of an era with me, as I elevate this overlooked yet fun kaiju entry.
The related topic for this episode is Japanese Colonialism in Oceania.
This episode is dedicated to Akira Kubo.
I’d like to send a shout-out to our patrons Kyoei Toshi and Sean Stiff. Thank you for your support! I really appreciate it.
MP3:
Introduction: 0:00 – 2:22
Part 1 – Film Description: 2:22 – 14:28
Part 2 – Opinion and Analysis: 14:28 – 45:16
Part 3 – Related Topic: 45:16 – 1:07:58
Closing: 1:07:58 – End
Host/Editor/Director/Scenic Videos: Brian Scherschel
Video Location: St. Mary’s River, Allen County, Indiana
Get into the bath of immunity, then put on your gold or vinyl outfit and prepare yourself for an overwhelmingly positive review of this humorous and underrated piece of Toho history! While the Americans and Japanese on the production staff got into frequent arguments, at least the costume department had fun! Unlike the painfully square reporter Perry Lawton, I’d have stayed in Latitude Zero and never returned to the surface. Though this film didn’t perform well, it holds a special place in the hearts of many tokusatsu fans. I showcase the American actors and put the story into context by relating it to similar adventure and Utopian literature and movies.
A lot of critics know and understand the basics of the 1954 Godzilla, but they have less of an understanding of what makes a great Godzilla sequel. This movie has by far the most Toho magic of any non-Japanese Godzilla movie to date. I address the box office, the critical reviews, and how the way this film was edited is a big reason for the film’s underperformance. The related topic for this episode is eco-terrorism and climate change.
This episode is dedicated to director Michael Dougherty.
I’d like to send a shout-out to our patrons Kyoei Toshi, Sean Stiff, William Mize, and Eric White. Thank you for your support! I really appreciate it.
MP3:
Introduction: 0:00 – 2:16
Part 1 – Film Description: 2:16 – 12:14
Part 2 – Opinion and Analysis: 12:14 – 1:16:53
Part 3 – Related Topic: 1:16:53 – 1:38:49
Closing: 1:38:49 – End
Host/Editor/Director/Scenic Videos: Brian Scherschel
Video Location: Lincoln Bank Tower (left), Allen County Courthouse (center), and The PNC Building (right), Fort Wayne, Indiana
I address the film’s depiction of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, and how that scene is edited for the English-language version. Frankenstein is a stand-in for atomic bombing victims in this movie. I’ll pay attention to the scientific ethics explored in the story too. This movie is when screenwriter Takeshi Kimura started using a pseudonym, and with this movie, I don’t blame him. The related topic for this episode is Ryuichi Shimoda et al. v. The State, the case where atomic bomb victims sued for reparations.
This episode is dedicated to Showa era screenwriter Takeshi Kimura.
I’d like to send a shout-out to our patron Sean Stiff for donating at the Kaiju Visionary level and William Mize for donating at the Kaiju Commander level. Thank you for your support! I really appreciate it.
MP3:
Introduction: 0:00 – 2:38
Part 1 – Film Description: 2:38 – 10:18
Part 2 – Opinion and Analysis: 10:18 – 38:21
Part 3 – Related Topic: 38:21 – 46:58
Closing: 46:58 – End
Host/Editor/Director/Scenic Videos: Brian Scherschel
Video Location: Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, Fort Wayne, Indiana
