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Tag: South Korea

Bonus Episode #17: ‘War of the God Monsters’

Published June 14, 2024

Hello, Kaiju Lovers! The South Korean leg of The Monster Island World Tour comes to an end in this bonus episode with a movie that exemplifies what Korean kaiju cinema did wrong before The Host: War of the God Monsters (aka The Flying Monster). This movie, which was released stateside by SRS Cinema, floundered in obscure infamy for years, and with good reason—it stole all of its monster footage from Ultraman! Yep, aside from one life-size prop, there’s nary an original monster in sight. If you thought the stock footage in All Monsters Attack and Gamera: Super Monster was bad, prepare to have those become your new favorite movies! Then Nate answers some listener feedback.

Edited by Christopher Riner with Nathan Marchand.

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip. Henshin Power V3 coming July 10, 2024 (Ultraman Day)!

We’d like to give a shout-out to our MIFV MAX patrons Danny DiManna (author/creator of the Godzilla Novelization Project); Damon Noyes, The Cel Cast, TofuFury, Eric Anderson of Nerd Chapel, Ted Williams, Wynja the Ninja, Brad “Batman” Eddleman, Christopher Riner, The Indiscrite One, Eli Harris, Jake Hambrick, Matt Walsh (but not that Matt Walsh), Jonathan Courtright,  Robert Kidd, Leon Campbell, and Michael Watson! Thanks for your support!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

xr:d:DAF6Frev-3g:6,j:1021606928101988539,t:24011622

Timestamps:

  • Main Discussion: 0:00-16:19
  • Ad (Toku Toy Town): 16:19-17:41
  • Outro – Listener Feedback and Housekeeping: 17:41-29:53
  • Credits: 29:53-end

Podcast Social Media:

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives       #MonsterIslandFilmVault     #WaroftheGodMonsters            #SRSCinema

© 2024 Moonlighting Ninjas Media

Bibliography/Further Reading:

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Episode 92: ‘The Host’ (2006) vs. the Omni Viewer

Published May 27, 2024

Hello, Kaiju Lovers! After several months in Seoul, Nate finally reaches the point where Korean kaiju cinema comes into its own: Bong Joon-ho’s The Host (2006). He’s joined by YouTuber and author Omni Viewer and his “kaiju” sidekick, Snazzy Chapeau, to discuss this momentous film. While it arguably has more in common with Jaws than Godzilla (1954), its effect on Korean culture was as significant as the latter was for Japan and King Kong (1933) was for America. It was inspired by a uniquely Korean issue/experience and catapulted Korean culture and Joon-ho onto the world scene. Speaking of which, the Toku Topic is the true story that is recreated and dramatized in the film: the McFarland Incident. Also, there are periodic reports from Sir Adam Lexington, a friend of Omni’s, as he repairs Uber-Moguera.

Read Jimmy’s Notes on this episode!

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip. Henshin Power V3 coming July 10, 2024!

We’d like to give a shout-out to our MIFV MAX patrons Danny DiManna (author/creator of the Godzilla Novelization Project); Damon Noyes, The Cel Cast, TofuFury, Eric Anderson of Nerd Chapel, Ted Williams, Wynja the Ninja, Brad “Batman” Eddleman, Christopher Riner, The Indiscrite One, Eli Harris, Jake Hambrick, Matt Walsh (but not that Matt Walsh), Jonathan Courtright, Leon Campbell, and Michael Watson! Thanks for your support!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-monster-island-gift-shop?ref_id=35533). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

xr:d:DAF6ER2fHto:3,j:8779057263152164811,t:24011617

Timestamps:

  • Introduction: 0:00-10:38
  • Entertaining Info Dump: 10:38-19:52
  • Toku Talk: 19:52-1:31:59
  • Ad (Crisis on Ulalu by Ryan George Collins): 1:31:59-1:32:42
  • Toku Topic (The McFarland Incident): 1:32:42-2:03:42
  • Outro: 2:03:42-2:21:11
  • Credits: 2:21:11-end

Podcast Social Media:

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives       #MonsterIslandFilmVault     #Reptilian       #Yonggary            #MonsterIslandWorldTour

© 2023, 2024 Moonlighting Ninjas Media

Bibliography/Further Reading:

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Jimmy’s Notes on Episode 90: ‘Reptilian’ vs. Elijah Thomas

Published April 19, 2024

I made a rare mistake in this episode. I accidentally hit the broadcast button while Nate was finalizing his prep. So, some candid moments were heard by the Kaiju Lovers. He was a little embarrassed, but I’ve heard no complaints. But then Nate messed with me back by spending way too much time in the “green room” with Elijah for way too long. At least the MIFV MAX members on Patreon will be happy. (I just wish Kaguya was happier with me…). Anyway, let’s get into my notes on episode 90 (Reptilian).

  • Uber-Moguera is my happy place…because Kaguya’s stuck with me! And I built it.
  • Be glad I even included a green room. It’s cramped in this mecha! (Which I like when it comes to my cabin…heh heh!)
  • I didn’t correct Elijah at first because I didn’t want to be gatekept.
  • 120,000, Nate. Not 120.
  • I don’t think Bud Black was a film journalist, Elijah. He was a photojournalist. Unless you’re saying he’s a journalist in a film.
  • The director of House, Obayashi’s, first name is Nobuhiko.
  • You two were on it this episode before I corrected you; especially Elijah. Game recognizes game, Littlest Gatekeeper.
  • No one likes the NSIA. They were always jealous of NASA. Don’t get me started on my counterpart, Jimmy from NSIA, though. I hate that guy! He’s even more annoying than Jimmy From NASADA. (Why are there Jimmys at every space agency?)
  • Bong Joon-ho’s first film was Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000).
  • Elijah is right: I am a god and a chad. In that order. Just ask the people of the Planet Zimbob. I’m still worshipped there to this day.
  • How’d I catch Yonggary? It’s simple, really. You see <REDACTED>

Join MIFV MAX on Patreon to see Nate’s full research notes, including what he didn’t use on the show.

Next time, we get to an equally derided film that’s been reevaluated as part of Godzilla Redux: All Monsters Attack (aka Godzilla’s Revenge). Authors Neil Riebe and John LeMay return for that one. Then we get back to The Monster Island World Tour with another returning guest: the quintessential Korean “gwoemul” film, The Host directed by Bong Joon-ho. The Omni Viewer (and Snazzy) join us for that…theoretically before their time displacement. (My head hurts).

Until next time, remember…we shall overcome!

Social media:

#JimmyFromNASALives      #WeShallOvercome                #MonsterIslandFilmVault

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Episode 90: ‘Reptilian’ vs. Elijah Thomas | The Monster Island World Tour

Published April 19, 2024

Hello, Kaiju Lovers! In what might be the most subversive and inspirational episode of MIFV yet, Elijah Thomas (Kaiju Conversation) joins Nate to discuss the infamous South Korean “kaiju” (notice the air quotes?) movie, Reptilian. This is, in fact, a “remake” of Yongary, Monster from the Deep, and it’s often called “The Room of kaiju films.” But Elijah says it’s more than that. He even goes so far as to say that if it wasn’t for this movie, the world wouldn’t have BTS or Squid Game. How? Listen to find out! Then stay for our Toku Topic, which is something Elijah has become an expert in: Korean kaiju cinema.

Read Jimmy’s Notes on this episode on the MIFV website!

Check out our sponsor, The World of Nebulon, from TokUSA Studios on Kickstarter!

Additional Music:

  • “Galaxy Quest (instrumental” by HeavenWraith

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip.

We’d like to give a shout-out to our MIFV MAX patrons Danny DiManna (author/creator of the Godzilla Novelization Project); Damon Noyes, The Cel Cast, TofuFury, Eric Anderson of Nerd Chapel, Ted Williams, Wynja the Ninja, Brad “Batman” Eddleman, Christopher Riner, The Indiscrite One, Eli Harris, Jake Hambrick, Matt Walsh (but not that Matt Walsh), Jonathan Courtright,  Robert Kidd, Leon Campbell, and Michael Watson! Thanks for your support!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

Timestamps:

  • Introduction: 0:00-10:47
  • Entertaining Info Dump: 10:47-19:14
  • Toku Talk: 19:14-1:52:39
  • Ad (World of Nebulon Kickstarter): 1:52:39-1:53:45
  • Toku Topic (Korean kaiju cinema): 1:53:45-2:33:25
  • Outro: 2:33:25-2:45:34
  • Credits: 2:45:34-end

Podcast Social Media:

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives       #MonsterIslandFilmVault     #Reptilian       #Yonggary            #MonsterIslandWorldTour

© 2023, 2024 Moonlighting Ninjas Media

Bibliography/Further Reading:

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Jimmy’s Notes on Bonus Episode #16: ‘Space Monster Wangmagwi’ | Ft. Daniel DiManna

Published April 4, 2024

Full disclosure: The reason Nate had to crank out this semi-impromptu episode on Space Monster Wangmagwi is because he was looking at March 2023 and not 2024 when he initially made the schedule. By the time he realized his error, he’d already made arrangements to have Danny on to talk about it, and Nate, for better or worse, is a man of his word. On the bright side, it keeps us busy while we’re gallivanting around the world. Although, the show has basically been weekly in March and will continue to be so in April. There is no rest for the nerdy! Including myself, who continues to blog about this episode and others.

  • Damn, Danny! You were right: Yongary was released August 13, 1967…
  • …but you were about how much of the original Korean version has been found. It’s 48 minutes, not 43. Did you forget, Nate?
  • What movie did Nate watch this season that had a “fish snuff film”? The only possibilities I see are Mighty Peking Man (which is doubtful) and Attack of the Crab Monsters, but he didn’t watch a commentary for the latter. So, I’m not sure.
  • I was sadly unable to determine how many early Ultra series used ADR. We’ll attribute this one to “Danny’s brain.”
  • I don’t know about human, animal, or alien life, but atmospheric pressure can affect the growth of plants. It has to do with germination and respiration.
  • “You Bet Your Wife,” coming this fall to CBS!
  • It was the AIP trailer for Godzilla vs the Smog Monster(aka Godzilla vs. Hedorah) that used the phrase, “Mastodon of destruction.”
  • I met the Gamma aliens once. They’re the pervs.
  • I couldn’t find any “murder mines,” but I did find a game on Steam called Murder Miners.  So yes, I’m claiming the name.
  • I served with Ray Rocket (not to be confused with Raymundo Rocket) for a while. He did have murder mines and kill-beams. I’ll tell you about our adventure sometime.
  • Here’s a list of popular South Korean alcoholic beverages, including the quintessential drink, soju (소주). I’m ordering this to be delivered to Uber-Moguera!
  • Squirrel is barred from the Kenny Conferences. He’s been accused of kaiju abuse, theft, and being a general nuisance. And yes, even Toshio thinks he’s crazy.
  • The movie can be streamed on Tubi and rented from YouTube, Google Play, Amazon Prime, and Fandango.
  • No more poop, please!
  • We don’t talk about Squirrel’s last appearance at the Kenny Conference.

Join MIFV MAX on Patreon to read Nate’s research notes for this episode!

As I said, April will continue to be busy. We have the biggest episode of the year next time with Donny Winter and a “mystery guest” joining us for Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Then Elijah Thomas returns to make a valiant defense of Reptilian (aka Yonggary 2001) as part of The Monster Island World Tour. Finally, we get a slightly less derided but now popular to love film for Godzilla Redux with All Monster Attack (aka Godzilla’s Revenge) with Neil Riebe and my former nemesis, John LeMay.

Until next time, remember…we shall overcome!

Social media:

#JimmyFromNASALives      #WeShallOvercome                #MonsterIslandFilmVault

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Bonus Episode #16: ‘Space Monster Wangmagwi’ | Ft. Daniel DiManna

Published April 4, 2024

In yet another impromptu “bonus” episode, Nate is joined by Daniel DiManna (Godzilla Novelization Project) to discuss a film that was finally unleashed upon the world by SRS Cinema: Space Monster Wangmagwi. As you can see, this one actually fits the season theme of The Monster Island World Tour. As mentioned in the Yongary episode, this was also released in the “Year of the Kaiju,” 1967, beating Yongary by a few months. But like many South Korean kaiju films, the story around this one exceeds its artistic merits. In its case, it was a “holy grail” of a lost film for kaiju fans; a thing of legend that few ever saw. But thanks to the dogged efforts of Ron Bonk, it’s now readily available. Just prepare yourself for a “rantmaster” about Squirrel (not “Spider”), King of the Kennys!

Read “Jimmy’s Notes” on this episode!

Additional music:

  • “What I Want to Say” by Vylent, TSori feat. Spy Girls
  • “Here We Go” by Chris Classic

Sound effects sourced from Freesound.org.

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip.

Buy Wangmagwi from SRS Cinema on blu-ray (https://tinyurl.com/yr5p55mc) and DVD (https://tinyurl.com/58ekad6d).

We’d like to give a shout-out to our MIFV MAX patrons Danny DiManna (author/creator of the Godzilla Novelization Project); Damon Noyes, The Cel Cast, TofuFury, Eric Anderson of Nerd Chapel, Ted Williams, Wynja the Ninja, Brad “Batman” Eddleman, Christopher Riner, The Indiscrite One, Eli Harris, Jake Hambrick, Edwin Gonzalez, Matt Walsh (but not that Matt Walsh), Jonathan Courtright, Robert Kidd, Leon Campbell, and Michael Watson! Thanks for your support!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

Timestamps:

  • Introduction: 0:00-6:13
  • Synopsis and Background: 6:13-45:31
  • Main Discussion: 45:31-2:04:56
  • Outro: 2:04:56-2:18:07
  • Credits: 2:18:07-end

Podcast Social Media:

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives       #MonsterIslandFilmVault     #SRSCinema            #Wangmagwi #SpaceMonsterWangmagwi

© 2023, 2024 Moonlighting Ninjas Media

Bibliography/Further Reading:

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Episode 87 Epilogue: “Monster Mash”

Published March 28, 2024

Nate and Jimmy fly Uber-Moguera to Panmunjom intent to recapture Yongary, but the Korean kaiju scores a couple lucky hits that disable the mecha’s weapons system. Desperate to find a new tactic, they get unlikely help from an unlikely source: Neil Riebe! His solution: a dance-off! Shenanigans ensue.

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip.

We’d like to give a shout-out to our MIFV MAX patrons Danny DiManna (author/creator of the Godzilla Novelization Project); Damon Noyes, The Cel Cast, TofuFury, Eric Anderson of Nerd Chapel, Ted Williams, Wynja the Ninja, Brad “Batman” Eddleman, Christopher Riner, The Indiscrite One, Eli Harris, Jake Hambrick, Edwin Gonzalez, Matt Walsh (but not that Matt Walsh), Jonathan Courtright, Robert Kidd, Leon Campbell, and Michael Watson! Thanks for your support!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

Podcast Social Media:

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives       #MonsterIslandFilmVault    

© 2023, 2024 Moonlighting Ninjas Media

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Episode 87: ‘Yongary, Monster from the Deep’ vs. Neil Riebe

Published March 22, 2024

Hello, Kaiju Lovers! The South Korea leg of the Monster Island World Tour begins with arguably the first true Korean kaiju film: Yongary, Monster from the Deep. Author Neil Riebe, who might very well be this film’s biggest fan, pays yet another visit to MIFV’s mobile studio in Uber-Moguera to enlighten us with his copious research on the movie. Released in the “Year of the Kaiju,” 1967, it borrows some from Showa Godzilla films but way more from Showa Gamera—complete with a Korean Kenny! Ironically, only the dubbed version of the movie survives. It was once the most expensive film ever made in South Korea (until that record was broken by its remake) and is considered one of the country’s most important films, but does it have the artistic merit to warrant such acclaim, or is it truly just MST3K fodder? Since the film had Japanese technicians from Toei and X Productions working on it, our Toku Topic is Japan-Korea relations.

Read Jimmy’s Notes on this episode on the MIFV website.

Additional Music:

  • “Kuwanga Banga” by PirateCrab
  • “Here We Go” by Chris Classic

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip.

We’d like to give a shout-out to our MIFV MAX patrons Danny DiManna (author/creator of the Godzilla Novelization Project); Damon Noyes, The Cel Cast, TofuFury, Eric Anderson of Nerd Chapel, Ted Williams, Wynja the Ninja, Brad “Batman” Eddleman, Christopher Riner, The Indiscrite One, Eli Harris, Jake Hambrick, Edwin Gonzalez, Matt Walsh (but not that Matt Walsh), Jonathan Courtright, Robert Kidd, Leon Campbell, and Michael Watson! Thanks for your support!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

Timestamps:

  • Introduction: 0:00-7:24
  • Entertaining Info Dump: 7:24-15:52
  • Toku Talk: 15:52-1:26:59
  • Ad (Toku Toy Town): 1:26:59-1:28:22
  • Toku Topic (Korea-Japan relations): 1:28:22-1:57:52
  • Outro: 1:57:52-2:23:35
  • Credits: 2:23:35-end

Podcast Social Media:

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives       #MonsterIslandFilmVault     #MonsterIslandWorldTour            #YongaryMonsterfromtheDeep

© 2024 Moonlighting Ninjas Media

Bibliography/Further Reading:

Note: This list does not include Neil’s sources.

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Episode 85 Epilogue: “Jake and Drew, Where are You?”

Published March 4, 2024

Nate, Drew, and Jacob decide to test their mettle by going to a haunted tourist spot in Seoul: Yangma Land, an abandoned theme park. After exploring the place until midnight, they come to a carousel that moves by itself—because it’s being ridden by the little girl ghost who haunts the place! She hears Jacob bark like a dog and chases after him, thinking he’s a puppy. The boys hide in a ride, only to barely escape a nine-tailed fox! But is the solution getting these two supernatural beings to meet?

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip.

We’d like to give a shout-out to our MIFV MAX patrons Danny DiManna (author/creator of the Godzilla Novelization Project); Damon Noyes, The Cel Cast, TofuFury, Eric Anderson of Nerd Chapel, Ted Williams, Wynja the Ninja, Brad “Batman” Eddleman, Christopher Riner, The Indiscrite One, Eli Harris, Jake Hambrick, Edwin Gonzalez, Matt Walsh (but not that Matt Walsh), Jonathan Courtright, Robert Kidd, and Leon Campbell! Thanks for your support!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

Podcast Social Media:

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives       #MonsterIslandFilmVault    

© 2023, 2024 Moonlighting Ninjas Media

Comments closed