The Searchers

Thirst (2009) - Episode 104

Following Chris’s pick starring gentle giant Dolph Lundgren, we follow up with Kevin’s pick — a South Korean dark comedy and erotic horror film with Song Kang-ho as a priest who makes a radical decision out of selflessness. With plunges into Catholic humility and lustful sins, it’s a haphazard and treacherous road to find redemption, and really you’d think those concepts would float our boats, wouldn’t it? But as with the ways of the world, it’s not that simple. Join the three of us gabbing about this year’s second Horror Adjacent™️episode on the grand ol’ stagecoach, as its travails bring us over some challenging roads and into a holy man’s transformation into a vampire. A man of love for moral purity has become a vampire’s lust for blood. Be sure your soul hasn’t been corrupted, friends. We won’t be responsible!

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Dark Angel [AKA: I Come in Peace] (1990)- Episode 103

Is it Halloween, or is it Christmas? Maybe some it's both! Join Kevin and Chris discussing the show's first Dolph Lundgren film. Does he match the undeniable power of Arnie? Are his one-liner's just as good? Tune in and find out on The Searchers' first Horror Adjacent™ episode of 2025... thanks for listening!

Please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com. 

Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/

 

Kull the Conqueror (1997) - Episode 102

Apologies for the delay, it's been a hectic month.

Here is a recording from a couple months ago... Chris and Ben review 1997's Kull the Conqueror starring Kevin Sorbo. We'll be back with some Searcher's Horror-Adjacent™ content very soon. Thanks for listening. 

Thanks to Nostalgic Covers for letting us use this kickass cover of the Joel Goldsmith score. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcmsil7uvk8

Please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com. 

Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/

 

Day of the Fight (2023) - Episode 101

Alright, everyone! Chris and Kevin are back, this time driving The Searchers' stagecoach from wondrous sepia tones and into the graces of beautiful black and white. A sweet film from 2023, bearing a subdued essence and yet proving itself to be such a permeating spear that’ll strike the hearts of those who see and hear. Veteran and iconic director John Huston’s very own grandson, Jack, has taken the reins behind the camera to present his directorial debut, Day of the Fight. Reminiscent of cinematic sports fare such as Stallone’s Rocky and Marty’s Raging Bull, this boxing drama expresses a unique insight into love, faith, romance, and redemption. Trust us… this isn’t the same ol’ thing all over again. So please join us and tune in for this absolutely special film that needs more recognition and more admiration! The underdog fighter vs. the heavy burden that is life. Pick yourselves back up and move forward with us, folks! Whatever you’re going through, never give up. We are rooting for you!

Lonely Heart [さびしんぼう, Sabishinbou] (aka Miss Lonely) (1985) - EPISODE 100!

The Searchers celebrate their centennial episode with honorary fourth Searcher Nick Langdon. The movie focuses on Hiroki, a young man plagued by loneliness and unrequited love. When a strange girl appears out of nowhere, he is torn between believing she’s real or a creation of his own psyche. Miss Lonely is one of Chris' favorite movies from director Nobuhiko Obayashi; however, to keep with tradition and the pod's mission, we picked this film since Kevin and Nick had both not seen it. 

In addition to a review of the film, we look back on other various episodes and give shout out to some past guests. If you have been with us since the beginning, you are a real one. And to all of those who have found us in the interim, thanks for joining... What took you so long? From all of us at The Searchers, sincerely thank you! Here's to another hundred. 

Coming up: we have two more September releases before we get to October! 

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Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/

Chizuko's Younger Sister [ふたり, Futari] (1991) - Ep 99

In this episode, Ben and Chris dive deep into Nobuhiko Obayashi’s poignant 1991 drama Chizuko’s Younger Sister — a lesser-known gem that blends grief, coming-of-age, and the supernatural with the director’s signature dreamlike touch. We explore how the film captures the emotional aftermath of loss through the eyes of high schooler Mika, visited by the ghost of her older sister Chizuko. How does Obayashi navigate memory and identity? What sets this apart from other Japanese dramas of the era? And why does this film still resonate over three decades later? Join The Searchers as they unpack the film’s themes, its haunting visuals, and its place in Obayashi’s unique filmography.

For episode 100, we will be covering another Obayashi film with a returning guest. Who and what could they be?! Stay tuned for its release in mid September. As always, thanks for listening!

Please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com. 

Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/

Le Marginal [The Outsider] (1983) - Ep 98

The Searchers close out this arc on Jean-Paul Belmondo actioners with The Outsider from 1983, not to be confused with the Francis Ford Coppola film. Is this the famous Frenchman's Dirty Harry clone? Was he too old to do all his own stunts? Come listen to the latest episode and find out!

On the next episode, Chris and Ben cover another film from the great Obayashi. 

Please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com. 

Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/

Ghost Rider 2 (2011) - Episode 97 w/ Joe Wilson

Folks, Chris and Kevin are once more at it again. The stagecoach on this wild cinematic trail takes listeners on a third detour back onto the “Non-Algorithmic Superhero Film” route, and this time it’s rather red like the last one, but a bit more fiery. The Searchers review Neveldine and Taylor’s Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance from 2011, with the one and only Nic Cage, sporting the leather jacket and riding a flaming motorcycle once again. Not only that, but we’ve got a returning guest, Joe Wilson, joining us! So folks, for one last (for now!) endeavor to introduce to you non-algorithmic comic book films, please watch your step and board the trusty stagecoach! Ride with us into sheer pandemonium and some gothic Catholicism. Heavenly glory awaits those who reject evil’s wiles! Find Joe on Letterboxd, HERE.  Please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com.  Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/