The Searchers

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/

Animal (1977) - Episode 96

Hey all, we're back! All three Searchers return to Jean-Paul Belmondo action films this time reviewing Claude Zidi's Animal from 1977. JPB stars alongside American superstar Raquel Welch hence the American release title, "Stuntwoman." We discuss the film, more about Jean-Paul Belmondo's career, and many tangents on random things like Peter O'Toole's Oscar nominations.

Check Animal (1977) out on Tubi, HERE!

Up next, Kevin and Chris cover Ghost Rider 2 with a special guest. 

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/

Daredevil (2003) Director's Cut - Episode 95

Chris and Kevin take a look at Daredevil (2003), specifically the Director’s Cut, directed by Mark Steven Johnson and starring Ben Affleck as the blind vigilante from Hell’s Kitchen. This episode explores a film often dismissed, but one that reveals more on a closer look — a story about pain, guilt, and perseverance. So hop on the Searcher's stage — we’re digging into the forgotten corner of early 2000s superhero cinema.

Follow us on Letterboxd.com if you'd like to see what we've recently watched and/or reviewed. Ben, Chris, & Kevin

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

Beijing Watermelon (1989) [北京的西瓜, Pekin no Suika] - Episode 94

Ben and Chris come back around to Japanese cinema with a review of Nobuhiko Obayashi's 1989 film, Beijing Watermelon. While made considering Japan's and China's complicated history and produced coincidentally with the events of Tiananmen Square in 1989, Obayashi bends the rules of cinema once again to make a beautiful and non-political film about community, personal responsibility, and balance. With apparent influence from the likes of both Capra and Ozu, The Searchers discuss the vital nature of the in-between moments and the meaning of "home," a word that may describe Obayashi's oeuvre to a T.

Vinegar Syndrome's partner label Kani released Beijing Watermelon in 2024, and it can be found on Blu-ray HERE. 

If you like what you heard, 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. We'll read both on air.

Follow us on Letterboxd.com if you'd like to see what we've recently watched and/or reviewed. Ben, Chris, & Kevin

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

Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning (2025) - Episode 93 w/ Tyler

Kevin and Ben are joined by Letterboxd reviewer extraordinaire and friend of the pod Tyler to discuss the new Tom Cruise movie in an effort to save cinema once again. In addition to reviewing MI 8: The Final Reckoning, we discuss the Mission Impossible series as a whole, storytelling with mythology, artificial intelligence as of 2025, the future of cinema, and more. Your mission, should you choose to accept, is to sit back, mow the grass, commute to your workplace, or whatever it is that you do when you listen to a new edition of The Searchers Film Podcast. Thanks for listening, as always.

Find Tyler on LB, HERE. 

Follow us on Letterboxd.com if you'd like to see what we've recently watched and/or reviewed. Ben, Chris, & Kevin

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

Hulk (2003) - Episode 92

In this episode, Chris and Kevin review Ang Lee’s Hulk, a bold and visually experimental take on the superhero genre. They explore the film’s unique split-screen techniques and its psychological focus on Bruce Banner’s inner conflict. Was this ambitious, art-house approach a stroke of genius, or did it miss the mark with comic book fans? Tune in as we unpack the film’s legacy, its flaws, and the moments of brilliance that continue to spark debate among comic book fans.

 

Follow us on Letterboxd.com if you'd like to see what we've recently watched and/or reviewed. Ben, Chris, & Kevin

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