Join hosts Byrd and Matt as they discuss all things giant monsters, tokusatsu, and Japanese fantasy films. We'll also cover comics, cartoons, toys, books, and more! Come here for a regular dose of everything from Godzilla and Gamera to King Kong and Ray Harryhausen to Ultraman, and everything in between!
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episode 297: Half Human (1955)
We are joined by our Kaiju Masterclass partner, writer Patrick Galvan (SyFy, Our Culture, Ruan Lingyu: Her Life and Career) to discuss Ishiro Honda's banned 1955 film Half Human (aka The Beastman Snowman). Made immediately after the original Godzilla, the film tells the story of a mountain expedition to search for the abominable snowman (and a sleazy promoter looking to kidnap the creature). The film is under a self-imposed ban by Toho due to its offensive depiction of the Burakumin minority group, and can only be watched on VHS rips from a copy that was smuggled out of Toho years ago. In our discussion we will discuss the making of the film and explore the topic of Burakumin oppression and the very real struggles that the group still faces to this day. We also give some time to the bizarre and incomprehensible American version of the film starring John Carradine. Relax and enjoy the discussion!