Asian Invasion

Season 1

2006

3 Episodes

Asian Invasion is a three-part mini-series presented by Jonathan Ross which aired on BBC Four in January 2006. Focusing on East Asian cinema, the series looked at some of the most famous films, actors and directors in Japan, Korea and Hong Kong.

Episode 1 : ‎ Japan

Jonathan goes to Tokyo to see if Japanese cinema has gone off the boil, as some critics suggest. He meets directors Ryuhei Kitamura (Versus) and Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell) and surveys the current crop of Japanese films, including the strange tale of a giant squid turned championship wrestler. FEATURED FILMS Ryuhei Kitamura * Versus (2000, Tartan) * Azumi (2003, Optimum Releasing...

Episode 2 : ‎ Hong Kong

In Hong Kong Jonathan meets Stephen Chow, star of King Fu Hustle and Shaolin Soccer, celebrates Michelle Yeoh, the world's first female Asian superstar and looks back at his all-time Hong Kong heroes, including Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. FEATURED FILMS Stephen Chow * Shaolin Soccer (2001, Optimum Releasing) * Kung Fu Hustle (2004, Sony/Columbia Pictures) * The King of Comedy (1999...

Episode 3 : ‎ Korea

Many critics consider Korean cinema to be the most exciting in the world today. Among the directors Jonathan meets are Park Chan-wook, whose film Oldboy won the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2004. He also looks at an extremely odd little monster movie produced by North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il who kidnapped the film's director from South Korea to make his dream project. FEATURED FILMS Park Chan-woo...