We're Not All Ninjas: The Podcast artwork

We're Not All Ninjas: The Podcast

81 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 26 ratings

We're Not All Ninjas is a movie review podcast focusing on Asian American Representation in Hollywood Films.
Hosted by Melissa Slaughter, Rachel Liu, and Alex Chester
Music by Ryan Majoris

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Episodes

Black Lives Matter

June 09, 2020 13:32 - 1 minute - 1.42 MB

This week, we are releasing a statement in conjunction with Podcasters for Justice. Please follow this link for more resources, places to donate, and a list of works anti-racism: https://linktr.ee/NationalResourcesList   

To All The Boys: PS I Still Love You

May 19, 2020 21:00 - 23 minutes - 32.6 MB

The sequel to "To All The Boys I've Loved Before" was released in February 2020. We just got the chance to watch this adorable romcom starring Lana Candor. How does this teen flick rate on the Abacus? 

Birds of Prey

May 05, 2020 20:00 - 28 minutes - 39 MB

Birds of Prey is Asian AF! Cathy Yan, Christina Hodson, Ella Jay Basco! In the first episode of season 5, we jump straight to the Abacus. Check out Birds of Prey on streaming services like Amazon Prime, and check out Lauren Winn's film posters @laurennakaowinn. 

Tigertail

April 14, 2020 08:00 - 38 minutes - 53.1 MB

We're back! And we've got TWO interviews for you. Melissa interviews actress Christine Ko and Emmy-award winning writer/director Alan Yang about the Netflix film Tigertail. This interview was recorded via Zoom so thanks for understanding any sound issues. 

Hustlers

October 31, 2019 12:34 - 29 minutes - 27 MB

We saw Hustlers starring Constance Wu! We talk about her nan, the stereotypes of Asian sex workers, and the real life story of Rosie Keo.    The Hustlers At Scores Dakota Johnson as Destiny  The Evolution of the Asian Sex Worker on Screen  Roslyn Keo in Vulture

Birthday Bonus!

October 08, 2019 11:00 - 8 minutes - 7.63 MB

It's Melissa's birthday! So this week, we're doing a rundown of all the shows and films coming out that we think you should know about. Our feature episode, Hustlers, will be out soon!   

BONUS Interview: Lee Shorten

September 10, 2019 10:30 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MB

This month, we have actor Lee Shorten on the pod! He's one of the stars of "The Terror: Infamy," AMC's supernatural series. This season takes place during the 1940s in America's Japanese Internment camps. Lee was also in Philip Dick's "Man In High Castle". We talk representation, history, and the heaviness of filming an Internment story. Spoilers ahead! 

Interview: Director Gurinder Chadha

August 20, 2019 11:00 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MB

We have a special South Asian bonus episode featuring director Gurinder Chadha talking about her new film "Blinded By The Light," in theatres now. 

The Farewell

August 13, 2019 11:00 - 55 minutes - 51.1 MB

Melissa, Alex, and special guest Sandie Cheng (Now In Color podcast) talk about the indie summer hit, Lulu Wang's The Farewell. We discuss Asian grandmothers, Awkwafina's Mandarin, and all the news in Asian-American cinema.  Representing All Asians - https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/7xggba/hollywood-doesnt-fully-represent-asian-americans-yet?utm_source=tcpfb&fbclid=IwAR09LmSqXJTaSBlu9FJosko64UVxa_nfZ-X1aBXdbW70Xz4UJ_mKLnUhfxQ  Whitewashing The Farewell- https://www.indiewire.com/2019/0...

Interview: Empty By Design

July 16, 2019 11:00 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MB

In our latest interview, Melissa spoke with writer/director Andrea A. Walter and actor/producer Osric Chau of the indie film Empty By Design. We talk about travel, identity, and Ikea.  Empty By Design and In A New York Minute (last week's episode) will be in NYC for the Asian American International Film Festival, July 25th thru August 3rd.  AAIFF Empty By Design: https://www.goelevent.com/AAIFF/e/EmptybyDesign AAIFF In A New York Minute: https://www.goelevent.com/AAIFF/e/InANewYorkMinute

Interviews: In A New York Minute

July 09, 2019 11:00 - 43 minutes - 40 MB

This month, we did a series of interviews for the indie film, In A New York Minute, which our very own Rachel Liu worked on. This episode features Melissa interviewing actors Celia Au, Yi Liu, and Amy Chang, and Rachel interviewing actor Ludi Lin.  Look for the movie at a festival near you! If you're in NYC, you can catch this film at the Asian American International Film Festival. Buy your tickets here: https://www.goelevent.com/AAIFF/e/InANewYorkMinute

Always Be My Maybe

June 11, 2019 11:00 - 40 minutes - 37 MB

We discuss Detective Pikachu and John Wick 3 before diving into Always Be My Maybe, featuring Randall Park, Ali Wong, and our favorite Hapa, Keanu Reeves!  https://www.vulture.com/2019/05/randall-park-always-be-my-maybe.html  https://www.vulture.com/2019/06/keanu-reeves-became-ali-wongs-lover-in-always-be-my-maybe.html

Bonus: Always Be My Maybe Interviews

June 06, 2019 11:00 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MB

Always Be My Maybe is out now on Netflix! Melissa interviews writer/actor Randall Park, director Nahnatchka Khan, and musician Dan the Automator. Alex interviews writer Michael Golamco. Check out our episode and make sure to watch the movie! 

Avengers: Endgame

May 14, 2019 11:23 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MB

We're in the Endgame now! Rachel and Melissa talk Endgame while Alex is on vacation. We have so many thoughts. Namely, should we even be talking about this movie? 

The Disappointment Episode | Captain Marvel, Battle Angel Alita, Happy Death Day

April 09, 2019 11:00 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MB

This month, we're covering a few movies, all of which left us wanting something a little more. Happy Death Day 2 (04:28) fell back into nerdy Asian Stereotypes, Battle Angel: Alita (13:30) whitewashed some of it's main characters, and Captain Marvel (25:10) covered Gemma Chan in green paint.  "Cyberpunk Cities Fetishize Asian Culture But Have No Asians": https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/mb7yqx/cyberpunk-cities-fetishize-asian-culture-but-have-no-asians-blade-runner 

Minding The Gap

March 12, 2019 11:20 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MB

This month, we're discussing the Oscar-nominated documentary Minding the Gap. Directed by Bing Liu, Minding the Gap uses 12 years worth of footage that feature Bing and some of his skate boarding community in Rockford, IL. TW: this film and episode discuss domestic abuse.  If you or someone you know need support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7/365 in 3 languages: 1−800−799−7233 

Bonus: Interview with Actress Olivia Cheng

February 19, 2019 14:42 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MB

We have a bonus for you! You might recognize actress Olivia Cheng from Marco Polo on Netflix, but she's making waves for her role in Syfy's Deadly Class and for the upcoming Cinemax show Warrior (based of the writings of Bruce Lee.) Olivia was kind enough to call us for an interview.  Deadly Class is airing now on Syfy, and Warrior drops on April 5th. You can follow Olivia at @thatoliviacheng on Instagram and Twitter. 

The TV Episode: Killing Eve, Sabrina, and The Good Place

February 12, 2019 13:00 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MB

We're taking a turn this week to discuss TV. It's awards season, and with all the success of Killing Eve, and The Assassination of Gianni Versace, we wanted to celebrate our favorite TV shows with AAPI actors. In this episode we talk about Killing Eve, the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and The Good Place.   Angry Asian Man Fall 2018 TV Shows: http://blog.angryasianman.com/2018/09/all-asians-on-tv-fall-2018-series.html

Aquaman

January 16, 2019 02:55 - 1 hour - 44.1 MB

We've waited so long for a Hapa Hero! Jason Momoa stormed into our hearts as Aquaman, a shirtless, wet, halfbreed superhero. Do we spend a lot of time talking about how hot he is? Yes! Do we also discuss how Aquaman is Hapa AF? YES!  Also, happy Season 4!  Asians in Movies 2018: https://tinyurl.com/y7au3cfk  Nerds of Color Review: https://tinyurl.com/y8luchct  Hapa Mag: https://tinyurl.com/y8ocnuam 100 Most Handsome Men: https://tinyurl.com/y7mjk2xr 

Bonus: Interview with director James Wan

December 11, 2018 20:00 - 9 minutes - 6.67 MB

Happy Holidays! We've got a special treat. We interviewed James Wan, director of the upcoming DCEU film "Aquaman." We talk the look of the underwater Kingdom, the biracial nature of Aquaman, and how James' film "The Conjuring" broke Rachel Liu. 

Bonus: Werk It! Pitch Accelerator

November 13, 2018 11:00 - 1 minute - 1.22 MB

We've got an update for you! Listen to hear more and make sure to find Melissa at the Werk It! Podcast Conference at the Knockdown Center in Queens, NY on November 13th and 14th. 

Bohemian Rhapsody

November 13, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 43.1 MB

In our final full film review of Season 3, we talk about the Freddie Mercury and Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody! Melissa loves Freddie Mercury but is that enough to save this movie? With special guest Christian Dan Luu, Melissa and Rachel break down the film's interpretation about the first Asian Rock God. 

Bonus: Interview with Nick Neon & Zero One

October 23, 2018 12:00 - 29 minutes - 19 MB

In a special October bonus, we interview Nick Neon, writer, director, actor and fellow Hapa. We discuss being a Hapa filmmaker, his film Zero One, and intersectional art.  On Saturday the 27th at 3pm at the Wythe Hotel, we'll be cohosting Nick's film Zero One at KAFFNY (Korean-American Film Festival of NY). Use promo code NOTNINJA30 for discounted tickets!  Buy KAFFNY tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kaffny-2018-infinite-love-tickets-51109847931 KAFFNY Schedule: http://www....

Searching

October 09, 2018 12:00 - 1 hour - 67.5 MB

#AsianAugust live on! This month, we're talking about the thriller Searching. We talking John Cho and other leading Asian men, creating Asian families on screen, and what does the TV world looks like for representation in 2018.  It's Been A Minute with John Cho and Aneesh Chaganty: https://www.npr.org/2018/08/08/636576081/john-cho-and-aneesh-chaganty-on-searching  They Call Us Bruce with John Cho: https://theycallusbruce.libsyn.com/episode-47-they-call-us-john-cho    Avatar and a non...

To All The Boys I've Loved Before

September 11, 2018 12:00 - 40 minutes - 28.5 MB

Keeping it going with #StillAsianSeptember. To All The Boys I've Loved Before is out on Netflix now, and we cover Lana Candor, Hapa representation and the lack of Asian males in teenage films.  Callie Crossley for WGBH: https://www.wgbh.org/news/commentary/2018/09/02/im-thinking-of-going-to-see-crazy-rich-asians-again?platform=hootsuite   Lana Candor (The Cut): https://www.thecut.com/2018/08/interview-lana-condor-on-to-all-the-boys-ive-loved-before.html 

Crazy Rich Asians Part 2

August 28, 2018 12:00 - 1 hour - 39.7 MB

Part two of two! We got special guest, Jonathan Castanien (host of Not So Ancient) to help us finish up Crazy Rich Asians. We talk the sequel, new Asian-focused projects, Awkafina's "blaccent", and Rachel drops some knowledge on China's relationship with hip hop.  Yuri Kochiyama: Japanese-American Civil Rights Activist Joel Kim Booster on Conan Michelle Yeoh was called a Banana Find Not So Ancient on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and more! @NotSoAncient

Crazy Rich Asians Part 1

August 21, 2018 12:00 - 1 hour - 51.1 MB

We saw Crazy Rich Asians a week before its official opening because we're, well, crazy like that. So this is our hot take in Crazy Rich Asians, before it's #GoldOpen 35 million dollar opening weekend. This is part one of two, since there's so much to cover, from hot abs to why #representationmatters.  Emily Yoshida's Vulture Review Seattle Times Review Melissa's Nerds Of Color Review 

A Whale of A Tale Director Megumi Sasaki

August 09, 2018 12:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MB

Almost ten years have passed since The Cove was released; the documentary about Japanese fishermen hunting dolphins and small whales became a international phenomenon. The Cove created a one-sided narrative. Japanese filmmaker Megumi Sasaki saw this disparity in narratives and decided to embark on her own documentary A Whale Of A Tale. Her film is a counter-narrative to that of The Cove. Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1960505270/a-whale-of-a-tale-a-documentary-film 

Crazy Rich Asians Bonus

August 07, 2018 12:00 - 53 minutes - 33.5 MB

We are one week away from the premiere of Crazy Rich Asians! Writer/content creator Nathan Ramos (Club Mickey Mouse) guested this week to talk to about Crazy Rich Asians and all the controversies surrounding it from Henry Golding to the "Asian Black Panther." 

Ocean's 8

July 10, 2018 12:00 - 44 minutes - 32.2 MB

This week, we cover Ocean's 8, the all-lady reboot of the Ocean's franchise. We talk Awkwafina, Mindy Kaling, and how one cameo saved them all. So here's to all the little girls who want to grow up to commit some crimes!   Nerd's of Color:  Mindy Kahling's 8 

Deadpool 2 Bonus

June 26, 2018 12:00 - 24 minutes - 20.6 MB

In a summer bonus, we cover Deadpool 2, and the TV shows Altered Carbon and Sense8. Rachel breaks down the trope of Women in Fridges, and we break down the issue with Yukio's hair streak. 

Interview: Awkwafina and Ocean's 8

June 12, 2018 12:00 - 10 minutes - 12.5 MB

Our Ocean's 8 episode will come out later. But in the meantime, we got an interview with star on the rise, Awkwafina! Besides Ocean's 8, her latest album, "In Fina We Trust", dropped a few days ago. And next she's starring in Crazy Rich Asians.  So hear her here before she blows up this summer!  "In Fina We Trust" is out now on Spotify, Itunes and anywhere music can be found. Ocean's 8 is in theatres now. 

Panel Discussion: Race, Casting, And Representation Live!

May 31, 2018 14:00 - 1 hour - 98 MB

HB Studio had a panel and we moderated! We talk Sierra Boggess in West Side Story, creating new works, and actors asking the question "Am I right for this role?" Big thanks to panelists Annie Henk, Tonilyn Sideco, and Peter J. Kuo, sound engineer Alexandra Chludzinska, and The New School. HB Studio Panel: https://hbstudio.org/calendar/race-casting-and-representation-a-panel-discussion-live-podcast/ Sierra Boggess and West Side Story: http://www.playbill.com/article/sierra-boggess-withdra...

Avengers: Infinity War

May 08, 2018 12:00 - 1 hour - 155 MB

We. Are. Not. Okay! We talk about the latest Avengers installment.  Rachel cries it out, Melissa lives in corrections corner, and Alex is plain mad. Is Wong a stereotype? Is Mantis more than meets the eye? Is there gonna be an Amadeus Cho movie? Find out in this episode! Spoilers start at 13:27 We also breakdown the Crazy Rich Asians trailer and Black Panther.    Keep It (43:47): https://crooked.com/podcast/kanye-dont-impress-much/ Mantis and her original portrayal: https://www.polyg...

Bonus: Tomb Raider

April 26, 2018 12:30 - 16 minutes - 19.3 MB

We all watched a bunch of movies in March. Let's celebrate one of our favorites, Tomb Raider starring Into the Badlands' Daniel Wu! Plus a shoutout to our favorite Hapa, Lewis Tan. See how Tomb Raider does on the Abacus, and hear what movies we're excited about. 

Isle of Dogs

April 11, 2018 02:59 - 51 minutes - 59.3 MB

We had so many movies to watch in March! We review some faves/dislikes, before moving on to Wes Anderson's Isle of Dogs. Find out how we rate it on the Abacus!  LA Times' Justin Chang piece: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-isle-of-dogs-review-20180321-story.html Vulture's Emily Yoshida Piece: http://www.vulture.com/2018/03/what-its-like-to-watch-isle-of-dogs-as-a-japanese-speaker.html Honest Trailers Every Wes Anderson Movie Ever:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trW...

The Oscars Episode

March 13, 2018 12:00 - 38 minutes - 44.1 MB

Awards season is officially over! We wanted to watch the Oscars and give our own thoughts to the biggest award show of the year. We talk Shape of Water, 3 Billboards, Call Me By Your Name, Abicus: Small Enough To Jail, and so much more! Big thanks to special guest Anne Hu (Cake).  

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

February 14, 2018 12:00 - 50 minutes - 58.2 MB

We're back! On Valentine's Day, we talk about Melissa's OTP, the lovely and talented Kelly Marie Tran, and why fan boys are in such a tizzy over TLJ. Featuring a tribute to the late Carrie Fisher. 

The Thanksgiving Episode aka The Season 2 Finale

November 21, 2017 12:30 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MB

We put out 10 episodes, had some great guests and talked about some great (and not-so-great movies.) This is the end of Season 2, and we talk about all the things we're thankful for! Thanks, everyone! 

Jes Tom Gets Deep

November 14, 2017 12:45 - 54 minutes - 62.4 MB

Comedian Jes Tom and Melissa sit down to talk about their Ghost In The Shell PSA (the viral video from this spring), their shared Japanese Internment history, and the responsibility of artists. 

The Bad Batch Bonus

November 07, 2017 12:30 - 16 minutes - 11.7 MB

It's a bonus with special guest Anna Suzuki! We talked the controversy surrounding director Ana Lily Amipour, rabbit cafes, and reclaiming the name of the Jewish American Princess. 

The Bad Batch

October 31, 2017 11:30 - 48 minutes - 34.3 MB

We break down Ana Lily Amirpour and her summer movie starring Jason Momoa and Keanu Reeves. We have varying opinions but boy are they strong! With special guest Anna Suzuki (AZN-POP!)     

The Big Sick Bonus

October 24, 2017 11:30 - 9 minutes - 7.1 MB

It's a Big Sick Bonus! We talk about growing up in Asian-American families, interracial relationships, model minorities, and how there are no Asian on SNL. 

The Big Sick

October 17, 2017 11:14 - 1 hour - 68.8 MB

Kumail Nanjiani shared his true life love story and we are here for it! We talk interracial dating, immigrant parents, relationships between the North and South, and who would play us in the story of our lives.  Read Emily's Lenny Letter about the experience at Girlfriend In A Coma. 

We Connect, Fuse, and Repeat with KAFFNY Infinite Cinema

October 10, 2017 11:30 - 53 minutes - 60.8 MB

Chung Tsang and Mark Singh from KAFFNY (short for Korean American Film Festival New York) joined us this week! We talk about their upcoming film festival in Brooklyn on Saturday, October 14th. The festival features films about food, fashion, migration, and more. Filmmakers from around the world will be showcased, and the guys discuss some pretty amazing films. RSVP to their free screening on ethical fashion, or use discount code NOTNINJA50 for 50% off! Check out their website for more inform...

Spider-man: Homecoming

October 03, 2017 11:30 - 34 minutes - 39.5 MB

Spider-man: Homecoming was a summer hit, but not without it's controversies. We talk Miles Morales, Jacob Batalon as the Asian Sidekick, and Tom Holland interviewing in Korea. All with the help of special guest, Joy Regullano. See her in Filipino AF at UCB LA on October 13th! Tickets on sale here: https://ucbtheatre.com/performance/56668

We Eat Cake With Anne Hu

September 26, 2017 11:30 - 59 minutes - 68.4 MB

Anne Hu, New York based Editor and film director sits down with us to discuss her short Cake (www.cakethefilm.com). We talk horror films, the Museum of Sex, internet trolls, her Washington Post article, and much more!  Website: www.annehu.com  Washington Post, An Asian Sex Robo Aims to Challenge Stereotypes (www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/a-movie-about-an-asian-sex-robot-aims-to-challenge-stereotypes/2017/05/19/e047effa-3b37-11e7-8854-21f359183e8c_story.html?utm_term=.22e26625d4b7)   

Okja Bonus

September 19, 2017 11:30 - 12 minutes - 14.4 MB

In our first bonus episode of Season 2, we talk about Jake Gyllenhaal, animal sex, and Obama's War Room picture.  TW (5:40) for the slaughterhouse scene, and forced animal breeding, as well as rape scene choreography.   We're Not All Ninjas is a proud member of Hard NOC Media. 

Okja

September 12, 2017 11:30 - 56 minutes - 64.1 MB

After a shakey Cannes start, Okja hit Netflix early this summer. We break down the plot, director Bong Joon-Ho, Steven Yuen portrayal of K, that slaughterhouse scene and more, with the help of special guest Eunice Bae.    Steven Yuen's Vulture Article: http://www.vulture.com/2017/07/steven-yeun-interview-okja-walking-dead.html

Season 2 Trailer

September 11, 2017 11:00 - 4 minutes - 3.11 MB

Season 2 is here! Catch up on what's you've missed, what we'll be discussing this season, and what we're totally gonna skip (coughDeathNotecough).  We're Not All Ninjas is now a part of Hard NOC Media, a podcast collective focused on producers of color. Like Hard NOC Media on Facebook and Twitter. And remember to subscribe, rate and review this podcast on Itunes! 

Books

Memoirs of a Geisha
4 Episodes
Ghost in the Shell
2 Episodes