“Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare” was released in 1968 as the first of a trilogy of films starring famous Japanese Yokai. Yokai are supernatural beings from Japanese folklore. Here’s a link to the Wikipedia page on Yokai. There are literally thousands of different Yokai. This film features many of the most popular ones. In addition, the film is extremely well shot and includes many music themes that add to the drama and action of the film. The tokusatsu special effects are very well done and shown in such as way as to add to the impact of the film rather than detracting or creating a “cheezy” image.

This is a special episode as it’s our first movie commentary and Hailey joins the podcast to talk about it with Matt. It’s a father and daughter special episode! Bob is doing well and was unable to make the recording due to a busy travel schedule this last month.

Watch the movie for free on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/wPBgtuM0SRo

This is also the first of a four film festival of films from countries other than the United States.

COMMENTARY NOTE: There is a “B” version of this episode without the film audio in the background. This “A” version contains the film audio in the background. If you want to listen to our commentary while watching the film yourself, be sure to listen to the “B” episode.

Bob and Matt will return next episode to review “Rififi”, a French film from director Jules Dassin released in 1955.

Here’s the IMDB page for “Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare”

Here’s the IMDB page for “Rififi”