Ep. 20: Exiled (2006)

One of Hong Kong's most prolific and acclaimed masters of cinema, Johnnie To has produced and directed over 70 films. Known for his powerhouse cinema that serves to deconstruct and reframe any genre or cinematic expression imaginable, there's little To hasn't done - but for an action podcast with the namesake of one of his films, it's time for Jack and Vaughn to dive into his work as an action filmmaker. Exiled is a hazy, smoke-clouded heroic bloodshed masterpiece, bringing back the brotherhood of his earlier action films after burning down the concept of criminal camaraderie in Election and Election 2. The guys journey through its masterfully constructed shootouts and ironclad bonds of fatalist criminal contracts while Vaughn details his extensive experiences with To as a filmmaker.

Next week we’ll be back with cinema's favorite B action director Albert Pyun's Mean Guns. Until then, for more words, thoughts, and action adoration, find us all around the internet.

Vaughn on The Twin Geeks, Letterboxd, Twitter, and Bluesky.

Jack on The Twin Geeks, Letterboxd, Twitter, and Bluesky.