Episode 50 - Gareth Evans

Episode 50 - Gareth Evans

Author: Ben Johnson April 20, 2020 Duration: 1:17:44

Through his trio of martial arts films - Merantau (2009), The Raid (2011) and The Raid 2 (2014) - filmmaker Gareth Evans helped to put Indonesian action cinema on the map, launched the careers of a new generation of fight stars (including Iko Uwais, Yayan Ruhian and Cecep Arif Rahman), and created some of the most exhilarating, inventive, and game-changing fight sequences of modern times. Not bad for a young filmmaker from South Wales, who grew up watching Jackie Chan films with his dad, who chose to invest in a video camera when he turned 17 instead of learning to drive. Following his adventures in Indonesia, Evans has since returned to Wales where he has been developing a range of projects exploring new mediums and genres, including the British gothic horror, Apostle (2018) - available on Netflix - and the nine-part TV series, Gangs of London, which lands on Sky Atlantic in the UK on 23 April 2020. The show, based on a computer game, sees Evans return to a contemporary action setting, working alongside his frequent collaborator, UK stunt coordinator Jude Poyer (featured in Episode 48), with a story focusing on the fall-out following the death of a gang leader. Listen as Evans explains how he believes Gangs of London contains some of his finest action work, as well as exploring the steps that led to him creating The Raid films, often regarded by critics and fans alike as two of the best modern-day martial arts films of all time. We also investigate the possibility of a reunion with Iko Uwais, the secrets to his visceral style, and what other genres he would still like to explore. This conversation was recorded in London in early March 2020 before a UK government lockdown following the coronavirus outbreak.


LINKS

Gareth Evans on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ghuwevans/

Gangs of London trailer - https://youtu.be/VoJ_yZqhmAg

Gangs of London on Sky Atlantic - https://www.sky.com/watch/gangs-of-london

The Raid review on Kung Fu Movie Guide - http://kungfumovieguide.com/the-raid-redemption/

The Raid 2 review on Kung Fu Movie Guide - http://kungfumovieguide.com/the-raid-2/

Gareth Evans profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide - http://kungfumovieguide.com/profile-gareth-evans/


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There's a particular magic in the stories behind the fights, the philosophy woven into the choreography, and the sheer dedication it takes to create martial arts cinema. The Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast is built on those stories, offering a backstage pass to the world of Hong Kong action, classic Shaw Brothers epics, and modern martial arts filmmaking. Host Ben Johnson, who created the extensive kungfumovieguide.com resource, sits down for detailed conversations with the very people who bring these films to life. Each episode features an unscripted, in-depth interview with actors who threw the punches, stunt performers who designed the falls, directors who framed the shots, and choreographers who turned violence into poetry. You'll hear about their career paths, the challenges on set, and the deep, personal passion that fuels their work. This isn't just a surface-level recap of famous movies; it's about the craft, the history, and the human effort behind every iconic scene. For anyone who has ever wondered about the artistry behind a perfectly executed fight sequence or the legacy of a genre that spans decades, this podcast provides a rich, engaging listen. Tune in for genuine insights from the heart of martial arts cinema.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast
Podcast Episodes
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