Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Heavenly Mandate

Harken! The mountain’s four wise men and women descend once more from the mist-shrouded summit to debate the strange and wondrous spectacle known as Cats! Released in 2019, this cinematic curiosity was directed by Tom Hooper and adapted from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary stage musical. The film stars a curious pride of performers, including Taylor Swift, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, and James Corden.

Filmed in the United Kingdom and distributed by Universal Pictures, Cats invites viewers into the mysterious Jellicle Ball, where one fortunate feline may be chosen to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and begin a new life. With digital fur, gravity-defying choreography, and songs that have echoed across theaters for decades, the film sparked both awe and bewilderment across the cinematic realm.

Will the council of mountain sages find poetry in its spectacle, or chaos in its curious design? Sharpen your claws, gather by the temple brazier, and prepare for another journey through cinema.

Enjoy your monthly trip to Shaolin.

Beloved listeners, as the nights grow long and the house fills with familiar voices, remember: not every call is a blessing, not every carol is comforting, and some traditions refuse to stay buried. Lock the doors, listen closely, and keep the phone off the hook—this Christmas, the darkness is calling from inside the house.

Beloved listeners, as the year ends and the world grows quiet, remember: miracles arrive in harmony, hope comes in familiar faces, and sometimes salvation wears a uniform and knows the steps. Pour something warm, gather your chosen family, and keep an eye on the forecast—this Christmas looks very white.

Harken! The mountain's four wise men/women left the summit to discuss Tim Burton's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street! Released in 2007, the film stars Johnny Depp, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter, and many others. It was filmed in the United States/United Kingdom and was distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount! Enjoy your monthly trip to Shaolin. 

Harken! The mountain's four wise men/women left the summit to discuss Nicholas Hytner's Centerstage! Released in 2000, the film stars Amanda Schull, Zoe Saldana, Susan Matt Pratt, and many others. It was filmed in the United States and was distributed by Sony Pictures! Enjoy your monthly trip to Shaolin. 

Harken! The mountain's four wise men/women left the summit to discuss Kathryn Bigelow's Point Break! Released in 1991, the film stars Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves, Gary Busey, and many others. It was filmed in the United States and was distributed by 20th Century Fox! Enjoy your monthly trip to Shaolin. 

Harken! The mountain's four wise men/women left the summit to discuss Trey Parker and Matt Stone's South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut! Released in 1999, the film stars Matt Stone, Trey Parker, Mary Kay Bergman, Isaac Hayes, and many others. It was filmed in the United States and was distributed by Paramount Pictures! Enjoy your monthly trip to Shaolin. 

Harken! The mountain's four wise men/women left the summit to discuss David Lynch's Mulholland Drive! Released in 2001, the film stars Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux, and many others. It was filmed in the United States and was distributed by Universal Pictures! Enjoy your monthly trip to Shaolin.

Harken! The mountain's four wise men/women left the summit to discuss Simon West's Con Air! Released in 1997, the film stars Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, John Malkovich, Steven Buscemi, and many others. It was filmed in the United States and was distributed by Buena Vista Pictures! Enjoy your bi-weekly trip to Shaolin.

Welcome to the Heavenly Mandate Public Domain Christmas Special! The Hoary Urchin, the Drunken Master, the Deadliest Venom, and Lady-Death-Stab-Behind-the-Novi-Mall present 1938’s Campbell Playhouse’s production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”  It was produced by John Houseman, directed by Orson Welles, and features an all-star cast! We hope you enjoy your holiday with us and your loved ones. Happy Holidays!

Harken! The mountain's four wise men/women left the summit to discuss Ted Kotcheff's Weekend at Bernie's! Released in 1989, the film stars Andrew McCarthy, Jonathan Silverman, Catherine Mary Stewart, Terry Kiser, and many others. It was filmed in the United States and was distributed by 20th Century Fox! Enjoy your bi-weekly trip to Shaolin.

Harken! The mountain's four wise men/women left the summit to discuss Frank Henenlotter's Basket Case! Released in 1982, the film stars Kevin Van Hentenryck, Terri Susan Smith, Beverly Bonner, and many others. It was filmed in the United States and was distributed by Analysis Film Releasing Corporation (and numerous others)! Enjoy your bi-weekly trip to Shaolin.

This episode is a quick look behind the scenes of the Heavenly Mandate; observe as we record and develop our next season! Stay tuned for more fun, adventure, and pointless conversation about films.

Harken! The mountain's four wise men/women left the summit to discuss Norman Jewison's Moonstruck! Released in 1987, the film stars Cher, Nicolas Cage, Danny Aiello, and many others. It was filmed in the United States and was distributed by MGM/UA Communications Co.! Enjoy your bi-weekly trip to Shaolin.

Harken! The mountain's four wise men/women left the summit to discuss RZA's The Man with the Iron Fist! Released in 2012, the film stars Russell Crowe, Cung Le, Lucy Liu, RZA, and many others. It was filmed in the United States and China and was distributed by Universal Studios. Pictures! Enjoy your bi-weekly trip to Shaolin.

This episode is a quick look behind the scenes of the Heavenly Mandate; observe as we record and develop our next season! Stay tuned for more fun, adventure, and pointless conversation about films.

This episode is a quick look behind the scenes of the Heavenly Mandate; observe as we record and develop our next season! Stay tuned for more fun, adventure, and pointless conversation about films.

Harken! The mountain's four wise men/women left the summit to discuss Neil LaBute's The Wicker Man! Released in 2006, the film stars Nicolas Cage, Ellen Burstyn, Molly Parker, and many others. It was filmed in the United States and was distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures! Enjoy your bi-weekly trip to Shaolin.

This episode is a quick look behind the scenes of the Heavenly Mandate; observe as we record and develop our next season! Stay tuned for more fun, adventure, and pointless conversation about films.

Harken! The mountain's four wise men/women left the summit to discuss Robert Bierman's Vampire's Kiss! Released in 1989, the film stars Nicolas Cage, Jennifer Beals, Maria Conchita Alonso, and many others. It was filmed in the United States and was distributed by Hemdale Film Corporation! Enjoy your bi-weekly trip to Shaolin.

This episode is a quick look behind the scenes of the Heavenly Mandate; observe as we record and develop our next season! Stay tuned for more fun, adventure, and pointless conversation about films.

Harken! The mountain's four wise men/women left the summit to discuss Rowdy Herrington's Road House! Released in 1989, the film stars Patrick Swayze, Kelly Lynch, Sam Elliott, and many others. It was filmed in the United States and was distributed by United Artists! Enjoy your bi-weekly trip to Shaolin.

Harken! The four wise men/women left their summit to discuss Matt Stone and Trey Parker's South Park: "Woodland Critter Christmas"! Released in 2024, the episode stars Matt Stone, Trey Parker, Dante Alexander, and many others! Please enjoy this special holiday trip to Shaolin.

Special thanks to Shane Ivers for allowing us to use the track "Tremendum" under a Creative Commons Attribution license.

Harken! The four wise men/women left their summit to discuss Larry Roemer's Rudolph the Red-Noised Reindeer! Released in 1964, the episode stars Burl Ives, Larry Mann, Billie Mae Richards, Paul Soles, Stan Francis, and many others! Please enjoy this special holiday trip to Shaolin.

Special thanks to Shane Ivers for allowing us to use the track "Tremendum" under a Creative Commons Attribution license.

Harken! The four wise men/women left their summit to discuss Robert Zemeckis's Tales from the Crypt: And All through the House! Released in 1989, the episode stars John Kassir, Mary Ellen Trainor, Larry Drake, and many others! Please enjoy this special holiday trip to Shaolin.

Special thanks to Shane Ivers for allowing us to use the track "Tremendum" under a Creative Commons Attribution license.

Harken! The four wise men/women left their summit to discuss Burt Brinckerhoff's ALF's Special Christmas! Released in 1987, the episode stars Max Wright, Cleavon Little, Paul Fusco, and many others! Please enjoy this special holiday trip to Shaolin.

Special thanks to Shane Ivers for allowing us to use the track "Tremendum" under a Creative Commons Attribution license.

Harken! The four wise men/women left their summit to discuss John Stewart, John Blizek, and David Blyth's Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: "Alpha's Magic Christmas"! Released in 1994, the episode stars Richard Steven Horvitz, a bunch of kids, and numerous flashbacks to the show's cast! Please enjoy this special holiday trip to Shaolin.

Special thanks to Shane Ivers for allowing us to use the track "Tremendum" under a Creative Commons attribution license.

Harken! The mountain's four wise men/women left the summit to discuss Howard Hawks' __Scarface_! Released in 1932, the film stars Paul Muni, Ann Dvorak, Osgood Perkins, George Raft, Boris Karloff, and many others. It was filmed in the United States and was distributed by United Artists! Enjoy your bi-weekly trip to Shaolin.

This episode is a quick look behind the scenes of the Heavenly Mandate; observe as we record and develop our next season! Stay tuned for more fun, adventure, and pointless conversation about films.

Harken! The mountain's four wise men/women left the summit to discuss Lloyd Bacon's __42nd Street_! Released in 1933, the film stars Warner Baxter, Bebe Daniels, George Brent, and many others. It was filmed in the United States and was distributed by Warner Bros.! Enjoy your bi-weekly trip to Shaolin.

This episode is a quick look behind the scenes of the Heavenly Mandate; observe as we record and develop our next season! Stay tuned for more fun, adventure, and pointless conversation about films.

Harken! The mountain's four wise men/women left the summit to discuss Robert Florey's __Smarty_! Released in 1934, the film stars Joan Blondell, Warren William, Edward Everett Horton, and many others. It was filmed in the United States and was distributed by Warner Bros.! Enjoy your bi-weekly trip to Shaolin.

This episode is a quick look behind the scenes of the Heavenly Mandate; observe as we record and develop our next season! Stay tuned for more fun, adventure, and pointless conversation about films.

Harken! The mountain's four wise men/women left the summit to discuss James Whale's __Frankenstein_! Released in 1931, the film stars Colin Cline, Mae Clarke, Boris Karloff, John Boles, and many others. It was filmed in the United States and was distributed by Universal Pictures! Enjoy your bi-weekly trip to Shaolin.

This episode is a quick look behind the scenes of the Heavenly Mandate; observe as we record and develop our next season! Stay tuned for more fun, adventure, and pointless conversation about films.

Harken! The mountain's four wise men/women left the summit to discuss William A. Wellman's __The Public Enemy_! Released in 1931, the film stars James Cagney, Jean Harlow, Edward Woods, and many others. It was filmed in the United States and was distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.! Enjoy your bi-weekly trip to Shaolin.

This episode is a quick look behind the scenes of the Heavenly Mandate; observe as we record and develop our next season! Stay tuned for more fun, adventure, and pointless conversation about films.

Harken! The mountain's four wise men/women left the summit to discuss Tod Browning's __Freaks_! Released in 1932, the film stars Wallace Ford, Leila Hyams, Olga Baclanova, Roscoe Ates, and many others. It was filmed in the United States and was distributed by Loew's Inc.! Enjoy your bi-weekly trip to Shaolin.

This episode is a quick look behind the scenes of the Heavenly Mandate; observe as we record and develop our next season! Stay tuned for more fun, adventure, and pointless conversation about films.

Harken! The mountain's four wise men/women left the summit to discuss Alfred E. Green's __Baby Face_! Released in 1933, the film stars Barbara Stanwyck, George Brent, Donald Cook, Alphonse Ethier, and many others. It was filmed in the United States and was distributed by Warner Bros.! Enjoy your bi-weekly trip to Shaolin.

Harken! The four wise men/women left their summit to discuss Alex Zamm's _A Christmas Prince_! Released in 2017, the film stars Rose McIver, Ben Lamb, Tom Knight, and many others. It was filmed in Romania and was distributed by Netflix! Enjoy this memorable holiday trip to Shaolin.

Harken! The four wise men/women left their summit to discuss Michael Dougherty's __Krampus_! Released in 2015, the film stars Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner, and many others. It was filmed in the United States and was distributed by Universal Pictures! Enjoy this special holiday trip to Shaolin.

Harken! The mountain's four wise men/women left the summit to discuss Merian Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack's __King Kong_! Released in 1933, the film stars Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, and many others. It was filmed in the United States and was distributed by RKO Radio Pictures! Enjoy your bi-weekly trip to Shaolin.

This episode is a quick look behind the scenes of the Heavenly Mandate; observe as we record and develop our next season! Stay tuned for more fun, adventure, and pointless conversation about films.

Harken! The mountain's four wise men and women left the summit to discuss Shin Sang-ok and Kim Jong-Il's __Pulgasari_! Released in 1985, the film stars Chang Son Hui, Pak Sung Ho, and many others. It was filmed in North Korea and was distributed by Korean Film Studio! Enjoy your bi-weekly trip to Shaolin.

This episode is a quick look behind the scenes of the Heavenly Mandate; observe as we record and develop our next season! Stay tuned for more fun, adventure, and pointless conversation about films.

Harken! The mountain's four wise men and women left the summit to discuss Nacho Vigalondo's _Colossal_! Released in 2016, the film stars Anne Hathaway, Jason Sudeikis, Dan Stevens, and many others. It was filmed in Canada, the United States, South Korea, and Spain and was distributed by Neon, Mongrel Media, Versus, and Dreamfact! Enjoy your bi-weekly trip to Shaolin.

This episode is a quick look behind the scenes of the Heavenly Mandate; observe as we record and develop our next season! Stay tuned for more fun, adventure, and pointless conversation about films.

Harken! The mountain's four wise men and women left the summit to discuss Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchis' _Shin Godzilla_! Released in 2016, the film stars Hiroki Hasegawa, Yutaka Takenouchi, Satomi Ishihara, and many others. It was filmed in Japan and was distributed by Toho! Enjoy your bi-weekly trip to Shaolin.

This episode is a quick look behind the scenes of the Heavenly Mandate; observe as we record and develop our next season! Stay tuned for more fun, adventure, and pointless conversation about films.