79. Kes, Red Sun, Gladiator

This evening, we’re in the North of England, it’s realism on screen, it’s social commentary on screen, its dank and it’s a little bit grim. It can only be Ken Loach. We also look at the Far east meeting the wild west waaaaayy before anyone ever heard of Jackie Chan or Owen Wilson. And we end up with a film that briefly threatened to make Swords and sandals a viable genre again. Welcome to They Don’t Make ‘em Like They Used To.Regular host Tosin Ajayi and Shaun Harris lead the discussion for this episode, noting that their fellow host, Sharon Bollen, was unable to join them for the recording.Bonafide Classic: The team reviews Ken Loach's 1969 masterpiece, Kes. The conversation highlights the film's gritty realism, its status as a landmark of British cinema, and its poignant look at the 1960s education system.Hidden Gem: The episode features a deep dive into the 1971 Western Red Sun. The hosts examine its unique international cast—including Charles Bronson, Toshiro Mifune, Alain Delon, and Ursula Andress—and its blend of Western and Samurai film tropes.Exception to the Rule: The discussion concludes with the Ridley Scott epic Gladiator (2000). They reflect on the film's success in reviving the "swords and sandals" genre and its lasting impact on modern cinema.Note: Due to licensing restrictions, the music tracks featured in this broadcast have been edited out.The show was originally broadcast on Sunshine Radio at St Mary's Hospital.