Episode 306 - Vampire vs. Vampire

For the month of April, Not A Bomb shines a spotlight on Hong Kong cinema. This week, Troy and Brad take a sharp turn into horror-comedy with Vampire vs. Vampire, a wildly inventive entry in the jiangshi (hopping vampire) subgenre that blends folklore, slapstick, and supernatural mayhem.Joining Troy and Brad this week is Sophia from the Moviestruck Podcast, who brings a deep well of knowledge to the discussion, having even written about Hong Kong cinema during her college studies. Her insights help ground the conversation in the cultural and historical context of the jiangshi genre, while also highlighting what makes this film such a unique crossover oddity.The hosts dig into how Vampire vs. Vampire balances tonal extremes, shifting from genuinely creepy moments to outright absurd comedy without losing its footing. They explore Lam Ching-ying’s iconic presence as the stoic yet resourceful priest, and how his performance anchors the film even as things get increasingly ridiculous. There’s also plenty of discussion about the film’s practical effects, choreography, and how it stands apart from more traditional vampire stories.At its core, the episode examines why this film endures as both a cult favorite and a fascinating cultural mashup, one that reflects Hong Kong cinema’s willingness to experiment, collide genres, and embrace the unexpected.Brace yourself—this episode is spooky, hilarious, and full of unexpected turns.Vampire vs. Vampire is Lam Ching-ying and stars Chin Siu-ho, David Lui, Sndra Ng, Billy Lau and Maria CorderoWant to support the show? Check out the Not A Bomb TeePublic store for merch, featuring designs by Ted Blair.We’d love to hear from you—send your feedback, suggestions, or film recommendations to [email protected] or through our contact page. If you enjoy the show, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Cast: Brad, Troy, Sophia