Once I began this weblog, individuals would typically requested me – how do I watch these movies you’re writing about? Again then entry to Asian movies and TV was rather more troublesome – you’d not often see them in cinemas or TV. However now, with the rise of streaming, it’s a lot simpler. Furthermore, streaming platforms like Netflix put money into native movie markets to deliver extra authentic content material to their platform. It’s a real golden age of Asian movies and TV. In truth, there’s a lot content material that it’s just about not possible to observe all of it. Thus got here the concept for this constantly rising weblog put up.
I’m beginning this weblog put up/thread about Asian motion pictures and TV exhibits that I loved watching and which can be out there on Netflix. I’ll maintain updating it – once I discover time to observe one thing new or when a brand new context arrives. Please word that as a result of your location, you could not discover the identical content material on Netflix as I can. Additionally, some motion pictures/exhibits disappear after some time, so this weblog put up will not be all the time correct. And, there’s a number of exhibits/motion pictures I haven’t seen but, so I could not have but included your favorites (if you wish to suggest a present/film to me – contact me on Fb: https://www.fb.com/theasiancinemablog or Twitter @darameja). In any case, I hope you discover this thread helpful!
KINGDOM
Kingdom (킹덤)
Netflix Unique
Written by: Kim Eun-hee
Directed by: Kim Seong-hun
Nation: South Korea
In all probability the obvious one to start out the record. South Korean “Kingdom” is a political interval horror TV sequence and a runaway international hit. Set throughout Korea’s Joseon Dynasty (1600s), it has an ideal mix of political intrigue, motion, and zombies. Yep, zombies. It’s a very good TV present that has all of it – nice writing, nice appearing, attractive cinematography, wonderful sound design. Extremely beneficial (even should you suppose you’ve seen too many zombie movies).
SNOWPIERCER
Snowpiercer (설국열차)
Directed by: Bong Joon-ho
Written by: Bong Joon-ho, Kelly Masterson
Nation: South Korea, USA
Yr: 2014
Sure, it’s not technically an Asian film, because it was made in Hollywood. But it surely was directed by Bong Joon-ho (the director of multi-Oscar-winning “Parasite”) and the forged was a combination of American and South Korean, so I contemplate this film “East meets West” class. I believe that due to this uncommon combination, this dystopian, sci-fi, social commentary movie feels so recent and surprising. I’ve a full evaluate of “Snowpiercer” right here and you’ll watch the movie on Netflix! (there’s additionally a Netflix Unique present primarily based on the identical idea, however I haven’t seen it but, so I can’t remark).
DANGAL
Dangal (दंगल)
Director: Nitesh Tiwari
Written by: Nitesh Tiwari, Piyush Gupta, Shreyas Jain, Nikhil Meharotra
Nation: India
Yr: 2016
Should you’ve learn extra of my weblog, you most likely observed that I’m an enormous fan of Aamir Khan motion pictures. Nicely, I watched 10 motion pictures with Aamir Khan and favored each single one in every of them! A number of of them are amongst my high motion pictures of all time! Should you take an opportunity and watch a few of them, you’ll see why. “Dangal” is not any exception – it’s a well-crafted household drama and sports activities film that may take you on such a rewarding emotional journey, that by the tip you should have laughed, cried, felt despair, elation, and catharsis. “Dangal” additionally has an excellent soundtrack (that theme tune is simply wow!), nice actors, and wonderful cinematography. So, don’t get intimidated by the truth that the film is 2.5 hours and watch it whereas it’s on Netflix. Additionally, try a full evaluate by Chelsea McGill on this weblog.
3 IDIOTS
3 Idiots
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Author(s): Abhijit Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani
Nation: India
Yr: 2009
One other film with Aamir Khan? Sure, there can be a number of them on this record as a result of, fortunately, Netflix has added them onto their platform! “3 Idiots” was the primary film with Aamir Khan that I noticed. I cried. Rather a lot. Actually. It was such an emotional rollercoaster that, after watching it, I made all of my closest mates watch it too and all of them liked it (many cried too). You may learn my full evaluate of “3 Idiots” right here. However higher than that – go and watch it on Netflix whereas it’s there!
ANIMAL WORLD
Animal World (动物世界)
Directed by: Han Yan
Written by: Han Yan
Nation: China
Yr: 2018
The protagonist Zheng Kaisi is a lovable daydreaming loser, who finds himself hundreds of thousands in debt. To pay it off, he decides to board a ship “Future” that provides a playing sport primarily based on rock, paper, scissors. The film is a bizarre combination of cyberpunk, superhero, fantasy, motion thriller genres, and relies on the manga Kaiji by Nobuyuki Fukumoto. It has some actually cool motion scenes, particularly the place this clown-hero seems (although the origins and function of this clown are usually not clear, I assume we’d be taught extra within the sequel). The entire sequence of the sport on the ship could be very well-made and attention-grabbing to observe, which you wouldn’t anticipate from a chance sport primarily based on one thing as mundane as rock paper scissors. General, that is going to be a bizarre journey, but it surely’s price it. By the way in which, Michael Douglas can also be within the film!
KUNG FU HUSTLE
Kung Fu Hustle (功夫)
Director: Stephen Chow
Written by: Chan Man Keung, Stephen Chow, Xin Huo, Tsang Kan-Cheung
Nation: Hong Kong
Yr: 2004
Cult-classic “Kung Fu Hustle” directed by legendary Stephen Chow is each a hilarious kung fu comedy and a fantastic martial arts film with one in every of my favourite struggle scenes ever (Blade of Gu Qin). See the complete evaluate right here and don’t miss it on Netflix!
PK
PK
Directed by: Rajkumar Hirani
Written by: Rajkumar Hirani, Abhijat Joshi
Nation: India
Yr: 2014
And we’re again to Aamir Khan motion pictures. In “PK”, Aamir Khan is a lovable alien who bought caught in our world. Folks say that solely “god” may also help him, so he units on a journey by means of many beliefs and religions in India to seek out that god who may also help him return house. There’s additionally a wonderful love story weaved in that alludes to the historical past and tensions between India and Pakistan. It’s a beautiful, enjoyable, and shifting movie created by the director of “3 Idiots”. Don’t miss it on Netflix!
THE NIGHT COMES TO US
The Night time Comes for Us
Director: Timo Tjahjanto
Author: Timo Tjahjanto
Nation: Indonesia
Yr: 2018
Should you’ve watched “Raid: Redemption”, you’ll most likely like “The Night time Comes for Us”. Right here we see the breakaway stars of that film – Iko Uwais and Joe Taslim – collectively once more. Whereas the story of the film is a bit muddled, it does make up for it in it’s martial arts motion sequences. Simply warning – there are some very gory visuals there, however should you don’t thoughts the gore – catch it on Netflix!
DEAR EX
Expensive Ex (誰先愛上他的)
Netflix Unique
Directed by: Chih-Yen Hsu, Magazine Hsu
Written by: Magazine Hsu, Shih-yuan Lu
Nation: Taiwan
Yr: 2018
This comedy/tragedy/household drama is a heartwarming LGBT movie about complexity of affection and household. It’s beautifully-made and, whereas slow-paced, it’s well-worth ready for the ending scenes – it could break your coronary heart.
SPACE SWEEPERS
Area Sweepers (승리호)
Netflix Unique
Directed by: Jo Sung-hee
Written by: Jo Sung-hee
Nation: South Korea
Yr: 2021
This South Korean sci-fi motion drama is an actual eye-candy should you like attractive house infrastructure visuals. Whereas it’s not a perfect film story-wise, it incorporates some very flimsy science, and a few characters (particularly the villain) are fairly bland, it does have a powerful emotional core and retains you engaged till the tip. It’s enjoyable, typically humorous, and should you like house motion pictures (and don’t thoughts the scientific gaps) – you’ll get pleasure from it.
RANG DE BASANTI
Rang De Basanti (Color it Yellow)
Director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Written by: Renzil D’Silva, Kamlesh Pandey, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Nation: India
Yr: 2006
“Rang De Basanti” is unquestionably one in every of my all-time favorites from Aamir Khan and probably the most emotionally shifting motion pictures I’ve ever seen. I used to be blown away in the long run. It’s a story about friendship, politician disobedience, and the significance of studying your historical past. See my full evaluate right here and hurry to observe it on Netflix!
DIL CHAHTA HAI
Dil Chahta Hai (The Coronary heart’s Want)
Director: Farhan Akhtar
Written by: Farhan Akhtar, Kassim Jahmagia
Nation: India
Yr: 2001
Should you’ve already seen and favored “3 Idiots”, then you definitely’ll most likely like “Dil Chahta Hai” as nicely. Should you haven’t watched it – then you possibly can put each into your record on Netflix. It’s a traditional story about friendship, love, and rising up with nice actors and wonderful songs. Test my full evaluate of this film right here.
TALAASH
Talaash: The Reply Lies Inside
Director: Reema Kagti
Author(s): Farhan Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti
Nation: India
Yr: 2012
Sure, I do know – one other Aamir Khan film. However I warned you to start with – I’m an enormous fan and Netflix occurs to have a complete assortment of them on their platform proper now. “Talaash”, nevertheless, is kind of completely different from the beforehand listed movies – it’s a thriller thriller with neo-noir motifs, harking back to Joon-ho Bong’s “Recollections of Homicide” and Roman Polanski’s traditional, “Chinatown”. Should you’re a fan of this style – don’t miss it. My full evaluate of “Talaash” is right here.
BARFI!
Barfi!
Director: Anurag Basu
Written by: Anurag Basu, Tani Basu
Nation: India
Yr: 2012
“Barfi!” is the primary Indian film on this record with out Aamir Khan. It’s a pretty romantic comedy a couple of deaf-mute man portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor who expresses himself by means of bodily comedy (Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Benny Hill, Mr. Bean-style). Take a look at the complete evaluate right here and watch it subsequent on Netflix!
PRINCESS MONONOKE
Princess Mononoke (もののけ姫)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Written by: Hayao Miyazaki
Nation: Japan
Yr: 1997
With motion pictures from Ghibli studio, you just about can’t go flawed – that’s why I’m overjoyed that each one of them can be found on Netflix. “Princess Mononoke” is my private favourite and the one which bought me into watching anime within the first place. It’s a advanced and exquisite story about an ever-changing relationship between people and nature. See full and detailed evaluate right here after you watch it on Netflix! (Word: it will get fairly darkish, so not beneficial to observe with youthful kids – there’s loads of others like “My Neighbor Totoro”, “Kiki’s Supply Service”, “Ponyo” which can be good for all ages).
KENGAN ASHURA
Kengan Ashura (ケンガンアシュラ)
Netflix Unique
Nation: Japan
A bunch of super-fighters representing mega-corporations face one another within the final battle. Enterprise offers of those companies are wagered on the outcomes of the matches. That’s the essential premise of “Kengan Ashura”, a spectacular martial arts anime. The fights are intense and well-done. Should you like martial arts, combating motion pictures, UFC, video games like “Tekken” and “Mortal Fight” – this anime sequence is for you.
HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS
Home of Flying Daggers (十面埋伏)
Directed by: Zhang Yimou
Written by: Zhang Yimou, Li Feng, Wang Bin
Nation: China
Yr: 2004
Certainly one of my favourite martial arts motion pictures of all time, “Home of Flying Daggers” brings us to the colourful Tang dynasty the place a bunch of rebels is difficult the federal government. It’s a true fairy story of affection and wuxia in Historic China. The film is a spectacular visible expertise and now out there on Netflix! See my full evaluate right here.
FURIE
Furie (Hai Phuong)
Netflix Unique
Administrators: Le-Van Kiet, Van Kiet Le
Nation: Vietnam
Yr: 2019
“Furie” or “Hai Phuong” is a Vietnamese martial arts motion flick about the place an ex-gangster mom units off to save lots of her daughter after she was kidnapped. It isn’t an ideal film by far – some scenes really feel too far-fetched, some characters are incoherent. However, general, it’s an entertaining expertise. Should you like well-choreographed, fast-paced martial arts motion pictures like Raid: Redemption, Ong-Bak, The Protector, Chocolate, Night time Comes for Us, John Wick, then you’ll like this. Take a look at my full evaluate right here and see it on Netflix.
AKIRA
Akira (アキラ)
Director: Katsuhiro Otomo
Nation: Japan
Yr: 1988
“Akira” is a cult-anime a couple of biker gang set in a dystopian Japan. It’s a traditional cyberpunk, revered each by critics and followers. It’s thought-about to be one of many biggest sci-fi motion movies ever made. So, should you haven’t seen it – it’s a must-watch. And don’t thoughts the yr – whereas it’s made in 1988, the film feels very related at present. It’s good for the followers of “Blade Runner”, “The Matrix”, “Altered Carbon”. There’s a lot that has been mentioned about this film that each one I can say it – catch it on Netflix, you gained’t remorse it. (Warning – there are some gory scenes there, it’s an grownup animation – don’t watch it with children).
THE WHITE TIGER
The White Tiger
Netflix Unique
Directed by: Ramin Bahrani
Written by: Ramin Bahrani
Nation: India
Yr: 2021
After my first go to to India, I learn Aravind Adiga’s e-book that the film relies on, and liked it. I watched the film hoping it will not lose the e-book’s satirical tone and powerful social commentary, and I used to be not dissatisfied. It’s a darkish and but weirdly inspiring story about one man’s escape from poverty in opposition to all odds. With sensible performances by the actors and nice cinematography, this film is on the high of my favorites I’ve watched this yr. Catch it on Netflix!
LAGAAN
Lagaan: As soon as Upon a Time in India
Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
Written by: Ashutosh Gowariker
Nation: India
Yr: 2001
Can I curiosity you in a 4-hour film about cricket? It’s a tough promote for many who are usually not followers of the game. However belief me on this one – it’s an astonishingly nice piece of cinema. I’m glad that Netflix has added to their record – don’t miss an opportunity to see this masterpiece with Aamir Khan. Learn my full and detailed evaluate right here. Should you do watch it and like it, then additionally try “Insanity within the Desert” – the documentary about making “Lagaan”.
TAARE ZAMEEN PAR
Like Stars on Earth (Taare Zameen Par)
Director: Aamir Khan
Written by: Amole Gupte
Nation: India
Yr: 2007
Many of films with Aamir Khan could make you cry – this one positively will. It is a lovely and soulful story a couple of younger imaginative boy and a trainer who’s the one particular person seeing potential in him. See my full evaluate right here and watch it on Netflix once you want cry.
THE DISCIPLE
The Disciple
Netflix Unique
Director: Chaitanya Tamhane
Written by: Chaitanya Tamhane
Nation: India
Yr: 2020
The movie is a slow-paced meditative journey that may take you into the world of classical Indian music – rāga. It’s targeted on one artist’s journey – the apply, the reverence and the self-doubt. It additionally touches on the subjects of guru-worship and tales we create versus the true individuals behind the façade. It’s a wonderful film – I discovered it mesmerizing and was engaged all through. A part of it has to do with the truth that I’m a fan of such a music since I discovered Ravi Shankar. Nevertheless, I believe even non-fans of the music would get pleasure from this film. It’s one of many nice ones, those that stick with you lengthy after you end watching it.
THE VICTIMS’ GAME
The Victims’ Sport
Netflix Unique
Written by: Liang Shu-ting; Hsu Ruei-liang
Nation: Taiwan
Yr: 2020
With so many issues to observe on Netflix, typically a gem is misplaced within the midst, and I believe “The Sufferer’s Sport” qualifies for such standing. With simply (at the moment) 1.2k scores on IMDB, this TV sequence appears to be under the radar of many. If you’re a fan of crime exhibits, comparable to “Mindhunter”, “CSI”, “Bones”, you’ll like “The Sufferer’s Sport”. It follows a forensic scientist with Asperger’s syndrome Fang Yi-jen and a pointy investigative journalist Hsu Hai-yin (my favourite character), as they unravel the thriller of unusual sequence of murders the place the our bodies of individuals appear to be swapped. Fortunately, Netflix introduced the second season of the sequence that ought to premier in 2022! Set off warning: this present offers closely with suicide.
“The Asian Cinema Weblog” is my pastime venture. As a significant in Asian research and cinephile, I mixed my ardour for Asian cultures and movie into the creation of my weblog. I write critiques about Asian movie and Movie festivals, in addition to interview film trade professionals.
