The past few years have seen a resurgence in popularity of Asian-directed films, with productions like “Parasite” and “Squid Games” sending ripples across the international movie world while receiving critical acclaim. But Asian cinema is not merely defined by big blockbuster productions and expensive budgets. On the contrary, the independent film industry is where some of the most experimental and artistic voices take place. For those looking to expand their cinematic palette, we have rounded up 6 Asian-directed films worth adding to your watchlist.
“In the Mood for Love” by Wong Kar Wai
Perhaps legendary film director Wang Kar Wai’s most recognizable film is “In the Mood for Love,” a melancholy love story centered around Chow Mo-Wan (Tony Leung Chiu Wai) and Su Li-Zhen (Maggie Cheung). The movie begins with the two protagonists moving into neighboring apartments during the 1960s in Hong Kong. Their interactions begin formal and polite, until a discovery about their respective spouse’s infidelities creates an intimate bond between them. Wong Kar Wai employs lush visuals, unique framing, and mournful silences to capture fleeting moments of longing between two characters, feelings that ultimately can never be consummated. The visually exquisite film also features a very fashionable wardrobe, with Cheung donning colorful, sensual cheongsams.
“Fallen Angels” by Wong Kar Wai
Wang Kar Wai’s “Fallen Angels” was originally conceived as a segment of Wang’s earlier film, “ChungKing Express.” This spinoff follows the lives of a handful of urban loners in 1995 pre-handover Hong Kong: a coolly detached assassin, his business partner, and a mute delinquent. Over the course of the movie, the characters’ professional and love lives briefly collide without their knowledge. The entire film perfectly marries the drama of film noir with slapstick comedic timing. Through dizzying camera angles and overly saturated color grading, “Fallen Angels” is a poignant story about love, loss and longing in an alienating metropolis.
“Youth” by Feng Xiaogang
“Youth” is a bittersweet Chinese drama from blockbusting director Feng Xiaogang. The first half of the film tells the coming-of-age story of dancers in the People’s Liberation Army cultural division of the mid 70s: Xiaoping, the troupe’s new girl, is determined to create a new beginning, but is teased mercilessly by others for being unsophisticated; Liu Feng is her only defender, a saintly young man who is too kind for his own good. The second half of the film takes place during the Sino-Vietnamese war, following the trials and tribulations that these characters face amid the brutality of war. Beyond a heart-wrenching storyline, Feng infuses each scene with distinct artistry, filled with nostalgic colors and considered details.
“Drive My Car” by Ryusuke Hamaguchi
Japanese director Rysuke Hamaguchi is a master of creating interesting narratives out of mundane scenarios and everyday musings. This Haruki Murakami adaptation follows the story of a theater director, Yusuke Kafuku, (Hidetoshi Nishijima) who moves to Hiroshimi to direct a theater production of Uncle Vanya. All the while, he is dealing with the loss of his wife. Through a complex relationship with an actor (Masaki Okada) and a surprisingly heartwarming connection with his young chauffeur (Toko Miura), Kafuku finds himself resolving his unhealed trauma. The film scooped up a handful of international awards in 2022, including the Academy Award for Best International Feature film, Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language film, and Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Screenplay.
“Decision to Leave” by Park Chan-wook
Prominent South Korean director Park Chan-wook’s latest film, “Decision to Leave” is a suspenseful romantic thriller. A forlorn detective is sent to investigate a man’s death in the mountains, but ends up falling in love with his suspect (played by Tang Wei), who happens to be the man’s wife. Park deepens each layer of the mystery through dense storytelling that hinges upon minute yet crucial details. The movie also experiments heavily with time and space by jumping between the present and past through a series of flashbacks. For anyone who is a fan of film noir or romantic thrillers, this movie is guaranteed to set hearts flutter.
“Millennium Mambo” by Hou Hsiao-Hsien
“Millennium Mambo” chronicles a short period of time in the life of protagonist Vicky (Shu Qi), a beautiful but purposeless young girl living in Taipei at the turn of the millennium. She’s stuck in a cycle of destruction, with her abusive on-again-off-again boyfriend, Hao-Hao, who happens to be a failed DJ. One day, while working as a nightclub hostess, she meets Jack, an empathetic but criminally connected businessman who takes her under his wing. Vicky searches for the meaning of life as she navigates Taipei’s drug-fueled rave scene. The movie’s visuals are enhanced by cinematic long shots and vibrant colors reminiscent of Wang Kar-Wai’s movies.
Written by Angela Wei
