Along with the growing range of Asian representation in Hollywood productions, Asian films and TV are also finding their place in the global market, especially after Parasite’s remarkable win at the Oscars and the competitive streaming wars that began in 2020. During quarantine, the small screen audiences are starting to explore content from different countries and cultures. Simultaneously, an increasing number of Asian selections are being made accessible on Netflix and other streaming platforms.
Sometimes, the language barrier can be a reason why people are reluctant to watch international movies. Although subtitles may take a while to get used to, watching foreign films is like traveling without leaving your living room. Not only do they allow you to explore your favorite genres in different settings, but they also expose you to various cultures, languages, people and perspectives.
If you want to do some exploring from the comfort of your couch this weekend, here are some fantastic Asian titles to add to your Netflix watch list:
- Burning (2018)
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Loosely based on Haruki Murakami’s short story “Barn Burning,” the critically acclaimed South Korean psychological drama is a mix of suspense and romance built up from a simple boy-meets-girl plot. It tells the story of an aspiring writer who reconnects with his childhood crush and then faces an unsettling secret after she returns from a trip and brings along a rich, mysterious Korean-American guy. Burning takes 2.5 hours to ignite fully, but the slow pace gives you enough time to dive deep into the characters and explore the more profound, layered meaning behind those beautifully haunting frames.
- Bad Genius (2017)
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If you’re a fan of heist movies, Bad Genius will be one that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the last seconds. Exploring the real-life corruption of the Thai academic system, this thriller follows a group of high school students who game the system by making money from an elaborate exam-cheating scheme. Throughout the 2-hour runtime, you will experience the thrilling anxiety of rooting for the bad guys, while having a glimpse into Thailand’s culture of grade obsession, class inequality and coming-of-age issues.
- Furie (2019)
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Not often do we see Asian action heroes on screen, and not many of them are women. In this Vietnamese martial arts action film, you’ll find yourself drawn into the quest for revenge of a struggling single mother whose child is kidnapped by a trafficking ring. As she embarks on her journey, the dark past she once tried so hard to escape from comes back to haunt her. The simple yet effective plot of Furie is accompanied by the exquisite martial arts choreography and adventure around the South of Vietnam – from peaceful rural villages to bustling, neon-lit streets of Saigon.
- Dear Ex (2018)
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Judging from the title, Dear Ex may seem like another young adult romantic comedy, but it’s a family drama that shines a light on the important matter of sexuality. Sexuality is still considered sensitive in Asian countries, yet the Taiwanese film portrays it beautifully. The story revolves around a teenage boy whose deceased and closeted gay father named his secret male lover as his life insurance beneficiary instead of his family members. Told from alternating perspectives, it’s an emotional journey through grief, confrontation, compromisation and healing of the characters who are bonded by their shared memories and love for a person. (Fun fact: In 2019, Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.)
- Us And Them (2018)
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What happens when the one that got away comes back? Centered around the idea of lost love, this Chinese romantic film begins with the encounter on the train of two young individuals who strive to ‘make it’ in Beijing. As life tears them apart, fate brings them together once again ten years later. Flipping between the past and the present, the story of “us” and “them” intertwine and become a bittersweet romance that will have you reaching for some tissues. Apart from the romantic plot, Us And Them also casts light on the struggles of young Chinese who are put under social pressure to achieve success.
These amazing Asian movies are just a few of the endless choices you could find in the growing Netflix international film catalog. As Bong Joon Ho, director of Parasite, once said, “Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.” Happy watching!