Why not introduce your date to the best Asian movies this summer?
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True, Hollywood has a lot to offer when it comes to films and movies. However, it can get pretty generic, and you might get tired of seeing the same faces.
Introducing someone to Asian movies is a wonderful way to broaden their cinematic horizons. It exposes people to different content, plots, storytelling styles, cultures, and perspectives.
There are a few solid niche movies for when you’re trying to make a good impression on someone new to Asian cinema.
Here are a couple of go-to movies that won’t disappoint your date;
- Rashomon (Japan, 1950)
Rashomon is a 1950 classic film directed by Akira Kurosawa. The film presents a thought-provoking exploration of truth and human perception.
Set in feudal Japan, this movie revolves around a crime told from different perspectives, each conflicting with the others.
This innovative narrative structure challenges the notion of objective reality and highlights the subjective nature of storytelling. Thanks to the exceptional talent of Akira, the movie offers striking visuals and fantastic performances that explore profound philosophical themes.
This movie is a timeless gem that will perpetually inspire and captivate its audience, and it is a piece of art that highlights Kurosawa’s mastery as a filmmaker.
- In The Mood for Love (Hong Kong, 2000)
In The Mood for Love is a mesmerizing exploration of restrained love and longing. Directed by Wong Kar-Wai, In The Mood for Love immerses you into the deep melancholic world of two neighbors who discover their partners’ infidelity.
Through stunning cinematography and exceptional performances by Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung, the film beautifully captures the sexual tension and quiet moments between the characters.
With exceptional storytelling, this film highlights the essence of unrequited love and the ache of missed connections. This captivating yet haunting movie will stay with you long after it ends.
- Spirited Away (Japan, 2001)
A product of the acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki, spirited away is a breathtaking and enchanting masterpiece. If your date is a magic and animation lover, then spirited away is something they will truly appreciate.
Released in 2001, the movie follows the story of a young girl, Chihiro, who stumbles upon a magical realm with spirits and magical creatures.
Miyazaki’s exceptional work can be seen in the movie’s stunning animation, heartfelt characters, and imaginative storytelling, and it makes this film a true treasure.
With his attention to detail, Miyazaki serves us a film with rich symbolism and heavy themes of courage and self-discovery. If you think about it, spirited away is like a Disney animation but on steroids, and it offers a truly magical and emotionally resonant experience.
In addition, this movie is a visually captivating and emotionally powerful piece that resonates with audiences across all age brackets.
- Oldboy (South Korea, 2003)
Oldboy is a gripping and intense South Korean movie released in 2003. Directed by Park Chan-Wook, Oldboy follows Oh Dae-Su, a man who spends 15 years in captivity. After his release, he takes on a mission to uncover the truth about his imprisonment.
Oldboy is a dark and twisted thriller that explores the themes of revenge, identity, and the depths of human darkness. It is packed with shocking twists, visceral violence, and a deeply haunting tone.
Park’s masterful direction gives Oldboy a compelling and thought-provoking experience.
- Departures (Japan, 2008)
Departures is a soul-stirring film directed by Yojiro Takita, released in 2008.
The movie follows a cellist, Daigo, who becomes an encoffiner – a person who prepares bodies for funerals. Through his encounters with death, Daigo is set on a journey of self-discovery, and he learns about the beauty and dignity in the final moments of life.
Departures delicately explores mortality, redemption, and the significance of human connections.
If you’re looking for a film that strikes an emotional cord, Departures offer a heartfelt story with exquisite cinematography and superb performances.
- The Raid (Indonesia, 2011)
It’s not often you hear about Indonesian movies, and this Gareth Evans movie is definitely worth your attention.
Released in 2011, The Raid is an adrenaline-packed film that follows a rookie police officer trapped in a high-rise building with ruthless criminals.
The movie serves relentless and visceral fight sequences with non-stop intensity. The Raid can be rightfully described as an electrifying cinematic experience.
Other than a great script, the movie beautifully captures the raw energy of martial arts, making it a thrilling and immersive experience for action enthusiasts.
- Train to Busan (South Korea, 2016)
Train to Busan is an exhilarating South Korean movie about a zombie apocalypse. Directed by Yeon Sang-Ho, this thriller was released in 2016.
This film takes place on a train where a group of passengers are fighting for survival after a viral outbreak turns people into flesh-eating zombies.
Enjoy an intense session of heart-pounding action, prepping tension, and emotionally resonant storytelling. Honestly, Train to Busan is a work of art, and Yeon unapologetically reinvigorates the zombie genre. The movie is a masterful blend of intense action sequences and poignant character arcs, and it bursts into a thrilling roller coaster that will keep you at the edge of your seat the entire time.
You won’t be forgetting this movie any time soon.
- Return to Seoul (South Korea, 2023)
Directed by Davy Chou, Return to Seoul is a French-South-Korean drama. It follows a young woman, Freddie, who was born to Korean parents but was adopted to France as a baby.
She returns to Seoul in her mid-twenties to search for her biological parents, but things won’t go as she planned.
Return to Seoul offers twisted narrative decisions, and it spans for longer than you’d expect. The film offers an insight into Freddie, and it highlights her changes through her 20s and into her early 30s. Freddie is troubled, flawed, and yet compelling, and her story explores the loneliness and trials of early adulthood.
Compared to most Asian films, Return to Seoul is slow-paced and might not be everyone’s cup of tea. You can find someone to watch this with on your gay chat app, and you can both enjoy this dramedy.
- Conclusion
There are plenty of great Asian films you can enjoy with your date. This article offers a starting point, and you can continue to explore different countries and genres.
While selecting movies to recommend, consider the person’s preferences, and tailor your list to suit them.
What are some of the best Asian movies you’ve watched? List them down below. We would love to hear from you.
