February 10., 2022
Around the World: East Asia
With the ever-present influence of Japanese and Korean media on the rise, East Asian films and TV shows provide a fascinating look at another culture outside of the Western World. With seemingly no red tape blocking access to whatever media these days, there’s practically no excuse not to watch these films. If you want to looking for some East-Asian films to watch, here are some great choices to get started on.In the Mood for Love (2000)
This film follows Mr. Chow and Mrs. Chan in ‘60s Hong Kong as they begin their strange love affair after they find out their spouses have also been engaging in an affair. Watching this film, you get sucked into a world of uncertainty, hesitation, temptation, loneliness, and contempt, and somehow, you never want to leave. Every shot is a stunning array of deep colors and moody shadows, which provide gorgeous backgrounds for the stellar leads to deliver performances you will never forget. Available now on HBO Max.Ran (1985)
This adaptation of Shakespeare’s King Lear follows the samurai warlord Hidetora as he splits his land between his three sons and sees his power diminish, his brothers fight, and his sanity go. The last masterpiece of legendary director Akira Kurosawa, Ran unapologetically displays the artist’s full command of everything in and out of frame. Whether it’s the dramatic gestures of the actors, the breathtaking landscapes and sets, or the bloody battle scenes, this epic film will do nothing but leave you in awe. Available now on Amazon Prime.