In recent years, East Asian cinema has made a significant breakthrough and has become an art form that captures attention worldwide. The rich culture and unique aesthetics of East Asia have been reflected to the world through these films. In this content, we have gathered the best East Asian films of recent years for you.
The Best East Asian Films!
13 Assassins
13 Assassins is a Japanese samurai film directed by Takashi Miike. It depicts events that took place in feudal Japan in the year 1844. The story revolves around a group of samurais who resist the atrocities committed by Matsudaira Naritsugu, a sadistic and ruthless Daimyo.
Burning
Based on the short story “Barn Burning,” Burning tells the story of Jong-su. Jong-su is a young man who lives on a farm, dreams of becoming a writer, and works as a part-time courier. However, after encountering an old neighbor, Jung-su mysteriously disappears. Burning is among the best East Asian films with its distinctive Asian touch.
Ash is Purest White
Written and directed by Jia Zhangke, Ash is Purest White portrays an epic love story set in China’s underground world from 2001 to 2017. The story begins in Datong, a mountainous region in China, in 2001.
Cold Fish
Based on a true story, Cold Fish explores psychological thriller, crime, and deviant themes. The film revolves around Shamoto, an ordinary man who owns an aquarium shop in Tokyo. Shamoto tries to deal with his daughter’s behavioral problems. One day, he catches his daughter stealing. Shamoto makes efforts to get her out of this situation.
Oldboy
Directed by Park Chan-wook and based on the manga series of the same name, Oldboy revolves around a man named Oh Dae-su. Dae-su leads an ordinary life as a middle-aged man. However, one day, he is suddenly abducted while drunk in a bar and mysteriously imprisoned for 15 years. After being released from captivity, Dae-su decides to seek revenge and uncover the reasons behind his imprisonment and the identity of his captor.
You can proceed to the second page for more of the best Asian films.
Fallen Angels
Fallen Angels takes place on the streets of Hong Kong. The story revolves around a man named “The Killer” who is a professional assassin. The Killer tries to cope with his loneliness and internal conflicts and hires a young woman named “Killer” as his new assistant. While continuing their work, they unexpectedly start forming a connection with each other.
The Good, The Bad, The Weird
As the name suggests, inspired by the film The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, The Good, The Bad, The Weird tells the story of three Korean outlaws in 1930s Manchurian Desert. They are Do-won, known as “The Good,” Chang-yi, referred to as “The Bad,” and Tae-goo, known as “The Weird.”
Battle Royale
Based on Koushun Takami’s novel of the same name, Battle Royale is set in a dystopian future. The story focuses on a government program called “Battle Royale,” established due to the breakdown of laws and the increase in youth rebellions in Japan. Battle Royale begins when a group of high school students suddenly wake up on an island. Battle Royale is among the best East Asian films.
The Cave of the Yellow Dog
The Cave of the Yellow Dog depicts the life of a Mongolian family. The story revolves around Nansal, a girl who is the daughter of a semi-nomadic family. The family lives in a yurt in a remote village in Mongolia and maintains a traditional way of life. Nansal is a girl filled with imagination and a desire for exploration.
Train to Busan
Train to Busan begins with the story of businessman Seok-woo and his young daughter Soo-an. Soo-an wants to go to Busan to visit her mother. However, an unexpected zombie outbreak occurs while they are traveling on the train. As the train is rapidly invaded by zombies, the passengers struggle to survive.
What are your thoughts on this topic? What do you think are the best East Asian films? Feel free to share your recommendations in the Comments section below.
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