For AAPI Heritage Month, we wanted to share some films that help explore the rich Asian legacy within the filmmaking artform. Join us and watch along as we cover some of these diverse productions and the artists at their core.
Please enjoy our 2024 AAPI Heritage Month movie watchlist:
1. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Sony Pictures Classics, dir. Ang Lee
Breakdown: Ang Lee’s career has been long and far-ranging, but his most formative work remains this indelible piece of martial arts cinema. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a visually stunning film which captivated audiences with its breathtaking action sequences and compelling storytelling. Featuring a stellar (and predominantly Asian) cast, the Oscar-winning film held special significance, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Asia and exploring themes of honor, love, and sacrifice. Its international success not only brought worldwide recognition to Asian cinema but also contributed to greater visibility and appreciation of AAPI culture on the global stage.
Watch trailer: https://youtu.be/Nr6KyDfmWic?si=QOkFNtZXDiA1ANaB
Watch movie: Amazon
2. Princess Mononoke (1997)
Studio Ghibli, dir. Hayao Miyazaki
Breakdown: As one of legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki’s most notable and beloved films, Princess Mononoke is an epic tale set in medieval Japan is revered for its stunning animation, rich storytelling, and complex characters. The film holds enduring importance to the celebration of AAPI culture due to its profound influence and significance within the realm of animation and global cinema. The film plays with themes of environmentalism, spirituality, and the clash between tradition and modernity, resonating deeply with audiences of diverse backgrounds. Its exploration of Japanese folklore and mythology further underscores its cultural significance and the depths of Asian storytelling traditions.
Watch trailer: https://youtu.be/vf6c6n35wr4?si=05ItA9BIhxLz3F80
Watch movie: Max
3. Whale Rider (2002)
South Pacific Pictures, dir. Niki Caro
Breakdown: This film out of New Zealand is a heartfelt exploration of Māori culture and tradition. Following the journey of Paikea Apirana, a young Māori girl who challenges traditional gender roles and cultural expectations as she seeks to prove herself worthy of her ancestral lineage, Whale Rider emphasizing the importance of preserving and honoring indigenous cultures using themes of resilience and spirituality. The deep connection to nature felt by those with Māori heritage helps illustrate the customs and rich cultural traditions of the indigenous community—a poignant reminder to embrace diversity and celebrate enduring legacies.
Watch trailer: https://youtu.be/lvY24Qj6b78?si=getmB254mKbrTk-I
Watch movie: Starz
4. RRR (2022)
DVV Entertainment, dir. S.S. Rajamouli
Breakdown: When audiences first caught a glimpse of S.S. Rajamouli’s Indian epic, they were immediately impressed with its grand scale, mesmerizing visuals, and stellar performances. As a celebration of Indian culture and history, the film explores themes of patriotism, freedom struggle, and the spirit of resilience, in a narrative set during the British Raj. RRR struck a chord, resonating with audiences worldwide. And its portrayal of Indian heroes fighting against colonial oppression serves as a reminder of the diverse experiences and struggles within the Asian community.
Watch trailer: https://youtu.be/qs6S--4kouc?si=v_auZLU_q3EWvPHL
Watch movie: Netflix
5. In the Mood for Love (2000)
Jet Tone Films / Paradis Films, dir. Wong Kar-wai
Breakdown: Some films seem to stop time as they demand your unfettered attention. Wong Kar-wai's masterpiece (a word used here in its truest sense) captures the very essence of love, longing, and melancholy in 1960s Hong Kong. By intricately weaving a tale of unspoken desire and emotional tension between two neighbors who discover their spouses are having an affair, the film boasts lavish visuals, evocative music, and rich performances that work in tandem to transcend cultural boundaries. Twenty-four years after its release, audiences are still falling for In the Mood for Love’s universal themes of love and loss and its unique portrayal of Hong Kong's vibrant culture and intricate societal norms.
Watch trailer: https://youtu.be/dWVDZ98AFhI?si=0_Vu6lKINccNhOke
Watch movie: Max