AAPI Stories and Culture on Film and TV | Part 1 of 2
/May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. To celebrate, we have compiled a list of films and television shows that tell the stories of various Asian and Pacific Island cultures and/or show the diverse output of filmmakers across the region. Whether you are in the mood to laugh, cry, cheer, or scream, we have the perfect pick for you.
In the first of our two-part series, we examine action/adventure films, historical dramas, horrors and thrillers, comedies, and movies and TV series that explore the Asian American experience.
Action/Adventure
In Chinese culture, martial arts disciplines are practiced not only for self-defense and exercise, but also for spiritual growth. Kung Fu films peaked in popularity in the 1970s, led by Bruce Lee’s “The Way of the Dragon” (1972) and its follow up “Enter the Dragon” (1973).
Three decades later, Taiwan’s Ang Lee directed a new kind of martial arts film – 2000’s highly influential “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” starring Chow Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh. It went on to become the highest grossing foreign-language film in U.S. history. In 2012, Lee brought the world another visually stunning, action-packed epic with “Life of Pi,” starring Suraj Sharma and Irrfan Khan.
You might also like: “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” (2021), “Baahubali: The Beginning” (2015) and “Baahubali 2: The Conclusion” (2017), “A Bittersweet Life” (2005), “Infernal Affairs” (2002), “Hero” (2002), “Once Upon a Time in China” (1991), “Utu” (1983), “Cleopatra Wong” (1978), “Sholay” (1975), “Tokyo Drifter” (1966), and almost anything directed by Akira Kurosawa or John Woo
Historical Dramas
In 1982, Richard Attenborough’s grand biopic “Gandhi” was released to high praise from filmgoers and critics alike. The film about the leader of the nonviolent Indian independence movement won eight Oscars including Best Picture.
Five years later, Bernardo Bertolucci’s historical epic “The Last Emperor,” which details the life of Puyi, won nine including Best Picture. Notably, the film was the first Western feature authorized to shoot in the Forbidden City.
You might also like: “Pachinko” (2022), “The Crying Steppe” (2021), “The Admiral: Roaring Currents” (2014), “Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan” (2008), “The Clay Bird” (2002), “Seven Years in Tibet” (1997), “Farewell My Concubine” (1993), “A City of Sadness” (1989), “The Killing Fields” (1984), “The Year of Living Dangerously” (1982), and “Mughal-e-Azam” (1960)
Horror/Thriller
In 2020, “Parasite” became the first foreign-language film to win the top prize at the Oscars. Bong Joon-ho’s satirical thriller about inequality and desperation in South Korea grossed more than $50 million in the U.S. In 2021, Netflix’s mega-hit series “Squid Game” tackled the country’s social hierarchy in an even gorier, more shocking fashion.
A few decades ago, American remakes of Japanese horror films were all the rage. One of the most successful was 2002’s “The Ring,” a remake of 1998’s “Ringu” adapted from Koji Suzuki’s novel of the same name. Another hit was 2004’s “The Grudge,” a remake of 2002’s “Ju-On: The Grudge.”
You might also like: “Tumbbad” (2018), “Burning” (2018), “The Wailing” (2016), “Munafik” (2016), “Shutter” (2004), “Dark Water” (2002), “The Eye” (2002), and “The Housemaid” (1960)
Comedy
Kumail Nanjiani and Emily Gordon had only dated briefly when she fell ill and was put into a medically induced coma. This may not sound like the basis for a romantic comedy, but the couple’s 2017 indie-hit “The Big Sick” offers a lot of laughs as the Pakistani comedian tries to win over Emily’s parents and avoid disappointing his own family who expect him to enter an arranged marriage.
For more laughs, get ready to travel to “Fire Island” with Bowen Yang and Margaret Cho on June 3. The romantic comedy set to air on Hulu stars several openly gay Asian American actors and actresses. Joel Kim Booster stars and wrote the screenplay, which was inspired by Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” Parts of “Fire Island” were filmed at Broadway Stages facilities, and we cannot wait to see it.
You might also like: “Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens” (2020-present) filmed at Broadway Stages, “Ronny Chieng: Asian Comedian Destroys America!” (2019), “Aziz Ansari: Right Now” (2019), “Always Be My Maybe” (2019), “Crazy Rich Asians” (2018), “Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King” (2017), “Master of None” (2015-2021), “Detective Chinatown” (2015), “Ah Boys to Men” (2012), “3 Idiots” (2009), “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” (2004), “Monsoon Wedding” (2001), and “Rush Hour” (1998)
The Asian American Experience
In 2020, Lee Isaac Chung’s semi-autobiographical coming-of-age film “Minari” won over filmgoers with equal parts humor and heart. The film follows a family of South Korean immigrants in the American heartland in the 1980s. At the film’s core are stellar performances from Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, child actor Alan Kim, and Oscar winner Youn Yuh-jung.
Another recent film that explores the Asian American experience is 2019’s “The Farewell,” written and directed by Lulu Wang and starring Awkwafina. The film follows a Chinese-American family who learn that their grandmother in China is terminally ill.
You might also like: “Fresh Off the Boat” (2015-2020), “The Kite Runner” (2007), “The Namesake” (2006), “The Joy Luck Club” (1993), “Mississippi Masala” (1991), “Flower Drum Song” (1961), and “Daughter of Shanghai” (1937)
Article: The Historical Significance of 1937’s “Daughter of Shanghai'“
Check back next week for part two of this series, where we will explore tearjerkers, dramas, and romance; true crime and documentaries; fantasy and sci-fi; and family-friendly options. Thanks to our AAPI art community for bringing your talents and experiences to the small and big screen!
