Recommended Movies
These aren't my favorite movies per se. (My criteria for a movie counting as a favorite is usually that I've watched it 5 or more times.) Instead these are just movies I really liked it and would recommend to others whether I've only watched them once, twice, or thrice. Also, I'm not a film snob. To me, movies are put into two categories of either having artistic merit or entertainment value. For artistic merit, I'm usually drawn to certain directors as you'll see me not in this list. And for entertainment value, I'm drawn to the actors. I'll try to update this list with more movies later.
*In alphabetical order.
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1. Can't Help Falling in Love
Filipino Movie - 2017
This film is just a fun time honestly. A rom-com at its best.
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2. Children of Hiroshima
Japanese Movie - 1952
By Shindo Kaneto and starring his wife Otowa Nobuko (Oshin!). A honest look at the aftereffects of the atomic bombings.
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3. Chungking Express
Hong Kong Movie - 1994
A film by Wong Kar-wai. More than anything I just like the vibes of this movie.
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4. Classic
Korean Movie - 2003
A "classic" Korean romance movie. Though the story is kinda basic, the acting really pulls this movie together. I also really liked the soundtrack.
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5. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Chinese Movie - 2000
If you're going to watch a wuxia film, this should probably be it. There's a reason it crossed the line into international popularity. By Ang Lee.
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6. Hello, Love, Goodbye
Filipino Movie - 2019
My favorite Filipino film so far. Unlike the more glamourous rom-coms that the country puts out, "Hello, Love, Goodbye" is very realistic in its portrayal of love between two Filipinos working overseas in Hong Kong. I highly recommend this movie.
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7. Her Love Boils Bathwater
Japanese Movie - 2016
A film likely to make you cry. The cast is the best thing about this movie and I came away really impressed by Miyazawa Rie and Sugisaki Hana in particular.
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8. High and Low
Japanese Movie - 1963
A Kurosawa Akira film. Honestly that's all that should be said lol.
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9. In the Mood for Love
Hong Kong Movie - 2000
A classic Hong Kong romance film by Wong Kar-wai. It is very slow-paced so it's not for everyone, but if you like it you'll really like it.
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10. Memories of Murder
Korean Movie - 2003
By Bong Joon-ho (of Parasite fame). This is a really engrossing mystery though with a somewhat frustrating ending. Another commentary on Korean society in general.
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11. Raise the Red Lantern
Chinese Movie - 1991
I've seen a few of Zhang Yi Mou's films now but this is the one I recall the most. It brings up a lot of interesting questions and honestly has an unforgettable ending.
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12. The 8-Year Engagement
Japanese Movie - 2017
A great romance film that hopefully helps you believe in love again (lol). Tsuchiya Tao and Satoh Takeru are both great and versatile actors.
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13. The Twentieth Century Girl
Korean Movie - 2022
Putting this on the list just because of it's accessibility. It's a great entry into watching K-movies or just foreign films in general.
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14. Tokyo Story
Japanese Movie - 1953
A film by Ozu Yasujiro and probably his best. Most of his films have this similar slow-paced, slice-of-life vibe with the overarching theme being family. I think this film is likely to tug at your heartstrings and help you realize how important family is.
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15. Yi Yi
Taiwanese Movie - 2000
Edward Yang's best film in my opinion. At nearly three hours long, this is another film that is not for everyone. But if you have the time and patience, I think you'll love this movie.