Water Cooler: Films for Asian Pacific American Heritage month
One of the best ways to understand other cultures is to watch their movies. Not only do you get first-hand visual insight into a culture’s aesthetics at any given point from now back to the early 20th century, you also get to hear how other people sound, see their mannerisms, learn their stories, find out what break’s their hearts or what uplifts them.
In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage month, Kanopy has created a list of over 50 influential narrative films as well as a separate list of important documentaries. Here are a few great movies to get started with, from both Asian and Asian American creators.
They are all available to stream for free with a local library card. Visit kanopy.com for more information and to register your library card for a free account.
“Tokyo Story”: An eldery couple take a long journey from their small village to visit their adult children where they reside in Tokyo. When their children prove to have little time or attention for them, the responsibility to host falls to the widow of their younger son who died in the war. Directed by Yasujirō Ozu. 1953. 136 minutes. Japan.
“Rashomon”: A terrible crime is recalled from four witnesses each with differing accounts and perspectives. This film garnered attention and recognition for world cinema through its ingenious exploration into the complexities of human nature. Directed by Akira Kurosawa. 1950. 88 minutes. Japan.
“Oldboy”: A man who suffered through 15 years of unexplained imprisonment and torture is given five days of freedom to seek his revenge. Exciting and daring with an astonishing twist ending, excellent performances and direction and an amazing one-take fight scene with a hammer. Directed Park Chan-wook. 2003. 120 minutes. South Korea.
“Chan Is Missing”: An early independent breakout hit that explores the experience of Chinese Americans as they attempt to assimilate with contemporary American society. It follows two cabbies in search of a mysterious character through San Francisco’s Chinatown. Directed by Wayne Wange. 1982. 80 minutes. USA.
“City on Fire”: A definite influence on Quentin Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs.” An undercover cop tries to infiltrate a gang of ruthless jewel thieves while facing pressure from all sides. Directed by Ringo Lam. 1987. 101 minutes. Hong Kong.
“7 Grandmaster”: After being gifted a plaque from the Emperor declaring him Kung Fu World Champion, an aging martial arts expert embarks on a journey to defeat the 7 Grandmasters to discover whether he is worthy of his new title. Directed by Joseph Kuo. 1977. 89 minutes. Taiwan.