Recommended Movies

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.

This film is just a fun time honestly. A rom-com at its best.

By Shindo Kaneto and starring his wife Otowa Nobuko (Oshin!). A honest look at the aftereffects of the atomic bombings.

A film by Wong Kar-wai. More than anything I just like the vibes of this movie.

A "classic" Korean romance movie. Though the story is kinda basic, the acting really pulls this movie together. I also really liked the soundtrack.

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.

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.

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. 

A Kurosawa Akira film. Honestly that's all that should be said lol.

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.

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.

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.

A great romance film that hopefully helps you believe in love again (lol). Tsuchiya Tao and Satoh Takeru are both great and versatile actors.

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.

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.