Films: Genre: Asian Cinema

Why a separate section on Asian movies? Because they are unique in terms of cinematography, aesthetics, storylines, and acting. In other words, because they are so different from the usual Hollywood schlock and so refreshing, that it is impossible to ignore them.

You will doubtless note that I don't like all Asian movies. In particular, I am not a big fan of martial arts flicks, or gangster movies, or the over-the-top violent ones (although I have to admit John Woo was infinitely superior in his HK productions than in his Hollywood ventures). I prefer films that emphasize the cultural traditions of the countries even if these films borrow many Western tricks anyway.

It is fascinating how these films depict a culture that is at once brutal and subtle, violent and tender, beautiful and repulsive. It is the contradictions, the quest for the imperfect harmony of existence and spirit that permeats these films that make them fascinating.