Movies Directed By AAPI Filmmakers You Need To Watch
But just in case you're at a loss for exactly how to start this month off right, I have a wonderful, carefully curated list of movies for you to dive into. All of them were directed by incredible AAPI filmmakers who you definitely should be keeping an eye on right now. Some are bigger award winners, some are more indie, but all of them deserve a watch.
1. Past Lives — dir. Celine Song
This should be everyone's favorite movie. And if you haven't seen it yet, this is your homework for as soon as you're done reading. This jaw-droppingly stunning depiction of lost love and what-ifs will have you reeling for weeks. Celine cooked here.
2. Pop Aye — dir. Kirsten Tan
Man oh man, I love elephants. This movie is automatically five stars for me just because I love elephants. But it's also a gorgeous portrayal of cosmic connection and the joy of the journey. Did I mention it's about an elephant?
3. The Reluctant Fundamentalist — dir. Mira Nair
Riz Ahmed always does his big one, but he really did his big one in this movie. You might know Mira's work from some of her more upbeat, romcom-type movies, but The Reluctant Fundamentalist is a gripping study of post-9/11 NYC and a super compelling look at human nature.
4. Every Day in Kaimuki — dir. Alika Maikau
A super charming depiction of the gorgeous and trudging mundane of everyday life being in your 20s in Hawaii. A declaration of love to those who come and go.
5. The Wedding Banquet — dir. Andrew Ahn
Unfortunately, with how our economy looks right now, their living situation makes perfect sense. Super enjoyable dynamics of family, both blood and found. Also anything with Lily Gladstone in it is automatically incredible, sorry.
6. Saving Face — dir. Alice Wu
Tonally adorable, and just so sweet. If you need a fun lesbian romcom with a hint of emotional whiplash, this should be your go-to.
7. Elemental — dir. Peter Sohn
Peter has spoken about how growing up in an immigrant household influenced the story of Elemental, and if you watch this movie with that lens, it becomes even more beautiful.
8. Minari — dir. Lee Isaac Chung
Steven Yeun hive rise. Lee Isaac's semi-autobiographical illustration of a first-gen immigrant family just trying to make it work is tinged with a tender, tender hope.
9. Girlfight — dir. Karyn Kusama
One of those movies that just makes you a cooler person once you've watched it. Karyn's depiction of her protagonist, Diana, in her journey of self-realization is as fulfilling to watch as the satisfaction the audience feels when a punch lands square.
10. Nomadland — dir. Chloé Zhao
In case you missed the 2021 Oscars, this was the movie that made Chloé the second-ever woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director, and the first-ever Asian woman. Nomadland is one of those Best Picture winners that has stuck with audiences for years afterward due to its gut-wrenchingly beautiful portrayal of grief.
11. The Farewell — dir. Lulu Wang
Awkwafina playing a serious role in a sad movie? It's more likely than you think. Lulu's portrayal of a family dynamic in turmoil will rip you to pieces before crudely stitching you back together again.
12. Everything Everywhere All At Once — dir. Daniel Kwan
If you somehow slept through the chokehold this movie had on 2022 (and the Oscar sweep), then I can truly say you missed out. While it's like nothing you've ever seen, EEAO deserves all the hype, IMO. Stephanie Hsu's performance will go down in history books. I cried so hard in the movie theatre that my mask was all soggy afterwards.
13. Turning Red — dir. Domee Shi
This movie makes me nostalgic for an era I barely lived through. Domee's incredible art direction makes this Toronto-based coming-of-age story feel so alive and fun, and to this day, this movie's portrayal of the experience of being a boyband-obsessed thirteen-year-old is the best one I've seen in cinema. No notes.
And that's all I had! Join me next time for British Asian Heritage Month, when I pressure you into watching Gurinder Chadha's entire filmography. Did I miss any of your fave AAPI-led movies? LMK down below.
Check out more AAPI-centered content by exploring how BuzzFeed celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! Of course, the content doesn't end after May. Follow BuzzFeed's A*Pop on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to keep up with our latest AAPI content year-round.
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