5 AAPI Films You Should Add To Your Watchlist This Lunar New Year

With Lunar New Year nearly upon us, now is an excellent time to appreciate the many cultures that celebrate this time of year. One of the best ways to do so is by watching great films, especially for any avid movie watcher! 

There is a huge wealth of Asian and Pacific Islander cinema that often goes underappreciated. It is essential that these incredible stories are told, and even more so that they are heard and seen. This list barely scratches the surface, but it can serve as a jumping-off point for a deeper look into the vast array of AAPI films that are out there.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

This critically acclaimed Ang Lee film is the highest-grossing Chinese film in American history, and it is easy to understand why. The cinematography is incredible, capturing breathtaking landscapes and jaw-dropping fight scenes. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is one of the most famous wuxia films, which is a genre of Chinese fiction that features powerful martial artists in ancient China.

In addition to featuring incredible stunts performed while being suspended in the air, the film is also a touching love story. Balancing high-power action with drama and romance is no easy task, but this film succeeds nonetheless. Being an iconic piece of cinema from a prolific Asian director and astoundingly talented cast, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon should be on everyone’s radar.

The Half of It (2020)

One of many films inspired by Edmond Rostand's classic play Cyrano de Bergerac, this particular retelling follows soft-spoken star student Ellie Chu, a Chinese-American high schooler living in rural Washington. She corresponds via text and letters with the beautiful Aster Flores on behalf of Paul Munsky, a not-so-suave jock, hiding her true feelings for Aster. A refreshing take on an age-old story, writer-director Alice Wu brings queer and Asian stories to the forefront. For fans of coming-of-age and romance films, this is an excellent pick.

Princess Mononoke (1997)

From the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, Princess Mononoke is one of Studio Ghibli’s darker releases. The film explores humanity’s relationship with the environment and challenges Japanese social norms. Miyazaki drew heavily from the Japanese historical jidaigeki genre, taking special inspiration from the outstanding repertoire of director Akira Kurasawa. The film is steeped with Japanese history and culture, including the native Shinto religion. Kami, or spirits, make frequent appearances throughout the film. For its breathtaking animation and story interwoven with Japanese heritage, Princess Mononoke is a must-watch.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

Hunt for the Wilderpeople is an incredibly fun, warm, and hilarious film about found family and running from child protection services. The film follows Ricky Baker, a thirteen-year-old foster child, and his adoptive father figure Hector as they flee into the New Zealand bush. Both director Taika Waititi and star Julian Dennison are of Māori descent; Waititi has always advocated for the importance of meaningful Pacific Islander representation, saying, “I don’t want to see one token Polynesian character in your show. What I want to see is a fully Polynesian-controlled, Polynesian story.” Of his many projects that incorporate Māori or Indigenous culture, this one is a personal favorite for its absurd humor and heartwarming story.

Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

Since this list began with a film featuring Michelle Yeoh, it is only fair that it end with Michelle Yeoh. It was for her performance in this absurdist-comedy-sci-fi-action-drama that she became the first Asian woman to win best actress. In fact, Everything Everywhere All At Once swept the 2022 Academy Awards, also winning Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.

Aside from its overwhelmingly positive critical reception, this is a deeply touching film about appreciating life and the people in it. The story surrounds the struggles of a Chinese-American family, but everyone everywhere can see themselves reflected in the characters. Notably, this film is heavily inspired by the works of Hong Kong director Wong Kar-Wai, a hugely important figure in Asian and global cinema. An all-around excellent film that even takes place around Lunar New Year, there isn’t a better option for movie night this January.