The Asian American film industry has come a long way in the last decade, producing some of the most acclaimed and commercially successful movies in recent years. From romantic comedies to dramas and thrillers, Asian American filmmakers have left their mark on the cinematic landscape. Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with our round up of 10 of the best Asian American films of the last decade.
Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
Everything Everywhere All At Once is a sci-fi action film that tells the story of a Chinese-American woman named Evelyn (Michelle Yeoh), who discovers that she is connected to multiple parallel universes. Directed by the duo Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (aka Daniels), the movie also stars Stephanie Hsu, and Oscar-winning performances from Jamie Lee Curtis, Ke Huy Quan, and Yeoh. The film also won Academy Awards in 2023 for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.
Turning Red (2022)
Turning Red is a Pixar animated film that follows the story of a 13-year-old Chinese Canadian girl named Mei Lee, who transforms into a giant red panda whenever she gets too excited. Directed by Domee Shi, who won an Academy Award for her previous short film, Bao, the movie features the voices of Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, and Ava Morse. The film received critical acclaim for its heartwarming story and stunning animation.
Lucky Grandma (2019)
An ornery, chain smoking Chinese Grandma goes all in at a New York casino, landing herself on the wrong side of luck and in the middle of a Chinatown gang war. Written and directed by Sasie Sealy and starring Tsai Chin, Lucky Grandma deftly jumps between thrilling action and dark humor.
Gook (2017)
Two Korean-American brothers (played by David So and the film’s director, Justin Chon) run their father’s shoe store in L.A. county. Their friend, a Black eleven-year-old girl named Kamilla (Simone Baker), consistently drops by to help and hang out. On this day, the Rodney King verdict ignites the 1992 L.A. riots, and the ripple effects create tensions in the lives of each character.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Crazy Rich Asians is a romantic comedy directed by Jon M. Chu, based on the novel of the same name by Kevin Kwan. The movie follows the story of Rachel Chu, a Chinese-American economics professor who travels to Singapore with her boyfriend Nick Young to attend his best friend’s wedding. The film features an all-Asian cast, including Constance Wu, Henry Golding, and Michelle Yeoh. Crazy Rich Asians was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $238 million worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing romantic comedy in a decade.
Best Asian American Films: Columbus (2017)
Columbus is a 2017 American drama film written, directed, and edited by Kogonada in his feature directorial debut. The film follows the son of a renowned architecture scholar (John Cho) who gets stranded in Columbus, Indiana after his estranged father has fallen into a coma while traveling to give a lecture. As he stays in the town he strikes up a friendship with a young architecture enthusiast (Haley Lu Richardson) who works at the local library, connecting on issues of parents and of course, architecture.
The Farewell (2019)
The Farewell is a drama-comedy film written and directed by Lulu Wang, based on her own experiences. The movie tells the story of a Chinese-American woman named Billi, who travels to China to visit her terminally ill grandmother. However, the family decides to keep the diagnosis a secret from the grandmother, leading to a poignant exploration of family, culture, and identity. The film features an outstanding performance by Awkwafina, who won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy.
The Big Sick (2017)
The Big Sick is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Michael Showalter, based on the real-life romance between writers (and star) Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon. The movie follows the story of Kumail, a Pakistani-American stand-up comedian who falls in love with Emily, a white American graduate student. However, their relationship is tested when Emily falls into a coma, leading Kumail to confront his cultural and religious differences with his family. The film received critical acclaim for its sharp writing, heartfelt performances, and nuanced portrayal of cultural identity.
Driveways (2019)
Directed by Andrew Ahn and starring Hong Chau, Lucas Jaye, and Brian Dennehy, Driveways tells the story of a woman who has come to the house of her late sister to pack it up and prepare it for sale. While there, her young son strikes up a friendship with an elderly veteran widower living next door. The film was a critical success, landing it on our list of some of the best Asian American films this decade.
Minari (2020)
Written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung, Minari is a moving and intimate family drama set in the 1980s. The film follows a South Korean-American immigrant family who moves from to rural Arkansas to start a new life on a farm. The film explores themes of family, sacrifice, and the American Dream, as the family struggles to make a new home and face the challenges of their new environment. Starring Steven Yeun and Yeri Han in an Academy Award-winning performance, the film was also named one of the Top 10 Movies of 2020 by the American Film Institute.
0 Comments