Sofia De Vera combines a heartfelt passion for cinema with over 15 years of critiquing for esteemed film publications, wielding academic credentials from the University of Southern California and New York University, to serve as your personal guide through the enchanting worlds of film and television. Her full guest bio can be found here.
Asia has a lot to offer for both national and international filmmakers. The countries range from those with modern cityscapes fulled with hustle and bustle to those with a strong sense of history and ancient architecture. Asia is also well for its awe-inspiring natural attractions and diverse culture. So it will come as no surprise that there are so many wonderful movies set in Asia.
Asia is a vast and diverse continent, home to more than fifty countries and a wide range of cultures, languages, and traditions. From the ancient civilizations of China and India to the modern metropolises of Japan and South Korea, Asia has something to offer every traveler.
One of the things that make Asian culture so special is its rich history and deep traditions. From the colorful festivals of Thailand and Indonesia to the tranquil beauty of Japan’s temples and gardens, there is always something new and fascinating to discover.
When it comes to film, Asia has produced some of the most innovative and talented directors in the world. Chinese directors like Wong Kar-wai and Zhang Yimou have brought a unique visual style and storytelling approach to their films, while Japanese directors like Hayao Miyazaki and Akira Kurosawa have influenced generations of filmmakers with their groundbreaking work. Recently, South Korean directors like Bong Joon-ho and Park Chan-wook have made a huge impact on the global film industry with their innovative and powerful works.
In India, directors like Satyajit Ray and Mira Nair have brought the vibrant and diverse culture of the country to the big screen, while Vietnam’s Tran Anh Hung has gained international acclaim for his moving and evocative films. Indonesian directors like Joko Anwar and Nia Dinata have gained critical acclaim for their unique and powerful films, while Pakistan has produced directors like Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Shoaib Mansoor, who have brought a fresh perspective to the industry. Bangladesh has also contributed many talented directors to the Asian film scene, including Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Rubaiyat Hossain.
Vietnamese director Tran Anh Hung has gained widespread recognition for his moving and evocative films, while the Philippines has produced directors like Lav Diaz and Brillante Mendoza, who have made their mark on the international film festival circuit. Finally, Myanmar has produced talented directors like Midi Z and Kyi Soe Tun, who have brought a fresh perspective to the Asian film scene.
Whether you’re a film enthusiast looking to explore the works of these talented directors or simply want to get a taste of Asian culture from the comfort of your own home, these films are a great way to get closer to the continent and its people. So, without further ado, here is our list of the best films set in Asia.
These films often rely on the setting as much as the main characters, giving viewers an authentic and unique perspective of the location. This concept of cinematic travel can be applied to other destinations as well. For example, by watching movies that were shot in South Korea, the Philippines, Barcelona, Central America, or even the USA, you can gain insight into the culture, history, and landscapes of these places, and get ideas for your future travel plans.
Wondering where to watch? It depends on where you live in the world and which streaming services you have. We link to the streaming service we watch on in each case - be it Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, or elsewhere.
You can get one month free of Amazon Prime (or a 6-month trial for students) of Amazon Prime and also get immediate access to FREE Two Day shipping, Amazon Video, and Music. While you won't be charged for your free trial, you'll be upgraded to a paid membership plan automatically at the end of the trial period - though if you have already binged all these, you could just cancel before the trial ends.
Apple TV+ also has a one-week trial, and Hulu has a one-month trial (which can be bundled with Disney!). Another option might be using a VPN to access Netflix titles locked to other regions. Netflix is now available in more than 190 countries worldwide and each country has a different library and availability. US Netflix is (understandably) one of the best.
While we wish everything could just be in one place - for now, it seems these are the best streaming platforms to watch on.
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Tokyo Story [東京物語] (1953)
Tokyo Story is a Japanese drama film directed by Yasujiro Ozu. The film tells the story of an elderly couple who visit their children in Tokyo, only to find that they are too busy with their own lives to pay much attention to them. The film stars Chishu Ryu and Chieko Higashiyama as the elderly couple, and Setsuko Hara and So Yamamura as their children.
The plot follows the elderly couple as they struggle to connect with their children, who are more focused on their own careers and families than on their parents. Despite their disappointment, the couple remains loving and understanding, trying to make the most of their visit to Tokyo.
Tokyo Story was a critical and commercial success in Japan and has been widely hailed as a classic of Japanese cinema. The film was praised for its sensitive portrayal of familial relationships and its subtle and understated style.
As you may imagine, the film is set in Tokyo, with scenes filmed in iconic locations such as Asakusa and Yokohama. It offers an incredible depiction of Tokyo in the past, one that isn’t normally shown on film and that foreigners aren’t familiar with.
Tokyo Story is a must-see film for fans of drama and family films. Its moving portrayal of relationships and its subtle and understated style makes it a truly memorable and timeless classic.
Gandhi (1982)
Gandhi is a biographical film directed by Richard Attenborough. The film tells the story of Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian independence leader who fought for India’s independence from British rule through non-violent civil disobedience. The film stars Ben Kingsley as Gandhi and Candice Bergen as Margaret Bourke-White, a photojournalist who covers Gandhi’s campaign.
The plot follows Gandhi from his early years as a lawyer in South Africa, through his rise as a leader in India’s independence movement, to his assassination in 1948. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges and obstacles but remains committed to his principles of non-violence and truth.
Gandhi was a critical and commercial success and received numerous awards, including eight Academy Awards. The film was praised for its powerful portrayal of Gandhi’s life and its sensitive handling of the complex issues of colonialism and independence.
In addition to its compelling plot and strong performances, Gandhi is also notable for its depiction of India and its rich history and culture. The film is set in various locations throughout India, including iconic landmarks such as the Red Fort in Delhi and the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad.
Gandhi is a great film for anyone interested in recent history. It’s a great way to experience the life of a truly remarkable man and its evocative depiction of India makes it a truly memorable and inspiring experience.
Heat and Dust (1983)
Heat and Dust is a British film directed by James Ivory and starring Julie Christie and Greta Scacchi. The film is set in India and tells the story of two women, both named Olivia, whose lives are connected by the mysterious and scandalous events that took place in the same small town in India 20 years apart.
The film is set in the beautiful and colorful country of India and features several iconic landmarks, including the Taj Mahal and the Palace of the Winds. The film is a sweeping epic that explores themes of love, passion, and cultural differences, and is a must-see for fans of historical dramas.
Heat and Dust were nominated for three Academy Awards and won the BAFTA Award for Best Screenplay. Director James Ivory is known for his visually stunning and culturally rich films, and Heat and Dust is no exception. The film is a testament to Ivory’s ability to capture the beauty and complexity of India and its people.
Starring Julie Christie as the older Olivia and Greta Scacchi as the younger Olivia, Heat and Dust is a beautifully acted and directed film that will transport you to the vibrant and exotic world of India. If you’re a fan of period dramas or are just looking for a captivating and immersive cinematic experience, Heat and Dust is definitely worth a watch.
The Scent of Green Papaya [Tran Anh Hung] (1993)
The Scent of Green Papaya is a French-Vietnamese drama film directed by Tran Anh Hung. The film tells the story of a young girl named Mui who is hired as a servant in a wealthy Vietnamese household in the 1950s in Saigon. The film stars Tran Nu Yen-Khe as Mui and Lu Man San as the mother of the household.
The plot follows Mui as she grows up and becomes a young woman in the household, observing the lives of the wealthy family and the other servants. Along the way, she experiences love, loss, and the complexities of class and social status in Vietnamese society.
The Scent of Green Papaya was a critical and commercial success and received several awards, including the Camera d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and the César Award for Best Foreign Film. The film was praised for its beautiful cinematography and its evocative portrayal of Vietnamese culture and society.
If you give The Scent of Green Papaya a chance, it’s sure to move you. Its beautiful visuals and evocative portrayal of Vietnamese society make it a truly memorable and moving experience.
Suzhou River [蘇州河] (2000)
Suzhou River is a film directed by Lou Ye that tells the story of Mardar, a motorcycle courier who is hired to deliver packages to the mysterious Meimei, a nightclub singer. As Mardar becomes more and more obsessed with Meimei, he becomes embroiled in a web of deceit and danger that ultimately leads him to the Suzhou River, an iconic waterway in China known for its beautiful gardens and canals.
The film stars Zhou Xun and Jia Hongsheng as Mardar and Meimei, respectively, and features strong performances from both actors. The film’s cinematography is particularly noteworthy, with beautiful shots of the Suzhou River and its surroundings serving as a backdrop to the film’s tense and emotional story.
Suzhou River was a critical success upon its release, winning several awards including the FIPRESCI Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. The film was also well-received by audiences and has since become a classic of Chinese cinema.
This film is a beautifully shot and emotionally powerful film that is well worth a watch for fans of foreign cinema. Its compelling story and strong performances make it a standout entry in the filmography of director Lou Ye, and its setting in the iconic Suzhou River region adds an extra layer of depth and beauty to the film.
Lalsalu [লালসালু] (2001)
Lalsalu is a Bangladeshi drama film directed by Tanvir Mokammel. The film tells the story of a poor, struggling family in rural Bangladesh and their struggles to survive and thrive in the face of numerous challenges. The film stars Abdur Razzak as the father and Bobita as the mother and features an ensemble cast of young actors.
The plot follows the family as they confront various challenges, including poverty, illness, and natural disasters, but remain resilient and determined to build a better future for themselves. Along the way, they receive support from the community and the government, but also face discrimination and corruption.
Lalsalu was a critical and commercial success in Bangladesh and received several awards, including Best Film at the Bangladesh National Film Awards. The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of rural life in Bangladesh and its strong performances, particularly from Razzak and Bobita.
The film offers a unique depiction of Bangladesh and its rich culture and history. The film is set in the rural village of Lalsalu, with scenes filmed in iconic locations such as the Banares Hindu University and the Sarnath Temple.
Lalsalu is one of those films that has the potential to move you to your core. Its powerful portrayal of a struggling family and its evocative depiction of Bangladesh make it a truly moving and inspiring experience.
Mother [마더] (2009)
Mother is a film by Bong Joon-ho, a highly respected and accomplished South Korean film director, screenwriter, and producer. He is best known for his films Memories of Murder (2003), The Host (2006), Snowpiercer (2013), and Parasite (2019), all of which have received widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards.
The film tells the story of a simple, uneducated woman who will stop at nothing to clear her mentally challenged son of a murder charge. The film stars Kim Hye-ja as the titular mother and Won Bin as her son. The plot follows the mother as she sets out to uncover the truth about her son’s alleged crime and bring the real perpetrators to justice. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, she remains determined and resourceful, using her wit and determination to gather evidence and outsmart the authorities.
Mother was a critical and commercial success in South Korea and received several awards, including Best Film at the Blue Dragon Film Awards and the Grand Bell Awards. The film was praised for its strong performances, particularly from Kim in the lead role, and its emotional depth and compelling plot.
Mother is noteworthy for its depiction of South Korean society and culture. The film is set in a small town in South Korea and features several iconic landmarks, such as the Namhangang Bridge and the Hwaseong Fortress.
If you have seen any of Joon-ho’s films and liked them, you should totally check Mother out. Its emotional depth and compelling plot make it a truly moving and engaging experience.
The Lady (2011)
The Lady is a biographical film directed by Luc Besson. It tells the story of Aung San Suu Kyi, a Burmese opposition leader, and Nobel Peace Prize winner, and her struggle for democracy in Myanmar (also known as Burma). The film stars Michelle Yeoh as Suu Kyi and David Thewlis as her husband, Michael Aris.
The plot follows Suu Kyi’s journey from living a peaceful life in Oxford with her husband and two young children to returning to Burma in 1988 to care for her sick mother. There, she becomes involved in the pro-democracy movement and becomes a prominent figure in the country’s struggle for freedom. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, Suu Kyi remains steadfast in her commitment to bringing change to Burma and improving the lives of its people.
The film was well received by critics and audiences alike, with Yeoh earning widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Suu Kyi. The Lady was nominated for several awards, including a BAFTA for Best Actress in a Leading Role and a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.
This film is a beautiful love story that showcases the deep bond between Suu Kyi and her husband, who supports her every step of the way. The film is set in both Oxford and Burma and features stunning shots of iconic landmarks such as the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.
The Lady is a moving and inspiring film that tells the story of a remarkable woman and her fight for justice in a country that desperately needs it. If you’re a fan of historical dramas or biopics, this is definitely a film worth checking out.
5 cm (2012)
5 cm is a 2012 Indonesian film directed by Rizal Mantovani. The film tells the story of four friends who set out on a journey to climb the highest peak in Java, Indonesia, to fulfill a promise they made to each other years earlier. The film stars Herjunot Ali, Fedi Nuril, Pevita Pearce, and Nicholas Saputra as the four friends.
The plot follows the friends as they journey through the beautiful and rugged landscape of Java, facing various challenges and obstacles along the way. Along the way, they confront their own personal demons and reevaluate their relationships with one another. The film is a heartwarming tale of friendship and self-discovery, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Indonesia’s natural beauty.
5 cm was a critical and commercial success in Indonesia and received several awards, including Best Film at the Indonesian Film Festival and the International Film Festival in Rotterdam. The film was praised for its beautiful cinematography and its poignant portrayal of friendship and self-discovery.
In addition to its stunning visuals and compelling plot, 5 cm is also notable for its all-star cast, which includes some of Indonesia’s most popular actors. The film is set in the beautiful and diverse country of Indonesia, with scenes filmed in iconic locations such as Mount Merbabu and the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Its beautiful visuals and heartwarming story make it a truly memorable and moving experience.
On the Job [OTJ] (2013)
On the Job is a Filipino crime thriller film directed by Erik Matti. The film tells the story of two hitmen who are recruited by a corrupt politician to carry out assassinations and the two prison inmates who become involved in their schemes. The film stars Joel Torre, Gerald Anderson, and Piolo Pascual as the hitmen, and Joey Marquez and Michael de Mesa as the prison inmates.
The plot follows the intersecting storylines of the two hitmen and the two prison inmates as they become embroiled in a web of corruption and crime. As they carry out their missions, they are pursued by a tenacious police detective who is determined to bring them to justice.
It was a critical and commercial success in the Philippines and received several awards, including Best Film at the Gawad Urian Awards and the Metro Manila Film Festival. The film was praised for its strong performances, particularly from Torre and Anderson, and its intense and suspenseful plot.
On the Job is notable for its depiction of the criminal underworld in the Philippines. The film is set in the capital city of Manila and features several iconic landmarks, such as the Manila City Hall and the Philippine National Police headquarters. Its intense plot and strong performances make it a truly gripping and thrilling experience.
Shah (2015)
Shah is a Pakistani biographical film directed by Adnan Sarwar. The film tells the true story of Pakistani boxer Hussain Shah, who rose from humble beginnings to become the country’s first Olympic medalist. The film stars Adnan Sarwar as Shah and Samina Peerzada as his mother.
The plot follows Shah’s journey from a poor and struggling young man to a world-class athlete. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Shah remains determined to achieve his dream of bringing honor to his country through his achievements in the boxing ring. Along the way, he receives support from his mother, who encourages him to persevere and never give up.
The film was a critical and commercial success in Pakistan and received several awards, including Best Film at the Lux Style Awards. The film was praised for its strong performances, particularly from Sarwar in the lead role, and its inspiring portrayal of determination and perseverance.
Shah was praised for its beautiful cinematography and its depiction of Pakistani culture and society. The film is set in Pakistan, with scenes filmed in iconic locations such as Lahore and Karachi. Its powerful story and inspiring themes make it a truly memorable and uplifting experience.