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Best Asian Movies of 2024

Written by YumCha! Editorial Team Tell a Friend

Here are our editors' picks for the best Asian films released on DVD or Blu-ray in 2024!

SANWEI'S PICKS

12:12: The Day

After the assassination of President Park Chung Hee on October 26, 1979, South Korea welcomed a brief period of "Seoul Spring" when reforms and democracy seemed within reach. Such hopes would be dashed on December 12, 1979, when general Chun Doo Hwan and his Hanahoe faction engineered a military coup against martial law commander Jeung Seung Hwa, a precursor to Chun eventually seizing complete control of the government. With names changed but the references clear, 12:12: The Day lays out the key players and context on the eve of the violent coup, and then outlines the escalating incidents and timestamps of that fateful day in thrilling manner. Hwang Jung Min is magnificent in the cunning antagonist role of Chun, right down to the likeness, while Jung Woo Sung provides tragic heroics as the Capital Garrison Command general who leads a principled final stand against the insurrection. Tightly paced and remarkably detailed, this political thriller covers a momentous event of modern Korean history with edge-of-seat tension, action and emotion. 12:12: The Day is easily director Kim Sung Su's best film in over 20 years, and its cautionary significance rings especially relevant in light of recent events.

All the Long Nights

Based on a novel by Seo Maiko, the Japanese film All the Long Nights empathetically depicts the daily struggles of a woman (Kamishiraishi Mone) with severe PMS and a man (Matsumura Hokuto) with anxiety disorder. Both forced to give up office jobs due to their conditions, they end up working together at a small science kit company where the staff are understanding of their mood swings. Recognizing their different yet common challenges, the two look out for each other – along with the rest of their support circle of everyday people who each carry troubles of their own. Much like he did with Small, Slow But Steady, director Miyake Sho takes things slow to realistically spell out life's ups and downs in this quietly heartwarming, slice-of-life drama that allows each person to hurt and heal at their own pace.

The Boy and the Heron

Whether or not The Boy and the Heron is Miyazaki Hayao's last feature film remains to be seen, but it is undoubtedly one of his finest. The enchanting and contemplative period fantasy embodies the profound themes and imaginative visuals the auteur is known for, reminding of Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle with its otherworld of magical creatures and transfigurations, and My Neighbor Totoro and The Wind Rises with its shadow of loss in the countryside. Set during WWII, the film charts the epic journey of a grieving youth who follows a talking heron into another world where life, death and rebirth are precariously intertwined. The hand-drawn animation is breathtakingly beautiful and meticulous, from the visceral fire scene at the start of the film to the fantastical, dreamlike layers of the world below. From the whimsical world-making and oblique storyline emerges a boy's coming of age as he navigates his longings and anguish to come to terms with loss and life.

The First Slam Dunk

Written and directed by Slam Dunk manga creator Inoue Takehiko himself, The First Slam Dunk is neither a remake nor a reboot but new canon arriving nearly three decades after the iconic basketball manga and anime ended in the 90s. The stirring film reveals the moving backstory of point guard Miyagi Ryota, while the legendary Shohoku vs. Sannoh game that announces Shohoku as a champion contender runs throughout the entire film in thrilling detail. Flashbacks recount Miyagi's journey of grief and growth, as well as the making of the scrappy Shohoku High School team. The film's blend of 3D and hand-drawn animation is visually striking and effective, conveying both the fast-paced dynamic movement of the game and the down-to-earth warmth of daily life. Near the start of The First Slam Dunk after introducing Miyagi's childhood, the opening title sequence comes in with Shohoku's starting five gradually sketched in line by line. As the familiar characters took shape and walked forward purposefully towards the audience, my heart swelled with feels that I didn't even knew I had for Slam Dunk. This is the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of The First Slam Dunk as a rousing underdog sports film and a nostalgic anime update worthy of instant-classic status.

Godzilla Minus One

Hollywood has been the primary purveyor of live-action Godzilla films in the past decade but Japan still does kaiju best, as proven by Godzilla Minus One's historic Oscar win for Best Visual Effects made at a fraction of a typical Hollywood budget. With special effects master Yamazaki Takashi behind the wheel, Godzilla Minus One is an extraordinary VFX achievement – Godzilla's design and texture look incredible, as do the settings and battles, especially the water scenes. Godzilla Minus One also achieves the distinction of being a serious kaiju film without an ounce of camp. An old-school Godzilla film magnificently realized with new-school tricks, the period thriller goes back to a battered postwar Japan to reinterpret the original wartime origin of the atomic-fire-breathing lizard. A kamikaze pilot (Kamiki Ryunosuke) with survivor's guilt serves as the conflicted protagonist in this monster blockbuster that's actually an examination of war trauma. Though some clarity and details are lost, the B&W version Godzilla Minus One/Minus Color is also a must-watch for its throwback Showa-era veneer that magnifies Godzilla's looming presence.

Monster

Monster

In a rare collaboration, Kore-eda Hirokazu worked with renowned screenwriter Sakamoto Yuji for Monster, and the latter's presence is evident in the unexpected and suspenseful Rashomon-like story that starts with a mother (Ando Sakura) worried about her son (Kurokawa Soya) being mistreated by a teacher. However, the teacher (Nagayama Eita) claims that her son is bullying another student (Hiiragi Hinata). Different aspects of the same story are gradually revealed as perspectives shift, showing how each character – and the audience – are too quick to judge with incomplete information. While the engaging multi-perspective narrative is characteristic of Sakamoto, the deeply human touch afforded to every troubled character as underlying emotions build to a breaking point is classic Kore-eda. The final chapter of Monster shatters the audience by returning the vantage to the two precocious fifth-grade boys at the heart of the gentle story. Doubts and distrust give way to the pure and fragile world of children, made all the more impactful by Kore-eda's masterful ability to draw heartbreaking, natural performances from child actors. Even in Kore-eda's decorated filmography, Monster stands as one of his best and boldest films.

Old Fox

Old Fox

Writer-director Hsiao Ya Chuan draws from his own memories to vividly evoke life in Taiwan in the late 1980s after the lifting of martial law. The greater tides of social and economic change flicker in the background of a smaller story of growth and realization for a proud and stubborn 11-year-old boy (Bai Run Yin) who wants more from life than what his humble, hardworking father (Liu Kuan Ting) can immediately provide. From rich landlord "Old Fox" (Akio Chen) who has weathered the cruel trials of time, the boy learns of cunning calculation and steely self-interest, but these values run counter to his father who chooses compassion first. Produced by Hou Hsiao Hsien, Old Fox tenderly captures a formative moment both for Taiwan and a youth at a crossroads, painting a compelling portrait of different people shaped by different times.

Perfect Days

Life as a public toilet cleaner probably wouldn't fit most people's expectations of "perfect days," but Wim Wenders's Oscar-nominated Japanese feature quietly and convincingly paints a vision of peaceful days. In a powerfully subtle performance that earned him Best Actor at Cannes, Yakusho Koji brings alive the tranquil and taciturn world of Hirayama, who carries on a simple daily routine of cleaning various artistically designed Tokyo toilets while enjoying the small things like reading and listening to cassettes. His work brings him into contact with various people, but for the most part, Hirayama's life is solitary and serene until his runaway niece suddenly appears, hinting of the people and mistakes he has left behind. Beautifully lensed and poetically framed, Perfect Days is a character drama, a family drama and, above all, a human drama that meditates on the sublime beauty of a simple life.

Time Still Turns the Pages

Time Still Turns the Pages left many viewers in tears when it played in Hong Kong. Nick Cheuk's directorial debut quietly wrecks you with the weight of life, from childhood trauma to adolescent distress to adult depression. Lo Chun Yip plays a sluggish high school teacher who comes across a discarded suicide note written by a student. The feelings of worthlessness expressed in the note are alarmingly similar to the pages of a childhood diary from his past. He recalls unhappy memories of an earnest boy who tries his hardest but isn't academically inclined enough to get good grades or earn his derisive father's approval. As past and present unfold, the suffocating episodes of school stress, parental pressure and self-blame will hit too close to home for many, making the resultant tragedy and trauma all the more poignant and devastating.

Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In

Demolished in the early 90s, the Kowloon Walled City has since been romanticized in public imagination as a part of Hong Kong's lost heritage. The lawless enclave of densely packed buildings was once a notorious haven for criminals, as well as home to tens of thousands of low-income residents. Based on the Hong Kong comic City of Darkness, Soi Cheang's Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In reconstructs and reimagines the dark labyrinthine quarters of the Kowloon Walled City better than any film ever has. The 80s-set martial arts thriller revolves around four young ruffians (Raymond Lam, Terrance Lau, Tony Wu and German Cheung) of the Walled City fighting to defend each other and their community from triad attack. The light-footed, heavy-hearted world of the film unfurls like a modern-day jianghu where both brotherhood and vendettas are inked in blood. With its large-scale set design, encompassing art direction and extended action set pieces, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In is a feast for the eyes and a treat for fans of Hong Kong action.

VIOLET'S PICKS

Exhuma

Exhuma may sound like an exorcism horror movie just from its synopsis, but it turns out to be a creature feature with unexpected historical context. One of the most phenomenal Korean films of the year, Jang Jae Hyun's award-winning occult feature demonstrates the country's lesser-known shamanism culture, traditional folklore and exhumation rituals through the haunting story of an ominous grave that hides an ancestral family curse and deep-rooted wrath. Choi Min Sik, Kim Go Eun, Yu Hae Jin and Lee Do Hyun deliver gripping performances as a feng shui master, two shamans and a mortician who unearth the twisty and impactful mystery. Visually stimulating and, at times, gruesome elements align with a powerful storyline that leads the audience into a paranormal world of the unknown.

Godzilla Minus One ゴジラ-1.0

Haikyu!! the Movie: The Dumpster Battle

The much anticipated face-off between Karasuno High School and Nekoma High School finally arrives in Haikyu!! the Movie: The Dumpster Battle, the first film of the two-part finale of Furudate Haruichi's beloved volleyball anime. In its 85-minute run, The Dumpster Battle continues Karasuno High's unstoppable journey at the Spring National Tournament, where they are destined for a decisive match against longtime rival Nekoma High to fight for a spot in the quarterfinals. The anime blockbuster thrills with intense rallies and amazing plays in this massive "promised match," and also stirs hearts with the strong determination, unbreakable teamwork and supportive friendship between the two teams. Visually stunning as always, Haikyu!! never disappoints with its animation – the only complaint is that this film is too short! Spoiler alert: the Kenma POV shot near the end of the game is an absolute work of art.

Jeong-sun

Winning Grand Prize in the Korean Competition of the 23rd Jeonju International Film Festival, the somber drama Jeong-sun delves into trauma and injustice in the aftermath of sexual cyberbullying. Middle-aged factory worker Jeong Sun (Kim Geum Soon) finds her life upturned after her private video is spread among co-workers without her consent. As the victim, she dismally faces shaming from colleagues, and even worse, the offender and her partner in the workplace, which takes no responsibility for the situation. Apart from providing the protagonist's perspective, the feminist film observes the importance of emotional support from the victim's family, and reflects on Korea's policies and legal system that are of no help to victims of digital sex crime.

The Lyricist Wannabe

Hong Kong writer-director Norris Wong captures her young life as an aspiring lyricist in the autobiographical film The Lyricist Wannabe. Up-and-coming actress Chung Suet Ying charms as heroine Sze on her dream-chasing journey from a creative high schooler with a freewheeling soul to an adult confronting reality checks every other day. Together with a fresh-faced cast that includes ANSONBEAN and Sabrina Ng, The Lyricist Wannabe takes a deep dive into an oft-overlooked occupation, sharing fun insider know-how on Cantonese lyric-writing techniques as well as the harsh realities of the Cantopop music industry. Realistically, the bittersweet tale shows that not everything goes according to plan in life, even if we have given our best. The Lyricist Wannabe is a love letter to all dreamers who strive hard to make things happen, no matter the challenges and results. Perhaps winning Best Original Film Song at the 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards is the perfect ending for the film as well as "lyricist" Norris Wong.

Picnic

Picnic

Veteran actresses Na Moon Hee and Kim Young Ok manifest their golden friendship on the silver screen in the Korean drama Picnic. Eun Sim (Na Moon Hee) and Geum Soon (Kim Young Ok) are longtime friends and in-laws who have counted on each other since their teenage years. Even in their golden years, they are unable to fully enjoy life – they quarrel with their kids, struggle over a friend's passing, and suffer hard when health problems kick in. In the twilight of life, the besties decide to leave everything behind and dress beautifully to go on their last picnic together. Rather than dwelling on sadness and burdens, Picnic focuses on how the seniors want to live a dignified life independently, and depicts the moving sisterhood between the lifelong friends who are like each other's tree roots.

Road to Boston

Taegukgi director Kang Je Gyu calls upon the significance of the Korean flag again in Road to Boston, which portrays the real-life story of Korean marathoners Sohn Kee Chung, Suh Yun Bok and Nam Sung Yong at the Boston Marathon in 1947. Sohn (Ha Jung Woo) won a gold medal at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, but he had to stand on the podium under Japan's flag. After Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, he coaches prodigy Suh (Im Si Wan) and Nam (Bae Sung Woo) in hopes of representing the Korean delegation in the Boston Marathon. From fundraising to uniforms, their road to Boston is never easy, but they persist with just one wish: to run with the flag of Korea. Beyond a sports drama, Road to Boston stirringly captures a patriotic moment in Korean history, recreated with the passionate atmosphere and natural pacing of the marathon race.

The Roundup: No Way Out

Just a year after throwing punches at Son Suk Goo in The Roundup, Ma Dong Seok is already back at work to wipe out more thugs in the third installment of the "Crime City" series. In The Roundup: No Way Out, detective Ma is assigned the challenging task of investigating a murder case that involves more crimes committed by corrupt cop Joo Sung Chul (Lee Joon Hyuk) who secretly works with Japanese drug dealer Ricky (Aoki Munetaka). Though the bad guys this time aren't as violently unhinged as Jang Chen from The Outlaws, No Way Out brings new surprises with its two-villain setup while punching out a clear and effective storyline with plentiful big fights and occasional big laughs. This blockbuster Korean franchise is still the best popcorn movie choice!

Walker

Walker

Following Bleak Night and After My Death, the Korean Academy of Film Arts presents another film project that walks the dark tunnel of youth. Directed by Seo Jung Won, Walker stars Ahn Ji Ho as troubled high schooler Jeong Hoon who endures domestic violence and school bullying on a daily basis. His pain keeps growing, and even his one small comfort zone at school abandons him. When Jeong Hoon finally blows up, the angst-ridden teen realizes that he mirrors the behavior of his abusive father. This poignant coming-of-age tale sheds light on how family dynamics can traumatically affect an adolescent hopelessly yearning for the light at the end of the tunnel.

BEST BLU-RAY

1. The Boy and the Heron (4K Ultra HD)
2. A Dwarf Launches a Little Ball
3. Failan (Limited Edition)
4. Kung Fu Hustle (Limited Steelbook)
5. Marry My Dead Body Gift Set
6. Memories of Murder (Steelbook Limited Edition)
7. Otoko wa Tsurai yo (4K Ultra HD)
8. Paprika (4K Ultra HD Steelbook)
9. Suzume (Japan Collector's Edition)
10. Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In (Limited Edition)

BEST SOUNDTRACKS

1. 12:12: The Day
2. 18x2 Beyond Youthful Days
3. 52-Hertz Whales
4. Band Four
5. Cells at Work!
6. The Colors Within
7. The Last Dance
8. Look Back
9. The Lyricist Wannabe
10. Silent Love

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Published December 27, 2024

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