10 cult Asian films that reveal the secrets of the human soul

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

There is a special charm in Asian films that distinguishes these films from European or American cinema. They seem to contain some kind of oriental wisdom, an understanding of the secrets of the human soul and the movements of thought. Asian directors always boldly go for experiments, are not afraid of mixing genres and styles, fill each frame with a peculiar atmosphere. And every film from our today's review deserves the attention of the audience.

A Touch of Zen, 1971, Taiwan, Hong Kong, directed by King Hu

This film can rightfully be called a Chinese classic. It seems measured and unhurried, sometimes even boring, and only in the second part of the picture the viewer will have amazing discoveries. Here you can see the path of spiritual rebirth of the main characters, for which the trials prepared for them by fate become steps on the path of ascent.

"House of Flying Daggers", 2004, China, Hong Kong, director Zhang Yimou

This film is about love in the prism of history, about feelings that can save and heal. And also about justice and honor. Only the girl with whom the hero is in love is the daughter of the leader of the robbers, and on the way to the happiness of lovers there are numerous prohibitions and conventions. The film is somewhat similar to an exotic oriental fairy tale and it seems that in the finale, good must certainly defeat evil.

"Through the Snow", 2013, South Korea, Czech Republic, director Bong Joon-ho

The film is based on the graphic novel "Le Transperceneige" by Jacques Loba, and it tells about the post-apocalypse that followed a man-made disaster. Surviving people almost in full force find themselves in a huge train rushing through the icy silence of the world. This train never stops, and inside it events unfold that can both destroy injustice and lead to the death of survivors.

Kingdom, 2019, Japan, directed by Shinsuke Sato

The film, directed by Japanese filmmakers, tells the story of two orphaned young men who embark on a journey to meet their dreams. They dream, at least, of becoming major military leaders and conquering the lands of China. Fate turned out to be favorable to young people and allowed them to fully express themselves. But whether they used this chance, you can find out by plunging into the wonderful world of China in the third century BC.

Bitterness and Sweetness, 2005, South Korea, directed by Kim Ji-un

One of the best Asian films of recent times. An excellent thriller with a gripping and intriguing plot, stunning acting and amazing music, as if saturated with noir. "Bitterness and Sweetness" will make the viewer fall in love with director Kim Ji-un and re-watch all of his films. The picture, despite its criminal orientation, is filled with the deepest meaning and atmosphere.

"Empty House", 2004, South Korea, directed by Kim Ki Duk

An amazing story about a man who puts up advertisements, and in the evening gets into someone else's house, where the owner is absent, to spend the night and try on someone else's life. In one of the houses there was no owner, but there was a very sad and silent mistress, who has long suffered from her husband's cruelty. And he decides to go with the posters from house to house.

"Hero", 2002, China, Hong Kong, director Zhang Yimou

The cult Chinese film tells the story of a wise emperor and soldiers who plot to kill him. The film is imbued with the atmosphere of Ancient China and reflections on nobility and honor, wisdom and revenge, perennial grievances and the ability to forgive. This picture can be called a real work of art, and it is based on an amazingly beautiful ancient Chinese legend.

In the Mood for Love, 2000, Hong Kong, directed by Wong Kar-wai

The story begins with a sad discovery made by the neighbors. Quite by chance, they found out about the infidelity of their soul mates. At the same time, they cheat with their neighbors. Soo and Chou now have to somehow come to terms with this news and learn to live differently. And who could have imagined that the deceived spouses, as a result, gain much more than they lose ?!

Akira Kurosawa's Dreams, 1990, Japan, USA, directed by Akira Kurosawa and Isiro Honda

The autobiographical picture allows, together with the legendary director, to plunge into his dreams, which are filled with memories and fears, encounters with unknown and strange visions. And the viewer can only guess whether the director actually dreamed these eight dreams or did he come up with them to tell about himself?

"Spring, summer, autumn, winter … and spring again", 2003, South Korea, Germany, director Kim Ki Duk

An amazingly atmospheric film that allows you to immerse yourself in the life of the main characters and look at the world and what is happening in it through their eyes. In the spring everything around comes to life, and by winter it dies. A special wisdom of the universe is hidden in the change of seasons, and the film itself is literally saturated with the philosophy of Buddhism and disposes to unhurried contemplation and reflection on time and about oneself.

Eastern culture is wide and multifaceted, and Japan occupies a separate place in it. Talented artists, screenwriters and directors give the world not only amazing anime, but also touching dramas, fascinating, fabulous stories, and Japanese cinematographers make films that will leave few people indifferent.