‘Butterfly’ Review: Daniel Dae Kim and Reina Hardesty Anchor Amazon’s Asian-Led Spy Thriller
Amazon’s “Butterfly” marks a cultural milestone, with Daniel Dae Kim finally stepping into his first romantic lead after thirty years in Hollywood. The spy thriller blends Korean and American influences, highlighted by Reina Hardesty’s breakout role and appearances from Kim Tae-hee, Kim Ji-hoon, and “Squid Game” star Park Hae-soo.
Film Review: Andrew Ahn’s ‘The Wedding Banquet’ Reimagines a Queer Classic with Humor, Tension, and Generational Reckoning
In an industry still hesitant to fund stories like this, “The Wedding Banquet” is a welcome and necessary entry into a library that’s far too thin. At a time when both LGBTQIA+ and Asian American communities continue to face backlash and erasure, films like this remind us why visibility matters—not in a surface-level sense, but…
Shirley Chen and Amy Wang Deliver SXSW Winner with Satirical, Genre-Bending Thriller Film ‘Slanted’
Debuting at SXSW, Amy Wang’s “Slanted” delivers a sharp and fearless take on identity, assimilation, and self-worth, wrapped in dark humor and body horror. The film, which won Best Narrative Feature, cements Wang as a filmmaker to watch, tackling heavy themes with a biting satirical edge. Anchored by Shirley Chen, McKenna Grace, Vivian Wu, Maitreyi… Continue reading Shirley Chen and Amy Wang Deliver SXSW Winner with Satirical, Genre-Bending Thriller Film ‘Slanted’
Gillian McKercher’s “Lucky Star” Brings an Authentic Asian-Canadian Story to SBIFF
The 2025 Santa Barbara International Film Festival has once again proven to be a hub for groundbreaking cinema, and among this year’s standout selections is “Lucky Star”, a gripping drama that offers a fresh perspective on the Asian-Canadian experience.
Continue reading Gillian McKercher’s “Lucky Star” Brings an Authentic Asian-Canadian Story to SBIFF
Squid Game Season 2 Review: High Stakes, Richer Stories, Mixed Results
Still must watch TV if you were a fan of the first season and there are characters to fall in love with. But the season finale felt ridiculous and of course, didn’t carry the punch of the conclusion of the game in Season 1.
Continue reading Squid Game Season 2 Review: High Stakes, Richer Stories, Mixed Results
“Dìdi” Captures the Heartbreak and Humor of Growing Up Asian American
(This article originally appeared on Awards Focus) There’s a moment in Sean Wang’s “Dìdi” that stopped me cold: Chris Wang, a Taiwanese American teen in Fremont, California, quietly questioning where he fits—torn between the comfort of his Asian friends and the appeal of the white skater kids he hopes will see him as “cool.” That… Continue reading “Dìdi” Captures the Heartbreak and Humor of Growing Up Asian American
‘The Boy and the Heron’ Review: Miyazaki’s Final Film Is a Dreamlike Farewell to a Legendary Career
(This article first appeared on Awards Focus) It’s no exaggeration to say that Hayao Miyazaki’s body of work stands as one of the most influential in the history of animation. His films shaped generations of storytellers and audiences alike, including my own love for imaginative, emotionally rich storytelling. From “My Neighbor Totoro” to “Spirited Away,”… Continue reading ‘The Boy and the Heron’ Review: Miyazaki’s Final Film Is a Dreamlike Farewell to a Legendary Career
‘Joy Ride’ Pushes Boundaries With Heart, Humor, and a Few Stumbles
(This article originally appeared on Awards Focus) After the breakthroughs of “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and “Turning Red,” another important step for Asian American representation arrives with “Joy Ride,” directed by Adele Lim, the co-writer of “Crazy Rich Asians.” The film follows four childhood friends—Audrey (Ashley Park), Lolo (Sherry Cola), Kat (Stephanie Hsu), and… Continue reading ‘Joy Ride’ Pushes Boundaries With Heart, Humor, and a Few Stumbles
‘Past Lives’ – A Hauntingly Beautiful Meditation on Love, Fate, and Identity
As we head into the Oscars, “Past Lives” is my pick for Best Picture—even though it’s unlikely to win. Months after watching it, the film still lingers in my mind. It’s the kind of movie that doesn’t just end when the credits roll. It stays with you, creeping into quiet moments of reflection, making you… Continue reading ‘Past Lives’ – A Hauntingly Beautiful Meditation on Love, Fate, and Identity
‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ – The Wildest, Most Emotional Multiverse Film Yet
As an Asian American, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” wasn’t just a movie for me—it was an experience. The Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert) have made a film that defies genre, blending sci-fi, absurdist comedy, action, and heartfelt drama into something that feels completely unique. It’s a movie that’s chaotic and ridiculous one moment,… Continue reading ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ – The Wildest, Most Emotional Multiverse Film Yet