W2TCH

850 Essential Films in Tom Vick’s Asian Cinema

846 titles

Default orderPopularityIMDb ratingTMDB ratingRelease dateRuntimeTitleBudgetBox officeAscending
  1. 801Conduct ZeroMovie · 2002 · 99mJoong-pil, the school's most intimidating bully, experiences a complete shift in his world when he develops feelings for a classmate. His usual behaviors – smoking, drinking, constant swearing, and bullying younger students – suddenly feel wrong. Stripped of his tough exterior, Joong-pil questions who he is without his aggression. He might discover the answer lies with this girl, if he can figure out how to connect with her.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.8
  2. 802Takeshis'Movie · 2005 · 108m · Comedy, Drama, FantasyBeat Takeshi navigates the hectic and occasionally bizarre world of fame. He encounters Kitano, a quiet convenience store worker who bears a striking resemblance to him. Kitano, an aspiring actor still seeking his opportunity, starts experiencing vivid dreams of living as Beat after their meeting.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.1
  3. 803NishantMovie · 1975 · 136mWhen his wife is kidnapped, a man fights for justice but finds no one willing to assist him. Separately, the wife, subjected to abuse and harsh treatment by her captors, struggles with the emotional difficulty of confronting her husband.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.0
  4. 804Painted FireMovie · 2002 · 120m · Drama, HistoryAmidst political and social turmoil in 19th century Korea, the unconventional, self-taught painter Jang Seung-up cultivates his artistic ability within a restrictive environment.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0
  5. 805Or (My Treasure)Movie · 2004 · 95mOr, 17 or 18, juggles school, a restaurant job, and recycling to support herself and her mother, Ruthie, in Tel Aviv. Or struggles to keep Ruthie from returning to streetwalking, despite Ruthie’s affectionate calls of "my treasure." Recently out of the hospital and frail, Ruthie is now working as a house cleaner, but the lure of easy money on the streets is strong. Or’s feelings are complicated further when the mother of the boy Or loves visits to warn her away. With love slipping away and Ruthie seemingly unable to change, Or faces difficult decisions.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8
  6. 806VibratorMovie · 2003 · 94mRei, a writer struggling with inner turmoil, battles insomnia, eating disorders, and a constant barrage of voices in her head. On Valentine's Day, she encounters truck driver Takatoshi and impulsively joins him on a trip in his rickety truck. The vehicle’s jarring movements seem to mirror Rei’s own emotional instability.IMDb 6.9TMDB 5.9
  7. 807Nina's TragediesMovie · 2003 · 106mNadav and his Aunt Nina share a relationship that defies easy explanation, marked by intense emotional peaks and valleys.IMDb 6.9TMDB 5.2
  8. 808That Day, on the BeachMovie · 1983 · 166m · Drama, RomanceAfter thirteen years apart, two old friends reconnect. One, a successful concert pianist returning from international acclaim in Europe, is met by the other, who is starting a new business. The film follows their attempts to rebuild their friendship, as they adjust to the changes life has brought them. They share memories and consider what the future holds, all set against a backdrop of music and fresh starts. This moving story explores the lasting importance of friendship and its impact on our lives.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5
  9. 809Days of Being WildMovie · 1990 · 94m · Crime, Drama, RomanceYuddy, a charming playboy in Hong Kong, discovers the woman he believed to be his mother is not his biological mother. This revelation sparks an emotional journey as Yuddy seeks to understand his true origins. His search for his real mother forces him to reconsider his relationships and his understanding of love and loyalty. The film follows Yuddy's transformation from a carefree playboy into a man who appreciates the bonds he has built. Blending drama, mystery, and self-discovery, the story explores Yuddy's emotional world as he confronts his newfound knowledge and searches for answers, balancing humor and heartbreak.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3
  10. 810HulkMovie · 2003 · 138m · Science Fiction, Adventure, ActionBruce Banner, a genetics researcher haunted by a difficult history, is exposed to a large amount of radiation in his lab. This exposure triggers a transformation, causing him to become a powerful, uncontrollable green monster whenever he experiences anger.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.6
  11. 811Taipei StoryMovie · 1985 · 120m · DramaIn Taipei, a young woman navigates the difficulties of building her life. She relies on her boyfriend, Lung, for stability and guidance. But Lung's past – memories of playing baseball and a strong sense of loyalty – leads him into financial problems. He spends his life savings trying to help her father, which strains their relationship and threatens their future together. The film explores ambition, love, and the conflict between holding onto the past and pursuing an uncertain future.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5
  12. 812Death by HangingMovie · 1968 · 118m · Comedy, DramaA Korean man is wrongly convicted of a crime in Japan and sentenced to death. Unexpectedly, he survives the execution, throwing the Japanese authorities into chaos. The film follows a tense chase as the protagonist evades Japanese officials desperate to conceal his survival from the public and within their own corrupt system. While fighting to prove his innocence, he uncovers the dark forces behind his false conviction. The movie explores themes of justice, identity, and cultural differences, building suspense with its intricate plot and compelling characters. It's a gripping story about challenging societal norms and the consequences when the impossible occurs.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4
  13. 813Riding Alone for Thousands of MilesMovie · 2005 · 109m · DramaFisherman Takada has been distant from his son for years. When his son is diagnosed with a terminal illness, his daughter-in-law, Rie, asks him to come to the hospital. Facing challenges and connecting with others, Takada unexpectedly finds a deeper understanding of himself and his son.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1
  14. 814Play While You PlayMovie · 1981 · 90mA photographer and her boyfriend visit a coastal village in Penghu. While there, she forms a relationship with a blind man. Back in Taipei, where he is preparing for surgery to regain his vision, their bond deepens.IMDb 5.9TMDB 6.1
  15. 815Happy TogetherMovie · 1997 · 96m · Drama, RomanceTwo men from Hong Kong travel to Argentina hoping for peace and a fresh start. As they explore the country and settle into a new life, their relationship is tested, revealing underlying problems. The film contrasts the beautiful Argentine landscape with the couple's emotional struggles, exploring love, separation, and the difficulties faced by same-sex couples. Their journey reveals a complex mix of affection, loss, and strength as they search for belonging in an unfamiliar place. This film is a thoughtful look at relationships and the pursuit of happiness, suggesting that sometimes the unexpected paths we take reveal the most about ourselves and our bonds with others.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.6
  16. 816Cavalry CommandMovie · 1958 · 77mIn 1902, an American cavalry brigade arrives in a small Filipino village tasked with suppressing guerilla fighters in the nearby jungle. The soldiers collaborate with the local population to construct essential infrastructure like roads, schools, and bridges, demonstrating that an army's strength lies in "good will and integrity."IMDb 5.1TMDB 5.0
  17. 817GenealogyMovie · 1979 · 107mDuring the Japanese occupation of Korea, a Japanese official is tasked with convincing a prominent Korean elder to legally change his family name to a Japanese one.IMDb 7.0TMDB 5.7
  18. 818Sister Stella L.Movie · 1984 · 103mA nun working as a counselor in a home for unwed mothers begins to question her world when a friend from her religious order encourages her to participate in the fight for workers' rights at a cooking oil company.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7
  19. 819Save the LifeguardMovie · 1977 · 90mThis comedy follows the everyday lives of a lifeguard working at Gordon Beach and his group of friends.IMDb 6.4TMDB 5.8
  20. 820Dark WaterMovie · 2002 · 101m · Horror, Mystery, ThrillerDivorcing, a woman and her young daughter relocate to a strange apartment building. Their apartment features a persistent, ominous leak in the ceiling.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8
  21. 821Goopy Gyne Bagha ByneMovie · 1969 · 129mBanished from their villages for their musical mishaps, Goopy Gyne and Bagha Byne find an unlikely ally in the king of ghosts, who grants them three wishes. Now, they must use their newfound power to avert a looming war between the kingdoms of Halla and Shundi.IMDb 8.6TMDB 7.6
  22. 822No One's ArkMovie · 2003 · 111mDaisuke and his girlfriend are struggling to sell their pungent health drink, Akajiru, and now owe five million yen. To get back on their feet, they return to Daisuke's island home.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.3
  23. 823Eighteen SpringsMovie · 1997 · 126mShanghai, 1930s. A young woman working in an office develops feelings for a factory worker who shares her workplace.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.4
  24. 824Laila and MajnunMovie · 1934Leila Majnun is a classic Arabian love story, similar to Romeo and Juliet but with influences from One Thousand and One Nights. The story follows two lovers, Leila and Majnun, whose relationship is forbidden by societal norms. This rejection leads Majnun to despair and madness, earning him the name "Majnun," which means "madness" in Arabic.TMDB 5.0
  25. 825My Blueberry NightsMovie · 2007 · 95m · Drama, RomanceFollowing a difficult breakup, Elizabeth decides to pursue her dreams by moving across the country, leaving her past behind. To finance her journey, she works as a waitress. Along the way, she encounters people struggling with their own deep desires, and their emotional journeys help Elizabeth confront and understand her own issues.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.4
  26. 826Blissfully YoursMovie · 2002 · 128m · Drama, RomanceMin, an undocumented Burmese immigrant in Thailand, develops a painful, unexplained rash on his upper body. His girlfriend, Roong, and a woman named Orn bring him to a doctor. Min feigns an inability to speak, claiming a lack of fluency in Thai, to avoid revealing his immigration status.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.6
  27. 827Chronicle of a DisappearanceMovie · 1996 · 88mChronicle of a Disappearance presents a series of distinct scenes, many featuring characters or events that don't connect throughout the film. These include a Palestinian actress searching for an apartment in West Jerusalem, a souvenir shop owner preparing for Japanese tourists, a group of elderly women gossiping, and an Israeli police van where soldiers stop to relieve themselves.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.5
  28. 828TogetherMovie · 2002 · 116m · DramaA gifted young violinist, Xiaochun, and his father travel to Beijing in pursuit of fame and wealth. They quickly find themselves immersed in a ruthless world of intense competition. When Xiaochun is taken in by a renowned music tutor, his path to success appears clear – until a startling revelation threatens to shatter everything. Forced to make an agonizing decision, Xiaochun must decide if he can attain the recognition his father desires without sacrificing the unique passion that defines him.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.9
  29. 829The HoleMovie · 1999 · 95m · Drama, Romance, Science FictionAs 1999 ends, a mysterious plague devastates Taiwan, leaving few survivors in a desolate, rain-soaked world. An isolated plumber finds himself unexpectedly responsible for an unfinished job and a new passage connecting his home to the apartment below. While trying to fix the damage, he develops a unique relationship with the woman who lives there, forged by circumstance and the eerie quiet of a grieving nation. This story explores human connection and strength in the face of disaster, set against the haunting backdrop of a country struggling with an unprecedented crisis.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.9
  30. 830The ButterflyMovie · 2001 · 112mIn a near-future Korea, a virus that causes memory loss has become a popular tourist attraction for those wanting to forget their past. Anna Kim, a German woman with Korean heritage, seeks the virus to erase painful memories. During her search, she forms close relationships with her driver and a teenage guide.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.2
  31. 831DriftersMovie · 2003 · 120mHong Yunsheng, known as Little Brother, is often considered a disappointment by those around him. A Chinese national, he illegally boarded a ship to the United States and worked as a dishwasher in a restaurant owned by a family from his hometown in Fujian. After two years in the U.S., he had a child, Fusheng, with the restaurateur's daughter, Xuhui. Following this, he was deported back to China. Since then, he has struggled to find his place, creating tension with his older brother and his wife, who run a diner but are unable to have children. Little Brother finds emotional support in Wu Ruifang, a performer with a touring opera troupe, despite barely knowing her. His friend Monkey attempted the same stowaway journey, but died en route from exposure to toxic…IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.2
  32. 832The Bird People in ChinaMovie · 1998 · 118m · Adventure, DramaA hardworking Japanese businessman, Wada, travels to remote China seeking a jade mine. His expedition changes when he meets a determined yakuza who joins him in the search for wealth. Together, along with their local guide Shen, they journey through difficult landscapes and uncover unexpected truths that go beyond finding jade. The challenges they face test their strength, their values, and their beliefs. This adventure story explores self-discovery and the powerful connections forged between people brought together by hardship.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2
  33. 833Secret SunshineMovie · 2007 · 143m · DramaAfter her husband's death, Shin-ae relocates to his hometown, struggling to find her place in the quiet, unfamiliar community. Following a devastating event, she finds solace in Christianity, but even this comfort is denied to her, leading her to a defiant conflict with God.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2
  34. 834Weekend LoverMovie · 1995 · 98mA Xi is released from prison and immediately tries to reconnect with his former girlfriend, Li Xin. She is now involved with La La, a musician. A Xi and La La compete for Li Xin's affection, leading to increasing tension and violence between the two men.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.1
  35. 835Xiao Shan Going HomeMovie · 1995 · 59mFired from his job at the Hongyuan Restaurant, Xiao Shan decides to return to his hometown of Anyang after leaving Beijing. He seeks out old acquaintances – construction workers, scalpers, students, an attendant, and prostitutes – all fellow Beijing residents, but none are eager to join him. Discouraged and lost, he instead revisits friends still in the city. Ultimately, Xiao Shan symbolically relinquishes his life in Beijing by leaving his long hair at a roadside barber stand.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.6
  36. 836SholayMovie · 1975 · 198m · ActionIn a lawless frontier, justice is rare. A retired police officer, driven by grief and a desire for revenge after his family is murdered by the notorious bandit Gabbar Singh, must compromise his morals and team up with two skilled outlaws. They journey to Gabbar Singh's stronghold, facing difficult choices as they pursue him. Their quest is a dangerous path between finding justice and being consumed by vengeance in a world where trust is hard to find.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.0
  37. 837The Insect WomanMovie · 1963 · 123m · DramaIn 1918, Tome is born into a poor family in rural Japan. The film, "The Insect Woman," suggests her life is repetitive and cyclical, like an insect doomed to repeat its actions. Directed by Shohei Imamura, the story follows Tome's tireless attempts to escape her difficult life. She faces new obstacles and possibilities daily, navigating a world that often ignores her hardships. Imamura’s film presents a stark depiction of a woman’s strength in the face of hardship, highlighting the complicated relationship between personal will and societal limitations.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2
  38. 838ZubeidaaMovie · 2001 · 150mZubeidaa, a Muslim woman hoping to become an actress, marries a Hindu prince as his second wife. Her difficult marriage and personal struggles lead her to a choice with devastating results for everyone involved.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.2
  39. 839Bhuvan ShomeMovie · 1969 · 96mBhuvan Shome is a solitary widower, known for his strong will and strict ways. Reflecting on a life of unwavering resolve and a lack of joy, Bhuvan Shome, a deeply unenthusiastic man, decides to take a holiday to escape.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9
  40. 840Kala BazarMovie · 1960 · 163mA man working in the illegal movie ticket trade experiences a shift in perspective when he falls in love.IMDb 7.3TMDB 5.7
  41. 841MandalaMovie · 1981 · 111mThis film explores the lives and relationships of two Buddhist monks in South Korea.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.3
  42. 842LiesMovie · 2000 · 112mA Korean high school student and a married sculptor develop a deeply intimate relationship involving sexual exploration, sadomasochistic themes, and romantic love.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.6
  43. 843The Road HomeMovie · 1999 · 89m · Drama, RomanceThis film follows a man as he deals with his father's death and his mother's grief. His present struggles are interwoven with flashbacks that show the early days of his parents' relationship. We see a younger version of his parents as they meet and build a connection, navigating life together. The story blends past and present to explore love, loss, family, and personal growth. The film balances nostalgia and sadness, reminding us of life's fragility and the strength of relationships. It presents an emotional yet hopeful look at love that endures.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5
  44. 844ClimatesMovie · 2006 · 98m · DramaPeople are meant to find happiness easily, and be unhappy for equally simple reasons – just as they are born for simple reasons and die for even simpler ones. Isa and Bahar, both feeling isolated, navigate the shifting landscapes of their own emotions in a search for a happiness that has slipped away.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8
  45. 845KillerMovie · 1999 · 80mMarat is a driver in Almaty, Kazakhstan. His life changes forever when he has an accident involving a Mercedes. To cover the costs, he takes out a loan, which unexpectedly binds him to a dangerous Mafia boss.IMDb 6.8TMDB 4.5
  46. 846I Love YouMovie · 2002 · 97mAfter a painful breakup with her first love, a young woman begins a relationship with his best friend, hoping for a fresh start. Together, they try to build a future free from the shadows of the past.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.4