Quick! What countries come to mind when you hear the term ‘foreign cinema’? Chances are South Korea wasn’t the first (or second, or third, or fourth or…) that would come to mind. Which is honestly a shame, because Koreans can flat out make movies.
While most Americans might be more familiar with the filmmaking efforts in China and Japan, Asian cultures (and a certain, often Hot Topic-skewing, segment of the American population) have been devouring Korean movies for decades.
Director Joon-ho Bong, whose 2006 hit The Host currently ranks fourth all-time in Korean ticket sales, is one of the Korean new wave’s shining stars. His newest film, Okja, a Netflix Original was released on the streaming service and on limited screens in the U.S. on June 28th.
Bong previously dipped his toes into English language and cross-cultural filmmaking with 2013’s, Snowpiercer. It’s easy to see by the fan and critical reactions to both that movie and ‘Okja’, he will likely continue this career path. Based on his technically beautiful approach alone, he’ll likely be able to pull an AngSteven Yeun Lee and become an Asian film maker that is able to work both domestically and in the Hollywood system with great success. (Speaking of Asian directors who were given large-budget Marvel movies, it’d be interesting to see what Bong could do with a $150 million Doctor Strange movie…though he reportedly wasn’t thrilled with the process of making the much more low-stakes ‘Snowpiercer’ for $40 million ).
Okja, a US-Korean joint production, stars both Korean and American actors (and one Korean-American actor in Steven Yeun) and, though shot mostly in English, about one-third of the dialogue is delivered in Korean. For an interesting look into Yeun’s character and how the Korea/English language dynamic plays an important part in the film, click here.
The plot focuses on a Korean farm girl, Mija (played with a natural and enjoyable earnestness by Seo-Hyun Ahn), and her relationship with Okja, a hippo sized ‘Super Pig’ that Mija needs to rescue form the evil corporation trying to take her away. But the central conflicts at play are, at best, a little muddled.
I mean, the evil corporation (the fictional Mirano Corp.) did give Okja to Mija and her grandfather (Hee-Bong Byun) in the first place. And they did pay them to raise her. And they did make it abundantly clear they were going to take her back some day. And the current CEO (played with a cartoonish but somewhat moving earnestness by Tilda Swinton) is trying to distance the company form their world-destroying past. And, though Mirando Corp. wants to turn the Super Pigs into food, we do see Mija using Okja to catch fish for stew and her grandfather definitely raises other livestock on the farm to eat. We’re also told, albeit through a Mirando promotional video, that the Super Pigs could possibly produce more food for starving people all while leaving a smaller impact on the environment. So…maybe evil is a bit strong?
While this type of complex dynamic could mean that the audience is left to draw their own conclusions and that we’re not meant to pick sides so easily. This film, however, definitely draws our conclusions for us in pretty dark and unambiguous terms. The problem seems to lie in the weird tonal shift the movie goes through.
The opening act, sets up a movie that promises a surreal and heart-felt adventure. The naturalistic acting from the Korean actors clashes well with the over-the-top performances from Swinton and Jake Gyllenhaal, who plays a once-beloved TV presenter reduced to the role of a current corporate shill (and with the voice of Richard Kind on cocaine and helium).
There’s an early action sequence where Okja leads a chase through a Korean shopping center that is fantastic and simply brilliant from a technical standpoint. Bong, cinematographer Darius Khondji and special effects coordinator Jeff Brink are a fantastic team and I left act one excited for what was to come.
Unfortunately, once the action moves to America, the Korean actors disappear for long stretches and the hyper-exaggerated American performances have nothing to ground them and often vere towards grating. The style and surreal feel of the film became lost in a weird, but not wholly unenjoyable, mishmash of a corporate drama (Swinton is fighting off her sister for control of the company/we see that Mirando’s ‘earth friendly’ claims are a little too good to be true) and a soft-core heist film anchored by Paul Dano (who can play irritatingly sanctimonious almost as well as he can play conniving and weasley).
By the end of the film, we’re happy with the way Mija’s story ends but it’s hard to reconcile the other storylines with the movie we were promised in the first act. In all, it is a gorgeously shot and mostly well acted film that you would be forgiven for choosing to turn off, or at least tune out, once you no longer have to read the subtitles.
Rating: 3/5 Stars – See it for the surprisingly good action sequences, a glimpse at the soon-to-be-a-star Seo-Hyun Ahn, and because your film nerd friends won’t stop insisting you that you have to.

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five quintessential Indian love stories that have left an indelible mark on audiences.
I’ve curated a list of five quintessential Indian love stories that have left an indelible mark on audiences. Each film is a testament to the rich tapestry of romance in Indian cinema, blending compelling narratives with stellar performances.

1. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Runtime: 3 hours 9 minutes
Actors: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol
Writer: Aditya Chopra
Director: Aditya Chopra
Studio: Yash Raj Films
Synopsis: A timeless tale of love, the film follows Raj and Simran, who meet during a European vacation and fall in love, only to face familial opposition upon returning to India.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

2. Jab We Met (2007)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Runtime: 2 hours 18 minutes
Actors: Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor
Writer: Imtiaz Ali
Director: Imtiaz Ali
Studio: Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd.
Synopsis: A heartwarming story of a depressed businessman who finds a new lease on life after meeting a spirited and talkative girl on a train journey.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

3. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Runtime: 2 hours 40 minutes
Actors: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone
Writer: Ayan Mukerji, Hussain Dalal (dialogues)
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Studio: Dharma Productions
Synopsis: The film explores the journey of four friends, focusing on the evolving relationship between Bunny and Naina, as they navigate love, dreams, and friendship.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

4. Barfi! (2012)
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Runtime: 2 hours 31 minutes
Actors: Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Ileana D’Cruz
Writer: Anurag Basu
Director: Anurag Basu
Studio: UTV Motion Pictures
Synopsis: Set in the 1970s, the film tells the story of a mute and deaf man named Barfi and his relationships with two women, highlighting love beyond societal norms.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

5. Manmarziyaan (2018)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Runtime: 2 hours 35 minutes
Actors: Abhishek Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal
Writer: Kanika Dhillon
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Studio: Phantom Films, Aanand L. Rai
Synopsis: A contemporary love triangle that delves into the complexities of modern relationships, commitment, and the choices individuals make in love.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.
These films encapsulate the essence of Indian romance, each offering a unique perspective on love and relationships. They are readily available for streaming, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in these captivating tales.
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the Top 10 List of Korean Romance Dramas with details on where you can stream them


1. Crash Landing on You (2019–2020)
Cast: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin
Director: Lee Jung-hyo
Writer: Park Ji-eun
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary: A South Korean heiress crash-lands in North Korea and is rescued by a North Korean officer. Their love transcends borders in this heartfelt drama.
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2. Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) (2016–2017)
Cast: Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook
Director: Lee Eung-bok
Writer: Kim Eun-sook
Episodes: 16 (+ 3 special episodes)
Where to Watch: Viki, Amazon Prime Video
Summary: A goblin cursed with immortality seeks his bride, the only one who can end his eternal life. This story is packed with humor, heartache, and breathtaking visuals.

3. Descendants of the Sun (2016)
Cast: Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo
Director: Lee Eung-bok
Writer: Kim Eun-sook, Kim Won-seok
Episodes: 16 (+ 3 special episodes)
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
Summary: A soldier and a doctor navigate love amidst war zones and life-threatening decisions.

4. Itaewon Class (2020)
Cast: Park Seo-joon, Kim Da-mi
Director: Kim Sung-yoon
Writer: Gwang Jin (based on a webtoon)
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary: A determined young man opens a bar in Itaewon to seek revenge against a corrupt company while discovering unexpected love.

5. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018)
Cast: Park Seo-joon, Park Min-young
Director: Park Joon-hwa
Writer: Jung Kyung-yoon (novel), Jung Eun-young (screenplay)
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
Summary: A narcissistic CEO is baffled when his loyal secretary announces her resignation, leading to a romantic and comedic journey.

6. My Love from the Star (2013–2014)
Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Jun Ji-hyun
Director: Jang Tae-yoo
Writer: Park Ji-eun
Episodes: 21
Where to Watch: Viki, Hulu
Summary: A centuries-old alien living on Earth falls for a famous actress, creating a love story that blends sci-fi with romance.

7. Hotel Del Luna (2019)
Cast: IU, Yeo Jin-goo
Director: Oh Choong-hwan
Writers: Hong Jung-eun, Hong Mi-ran
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
Summary: A mystical hotel for ghosts, run by a cursed and captivating woman, sets the stage for a love story that spans lifetimes.

8. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)
Cast: Kim Tae-ri, Nam Joo-hyuk
Director: Jung Ji-hyun
Writer: Kwon Do-eun
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary: Set during the 1997 financial crisis, a teenage fencer and a young man bond over dreams and hardships in this nostalgic romance.

9. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016–2017)
Cast: Lee Sung-kyung, Nam Joo-hyuk
Director: Oh Hyun-jong
Writer: Yang Hee-seung
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
Summary: A young weightlifter navigates love, friendship, and self-discovery in this charming romantic comedy.

10. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)
Cast: Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho
Director: Yoo Je-won
Writer: Shin Ha-eun
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary: A big-city dentist moves to a seaside village and finds love and healing with a local handyman in this heartwarming tale.
These dramas are available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Viki, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, making them easy to access for fans worldwide.
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Top-five list of romantic Japanese anime


1. Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso)
Director: Kyohei Ishiguro
Writer: Takao Yoshioka (screenplay), Naoshi Arakawa (manga)
Animation Studio: A-1 Pictures
Genre: Romance, Drama, Music
Runtime: Approx. 22 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 22
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
Synopsis: A talented young pianist, Kosei Arima, loses his ability to hear the piano after his mother’s death. His world changes when he meets the spirited violinist Kaori Miyazono, who teaches him to embrace music and life again.

2. Fruits Basket (2019 Reboot)
Director: Yoshihide Ibata
Writer: Taku Kishimoto (screenplay), Natsuki Takaya (manga)
Animation Studio: TMS Entertainment
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Slice of Life
Runtime: Approx. 23 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 63 (3 seasons)
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
Synopsis: Orphaned Tohru Honda moves in with the mysterious Soma family, who harbor a magical curse: members transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Amid unraveling secrets, she finds love and healing.

3. Toradora!
Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai
Writer: Mari Okada (screenplay), Yuyuko Takemiya (light novel)
Animation Studio: J.C. Staff
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Slice of Life
Runtime: Approx. 25 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 25
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix, HIDIVE
Synopsis: Ryuuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka strike an unlikely alliance to help each other win over their crushes, only to discover their feelings for each other along the way.

4. Violet Evergarden
Director: Taichi Ishidate
Writer: Reiko Yoshida (screenplay), Kana Akatsuki (light novel)
Animation Studio: Kyoto Animation
Genre: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
Runtime: Approx. 25 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 13 + Special + Movies
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Synopsis: Violet, a former child soldier, seeks purpose as a ghostwriter and learns about love and human emotion through her clients’ stories.

5. Snow White with the Red Hair (Akagami no Shirayuki-hime)
Director: Masahiro Ando
Writer: Deko Akao (screenplay), Sorata Akizuki (manga)
Animation Studio: Bones
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama
Runtime: Approx. 24 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 24 (2 seasons)
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Synopsis: Shirayuki, a herbalist with red hair, flees her kingdom after catching the attention of a lecherous prince. She finds a new home and love with Prince Zen of the neighboring kingdom.