Joanna Marie O. Santos
July 14, 2022

Asian films have been around since the 500BC with the creation of shadow plays in China's Han Dynasty. It was later upscaled with the invention of the camera obscura in Iraq before transitioning into the Silent Film Era in the late 19th century to the early 20th century. It then carried on to the Golden Age in the mid-20th Century before the eve of Modern Asian Cinema.   Today, Asian films have made rounds around the world for their storytelling, impeccable graphics, and superb cinematography. Some Asian films have gone as far as being nominated for the Academy Awards. In this article, we present an ode to Asian cinema with the 12 best ones you can watch on Netflix Philippines.  

Top 12 Asian Flicks to Watch on Netflix

  Netflix has become one of the most in-demand streaming services in the world and in the Philippines. They’ve made rounds as a platform where most subscribers can have access to their favorite films and discover new ones while they’re there. They have several Asian movie offerings that are worth checking out if you’re hunting for something to binge-watch. We’ve prepared a list of some of the best films that you can watch on Netflix Philippines!    

High & Low Series

Image from Youtube[/caption]   High&Low is a movie series that centers on a town where an organization called Mugen used to exist. However, Mugen became a legend of the past when they couldn't bring down the Amamiya Brothers. Since then, five new gangs have formed, and the town has been named SWORD. Now, the film series focuses on the characters that form each of the five gangs in SWORD, namely the Sannoh Rengokai, White Rascals, Oya High School, Rude Boys, Daruma Ikka, Mighty Warriors, and DTC. Their central enemy throughout most of the series is the Kuryu Group - an alliance of organized crime groups that control Japan's underground. The High&Low film series is action-packed with just the right tinge of drama that's definitely worth the watch.    

Seven Sundays

Image from Netflix[/caption]   Hopping over to the Philippines, Seven Sundays is a Family Comedy-Drama that centers on the life of Manuel Bonifacio and his children. At the start of the film, Manuel is depressed as his children have left them to pursue their own lives. One day, Manuel gathers all his children to reveal that he only had seven weeks to live because of cancer. Because of this, the siblings reunite the family and help each other while spending time with their father during his remaining days with him.    

Incantation

  Image from The Review Geek[/caption]   Incantation is one of the more recent entries in this list. It's a 2022 Taiwanese horror film that made rounds around social media for its haunting tale. A 2005 Kaohsiung incident where a family claimed that deities inspired the film. It's a horror movie to watch if you're definitely looking for a fright. Remember that certain figures, hand gestures, symbols, and chants shown in the film are fictitious - hence, they should not be associated with Chinese tradition and folklore.    

Fullmetal Alchemist

Image from Distractify[/caption]   Fullmetal Alchemist is a 2017 live-action film based on the manga of the same name written by Hiromu Arakawa. It tackles the four volumes of the original storyline and stars some of the most popular Japanese actors including Ryosuke Yamada, Dean Fujioka, and Tsubasa Honda. The film centers on Edward and Alphonse Elric who begin their journey when they learn the nature of alchemy by enduring unmeasurable loss. Now, they must seek the philosopher's stone to repair the damage that had been done.    

Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral

  Image from DailyPedia[/caption]   Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral is a historical epic that recounts the life of the titular General Gregorio Del Pilar who died during the Philippine-American War - specifically during the Battle of Tirad Pass. The film is a sequel to Heneral Luna (2015). It follows the story of Gregorio Del Pilar and the Philippine Revolutionary Army after the assassination of General Antonio Luna. The film also recounts the death of the boy general and the capture of former President Emilio Aguinaldo, ending the war.    

3 Idiots

Image from Find Motivation[/caption]   3 Idiots is an Indian coming-of-age comedy-drama film that's captured the heart of many to where its worldwide gross reached $90million. It was also one of the highest-grossing Indian films to be made with its impact even going as far as affecting attitudes toward education in India and other Asian countries. The story follows the titular three idiots who are college friends as they navigate through the pressures of the Indian education system and other familial expectations. It's an inspirational film that’ll make you laugh and cry - best watch this if you need a bit of pick me up after a hard day.    

The Last Princess

Image from The Korea Times[/caption]   The Last Princess is a period drama film that tells the story of Princess Deokhye, the titular princess of the Joseon Dynasty after they forced her to move to Japan at 13 by the Imperial Japanese Army. The film recounts the princess' attempts to return to South Korea and how, after 38 years, she could finally return home. Prepare tissues when watching this because you will definitely need them!    

Tootsies & The Fake

Image from Netflix[/caption]   Tootsies and the Fake is a Thai LGBT comedy that follows a group of creative artists who rally together in an adventure filled with mayhem and mishaps after they accidentally knock out a superstar. While it is mostly a comedy, there is also a hint of drama in the film but all that just makes it one of the best Asian films to watch - especially if you're a fan of Thai films.    

Metamorphosis

  Image from HallyuSG[/caption]   Another South Korean title that makes it into this list of the best Asian films is 2019's Metamorphosis. The film follows the family of Gang-Goo, Myung-Joo, and their three children as they move into a new home. However, as they get settled into their new house, they encounter a demon who possesses their eldest child. Scared, they call for the help of Joong-Soo, a relative of theirs who also is a Catholic Priest. Now, Joong-Soo is on a mission to defeat the evil that dwells inside the home.

Death Note: Light Up The New World

Image from Inverse[/caption]   Finally, we return to give a nod to a Japanese staple with Death Note: Light Up The New World. The story takes place 10 years after Death Note 2: The Last Name and while the latter seemed to end the existence of Death Notes on Earth - Light Up the New World introduces the concept of having six Death Notes simultaneously existing on the planet at the same time. This sparks the interests of different individuals including a worshipper of Light Yagami, the successor of L, and the Death Note Task Force.  

Rurouni Kenshin: The Final

Image from East Mojo[/caption]   Based on the Japanese manga and anime of the same name, Rurouni Kenshin: The Final is the last film installment of the film series. The film adapts the final arc of the manga series albeit with a couple of changes in the story elements. It is one of the highest-grossing films of 2021 and tells the story of Kenshin's redemption and rivalry with Enishi. The fight choreography is considered to be one of the highlights of the film as well as the masterful interpretation of the story arc.  

Sweet & Sour

Image from The Cinemaholic[/caption]   Sweet & Sour revolves around the relationship of Jang Hyeok and Jung Da-Eun. At the start, Jang Hyeok was a sweet boyfriend until they drifted apart. Things take a turn for the worse when Jang Hyeok meets Han Bo-Yeong at a company that he is working for - now, his relationship with Jung Da-Eun is on the line as they try to make things work. The film is based on "Initiation Love" by Kurumi Inui which was released in 2004.   These are just some of the Asian films that you can watch on Netflix Philippines - there is more to discover and who knows, the next film you watch might just become your new favorite!