Asian Cinema

 

Trying to keep track of the wonderful films available from Asia countries gets to be a bit bewildering. These sites have all proved to be invaluable in that self imposed task.The hugely popular  IMDB is, in my opinion, only a moderately useful starting point to research directors, cast, etc. I personally have a problem however, with many of the haphazard conventions they employ towards Asian films in particular. Like their “system” of transliteration of Asian titles. This makes the use of “Original Titles” almost meaningless at times. The Korean transliteration is often abominable, and the Chinese does not follow the standard  of Mainland Putonghua for the transliteration of Mandarin or Cantonese. They also insist on westernizing all Asian names, even when it makes no sense. Most Westerners know who Zhang Yimou and Zhang Ziyi are by now. Zhang is both their surname, and is properly  (as well as respectfully and  politely) placed first in Asian culture. IMDB lists them as Yimou Zhang & Ziyi Zhang even though they are already known  universally by the Asian methodology. 

KOREAN

Korean Filn Organization: Darcy Paquets site is the most comprehensive listing on-line. I don’t always agree with all the reviews, but they are still thoughtful and well reasoned, and provide ample food for thought.

Han Cinema Net : A search-able Korean movie & drama database.

JAPANESE

Midnight Eye : Covers a fairly broad section of Japanese Cinema, including silent era films. Includes articles, interviews, film & book reviews.

SaruDama : Mainly focused on Cult and Indie films of Japan. The reviews are humorous and insightful.

CHINESE

Love Hong Kong Film: Although focusing primarily on Hong Kong releases, the site includes an extensive review section for Panasian Cinema.

Kung Fu Cult Cinema: Good perspective on some of the less mainstream films.

Hong Kong Film Net: Alphabetical index of reviews by English title for Hong Kong Cinema.

Chinese Movie Database : Current news on releases of films, DVDs and books on Chinese Cinema

PANASIAN (includes above countries as well as Taiwan, Thailand, & India)

Beyond Hollywood: Fairly broad coverage of general release Panasian Cinema as well as European & US Indie releases. A bit difficult to navigate.

Twitch Film: Panasian + Global reviews for Mainstream, Cult and Indie releases. There’s a special listing of Seldom Seen films that is worth checking.

Senses Of Cinema : Global coverage focused on serious and  eclectic film discussion.

Actually getting to see  many Asian releases is a time consuming ordeal at times. Most major cities have Asian film festivals, but the selections are often limited. Video rental chains like Blockbuster only stock copies of the most popular, and not necessarily the best, releases. Rental stores in “Asian” communities (Chinatowns) are a better resource. Nearly all films released through Hong Kong (which often includes HK versions of Korean & Japanese films) have an English subtitle option. I found a wonderful Korean rental place inside a Korean Grocery. More than half the shop space is devoted to rental of DVDs and a Manga reading library. Overall Japanese films have been the hardest to track down. Many DVDs released in Japan are not only expensive collector editions, but have no subtitles at all. The following links are for reputable on-line resources, which have fairly easy to navigate sites in English. Generally prices are listed in Asian currency, with drop down conversion lists. $60 HK seems expensive until converted: It is only $7.69 US 

DVD Retailers specializing in Asian Film.

DDDHouse: Broad selection of current releases. Back-list of most of the better known films as well. Very Good prices and Highly recommended on the forums.

Yes Asia : A huge site covering all of Panasian film, toys, music, collectibles based in US. Depending on where you purchase from prices varying. Very large selection, reputable service, but sometimes pricey. NOTE: Not all their DVDs have subtitles.

Sensasian: Primarily sells Hong Kong or Malaysian versions of releases. Prices are excellent, but sometimes not all stock is currently available. The only complaint I’ve heard is that they will back-order without notification, so shipping might be unpredictable.

Asia Cult Cinema: Excellent source of hard to find films. Contains general synopsis, no reviews. They publish a subscription magazine as well. Prices are good to very good.

CD Japan : Original Japanese releases of Movies and Music, many with English subtitles. Many also Expensive!