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VIRAL EXCLUSIVE
Dec. 19, 2023
The Resounding Impact of Asian Cinema
For centuries, Hollywood had reigned supreme as the pinnacle of the television and entertainment industry. Nonetheless, the impeccable prowess of Asia’s remarkable talent and enthralling narratives had traversed boundaries and broken limits of what’s thought possible, carving an imprint on the international stage and altering the landscape of storytelling across the world. By: Wee Yan Ling
Asian television and entertainment has gone through a remarkable evolution, as it enthrals audiences internationally with its compelling narrative and mind-blowing twists. From the internationally acclaimed Old Boy from 2003 that clinched 40 awards and 21 nominations to the worldwide success of Parasite from 2019,having attained four Oscars, 308 wins and 271 nominations worldwide, Asian films are surging in both popularity and demand that transcends geographical boundaries.
The influence of Asian cinema can be dated all the way back to 1954 when the Japanese classic Godzilla was born as a sci-fi/horror film. This marked the inception of the renown franchise of Godzilla. It was so well received that it later received an americanised version titled Godzilla: King of the Monsters! Guinness World Records had even titled the film as the longest-running film franchise in history.
In 2020, Bong Joon-ho’s impeccable black comedy Parasite had set a historic precedent when it rose to become the inaugural non-English language film to attain the Academy Award for Best Picture. This beautifully composed film then went on to win the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
Netflix phenomenon Squid Game had become the hottest topic and became the most viewed series with 142 million viewers. Just recently, there was a British spin-off, Squid Game: The Challenge, where it featured real life contestants competing against one another to win the award of 45.6 billion won. This further highlights the enduring influence of Asian drama, as it possesses the ability to bring audiences from different backgrounds together.
Korean drama series, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim? Has received a filipino adaptation by collaborating with ABS-CBN. This further exudes the appeal of storytelling in Asia which helps to break language barriers.
Films are able to be made global and garner the liking of international fans due to the subtitles made available. The power of subtitles has played an integral role as it helps transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries, helping to build a more inclusive and diverse representation in the world of cinema.
Hollywood is implementing and going through a seismic shift, attributing to the rising influence of Asian cinema. This has allowed a broader range of narrative and talent as a result. The accomplishment of Asian filmmakers and stars on the global scene has not only reflected the changing preference in audience taste but also signals an evolution where diversity and rich storytelling take centre stage.
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