Simply Amasian

Asians are an unbelievably talented bunch. From business to travel to cuisine and all the way through to the performing arts- Asians have excelled to such an extent that their faces would probably be found posted upon the worlds bulletin board of “ most wanted”. Give the Asian continent a simple wooden box to play with and they will, amongst themselves, be able to think out of it, fit neatly inside it with their amazing physical ability’s and then turn into plastic or some form of software before selling it for a really “nice price”. Asians can do anything. They’ve also proven that they can eat everything too- even dog. Some are generally disgusted and even insulted at the thought of eating dog but I assure you, there is nothing wrong with mut-ton.

Because each Asian nation has something unique and wonderful to share with the world its difficult to have a favourite Asian, especially when it comes to film. India, China and Japan are three large Asian tycoons that have contributed mightily to the world industry of film. However my depth of knowledge or comprehension of Asian film is about as shallow as a pastry dish; so im going to keep this farely short sighted and with Japan in frontal view, please bare with me and try to agree.

It seems as if Japan has kanitchi wow’ed the world with their extraordinary skill in film making. Just as in the world famous Japanese film Godzilla (originally named “Gojira”), the Japanese are monstrous geniuses climbing the towers of the world holding the golden micro chip to the IT industry and bellowing out “ANIMEEEEEE” at the various miniature Hollywood busters buzzing about its head. Studio Ghibli is the world best anime studio and has won the “Animage” (anime grand prix) numerous times. The anime film “Spirited away” also remains the only anime film to have won an Oscar for best animated film. Just like sushi, I would never trust an anime film that has not passed through the hands of a Japanese artisan.

So lets talk about China, in particular the film “Hero”. It looks Chinese on the cover but don’t be deceived as I was, its actually produced by Quentin Tarantino (who has a track record of film that could pass him as Amasian).
Hero is about an unnamed, fearless warrior who is chosen to combat a ruthless army responsible for massacring his people and taking over the entire Chinese empire. What I like about this film is it’s frozen moments of beautiful violence that require mental responses rather than emotive ones. “Hero” practices the Chinese and Japanese brilliance of attention to detail, beauty and artistic skill. There is a deep sense of Eastern philosophy and history, which also makes this film a comfortable bridge between western and eastern film taste. I highly recommend it to those not only interested in fantastic cinematography but those willing to build themselves “an idiots guide to cool Asian enjoyment”.