Former President Barack Obama included six Asian-led films in his favorite films of 2022 list.
Continuing an annual tradition, Obama shared his favorite films, books and music of the past year. He listed 17 films this time around, six of which are Asian-led and from Asian directors.
The Asian films are as follows:
“Everything Everywhere All at Once”
A24’s critically acclaimed multiverse-bending “Everything Everywhere All at Once” has snagged numerous nominations, including from the Golden Globes and Independent Spirit Awards. Actors Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan and co-directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert all won awards at the 20th Asian American Awards. Quan is this award season’s most honored actor with 27 awards so far. Michelle Yeoh was named Time’s Icon of the Year, one of many accolades garnered by her performance.
Where to watch: Showtime, Prime Video, Paramount Plus, Apple TV and Hulu
“After Yang”
Another A24 film, “After Yang” is a sci-fi drama starring Justin H. Min, Colin Farrell and Jodie Turner-Smith. The film is about a family and the secrets they uncover after their A.I. companion malfunctions. Directed by South Korean-born American filmmaker Kogonada, the film has received nominations from Cannes, the Film Independent Spirit Awards and the Gotham Awards, among others.
Where to watch: Showtime, Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV, Paramount Plus
“Decision to Leave”
South Korea’s entry for the 95th Oscars, “Decision to Leave” from director Park Chan-wook snagged him the Best Director award at Cannes, the Critics Choice Awards, the Blue Dragon Film Awards and the Korean Association of Film Critics, to name a few. Starring Tang Wei and Park Hae-il, the romantic mystery centers around a detective who develops feelings for the wife of a man whose death he is investigating.
Where to watch: Mubi, Apple TV, Prime Video
“Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy”
A romantic anthology film split into three parts, Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the 71st Berlin International Film Festival for “Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy.” The film has three different lead actors for each part: Kotone Furukawa, Katsuki Mori and Fusako Urabe.
A romantic anthology film split into three parts, Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the 71st Berlin International Film Festival for “Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy.” The film has three different lead actors for each part: Kotone Furukawa, Katsuki Mori and Fusako Urabe.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Prime Video, YouTube
“A Hero”
Winner of the Grand Prix at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, this Persian drama film from director Asghar Farhadi was Iran’s entry shortlisted for the 94th Oscars in the International Film category. The film stars Amir Jadidi as Rahim, a man imprisoned due to his unpaid debts. He gets a two-day leave and tries to convince his creditor to withdraw the complaint, but things go awry.
Where to watch: Prime Video
“Hit the Road”
“Hit the Road” is an Iranian comedy-drama about a family on a road trip to the Turkish border in an attempt to smuggle their son out of the country. Directed by Panah Panahi, it won Best Film at the London Film Festival and the Singapore International Film Festival and Best Ensemble at the Philadelphia Film Festival.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Hulu, Paramount Plus
Obama’s list of his favorite movies from 2021 can be found here.
