Taking a somewhat loose definition of the
term ‘Asian,’ this nonetheless excellent SBS 5-parter takes an in-depth
look at the dynamic national cinemas of China, Taiwan, Korea, India and
Iran.
Each episode runs just under an hour and
explores recent trends in each nation’s regional cinema, some of its
most successful films and directors, sociopolitical influences and
likely directions for the future.
Featuring interviews with local directors,
actors, critics and commentators as well as liberal excerpts from the
films themselves, the series comprises a meticulously crafted and highly
detailed glimpse into some of the world’s largest and most exciting
cinema scenes.
As a part time film student and full time
nerd I found Cinema Asia indispensible in providing an overview
of the pan-Asian film scene as a whole, with the episodes on Korea and
China of particular interest given that these countries have
consistently produced the best Asian films of the past decade and a half
(sorry Japan).
Its narrative provides a clear historical
context as well as intelligent elucidation of the present cinematic
environment of each nation, and the set as a whole proves a real treat
for those whose cinematic palette extends to more worldly flavours.