The democratization of filmmaking technology and the overall change in Hollywood’s attitude toward diversity has paved a way for more filmmakers from different walks of life to create films and tell their stories. The indie filmmaking industry has allowed plenty of filmmakers from different cultures to showcase their talent and creativity.
This May, in celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, let’s take a look at the excellent films available to watch for free on Reveel. This list is in no particular order.
10. Calling
Calling is a deeply touching and personal film that explores the essence of human semantics and the often painful nostalgia of reminiscing. The protagonist, a man in his twilight years, finds himself lost in a sea of memories as people close to him begin to leave, each in their unique ways.
9. Taciturn Tango
Another film created by Hon Hoang, this movie is a delightful microcosm of life portrayed in the simple meeting of two strangers. The film’s subtlety is its strength as it balances a delicate narrative within an inopportune period of life.
Watch Taciturn Tango on Reveel
8. Yes, And…
We follow the journey of a neurotic Asian American actor whose dreams of stardom are quickly starting to fade. But when he happens across his dream girl —there’s, of course, a twist— his mundane life turns upside down. Making matters hilariously complicated, the unanticipated return of his newly-divorced best friend and his aging parents into his cramped, one-bedroom apartment sets the scene for a heartwarming saga of comedic confusion.
7. Rickshaw Girl
Set against the hustle and bustle of Dhaka, Bangladesh, Rickshaw Girl tells a story of resilience and vigour anchored in cultural beauty. The film follows the journey of a courageous teenage girl who cloaks herself as a boy to navigate the demanding world of being a rickshaw driver so she can aid her struggling family.
6. A Fork in the Road
This movie presents a refreshing take on modern family dynamics. Lisa, the adopted daughter of two loving gay parents, is coming for dinner. However, this is no ordinary gathering. She’s bringing with her a shocking piece of news that will alter the course of their lives forever. A gripping tale of love, acceptance, and change.
Watch A Fork in the Road on Reveel
5. Almighty Zeus
The ring often reflects the ring of life itself, and for a young Asian-American boxer, that becomes a brutal reality in Almighty Zeus. Our protagonist uses his fists of thunder to knock out an aggressor on behalf of an old Asian man, attaining viral fame. This catapults him into the demanding gaze of the Middleweight champion, who challenges him to a boxing match like no other.
4. Beloved (2022)
The tale of a young couple grappling with the stark reality of marriage when the colors of romance fade, ‘Beloved’ is much more than a conventional love story. It paints a vivid picture of impeccable performances, deeply human conflicts, and nuanced storytelling, touching on not only the highs of love, but the lows as well.
3. Race 1
The movie throws a spotlight on the LIONS racing team’s struggle, as they lose their main driver to unforeseen circumstances at the onset of the season. Left with no option, they resort to a remarkable solution: a champion of the virtual gaming world. Expect the unexpected as the team embarks on an all-stakes journey to keep their dwindling sponsorship alive.
2. Somewhere Over the Rainbow
A story exploring the grit and hustle of life in Manila, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” follows Sancho, a Spanish go-getter, who lands in the Philippines in search for a job promised by his friend, Alonso. But Sancho soon learns that finding a job is the least of his worries, as Alonso has disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
Watch Somewhere Over the Rainbow on Reveel
1. Upside Brown
This film captures the experience when two families who carry different world views live under the same roof. At the core of the story, we have the conservative, yet warm-hearted Indian patriarch, Amol Tyagi, who hosts his college buddy Akash Malhotra and family before they embark on a cross-country move. Expect cultural clashes, a healthy critical examination of traditional values, and of course, humor.
