10. Dr. Cheon and the Lost Talisman (KIM Seong-sik)

There’s always at least one or two fun, literally no point, just for entertainment and multiple watches purposes films in my list. Dr. Cheon is one of those movies. It was a combination of an Indiana Jones film (which, funny enough, I didn’t even get around to seeing the newest enstallment) and Ghostbusters. These are arguably two of my favorite films (or film series) of all time, so that bodes well for this new installment in my list of oddball supernatural oddball movies. There’s not a lot more to say that wasn’t already brought up in my review so try to find it if you can. It only had a week-long run in Seattle (and probably most major cities) just like several other Korean films this year, but hopefully they peek their heads out of the ether at least to see a dvd release.

Dr Cheon and the Lost Talisman isn’t currently available for streaming, but anticipating a small – wide release in 2024

Courtesy of Sundance Institute

9. Shortcomings (Randall Park)

The Sunbreak didn’t even do an honest to goodness review of this one and that’s a shame. At least Josh was able to get his thoughts down as Shortcomings was a part of his Sundance experience. Admittedly it took me till the end of the year to catch it on a plane and I’m so glad I did. I’ve seen a surprising number of fantastic films on planes… thanks Delta (sort of). While it’s not exactly the best script or best acting, perhaps, of the last year I decided to look at it as a whole rather than the individual parts. It’s playing on the massive popularity of 2018’s Crazy Rich Asians without directly pointing it out (but it was more than obvious if you’d seen the film at all). That’s not to say I didn’t get caught up in the Crazy Rich train and rightfully so. It may have been a lot of fluff and drama but it boasted an outstanding cast of non-white leads and co-actors/actresses. But enough of that, we’re not here to review Crazy Rich Asians after all. Shortcomings knew what it was and leaned heavily into it. A sad sack thirty-something that was on a career path to nowhere, with a crappy outlook on life and didn’t mind telling people about it. I personally felt pretty seen in this character, so I’m not sure what that says about me, but I’m pretty sure some aspects of his self-hatred and/or annoyance at the world speaks to many people these days. The thing is, thinking and feeling like this gets us nowhere and that’s basically the point. Hitting rock bottom isn’t a thing because there’s another rock about 5 feet thataway. I digress and say this all-Asian cast is equally amazing as the 2018 joint I was discussing above. The writing is witty, the actors are charming and director/actor Randall Park can’t do much wrong in my eyes.

Shortcomings is available on various VOD platforms

8. Joy Ride (Adele Lim)

Remember above when I said I have at least a couple feel-good, goofy, don’t have to think to hard but at least has a point type of movies? Well this is another one and it’s totally on-point. From an outsider’s perspective, it gives you a real, if not raunchy and ridiculous look at the relationships amongst Asian families and American Asians as opposed to those born in Asia. There’s a lot to unpack in this one, not just because they stuck drugs up their lady (and not-so-lady) parts, but a lot of emotional moments that address some stuff we (or me as a white woman at least) just have no reference for or experience with. Learning about folks and their histories and complexities is what makes this world a more open, understanding place and I’m here for it. Plus, listening to a theater-full of people at the preview laughing their butts off for the first 30 minutes solid was pure Joy.

Joy Ride is available on various VOD platforms

7. Godzilla Minus One (Takashi Yamazaki)

Understandably you might be a bit surprised by this one being in my top ten list of all 2023, but it’s no mistake. If you’ve seen it, you know why and if you haven’t you should so you will know why. You’re talking to an old-school Mothra fan here and I love the campiness of the old films. However, this is nothing like that. They not only take the myth and legend of Godzilla seriously but they up their emotional game by pulling specific group of people into the forefront and playing on your attachment and sympathy for them by the time the monster makes land in Tokyo. Not is the empathy there, but they create a dynamic and complex main character that has you wondering if you even like him at times (ultimately, he’s amazing, but still). I can’t gush over this film enough and it made it in for awards season just under the wire in a 12/1 release. It’s out in a theater near you, I can guarantee it. So get off your butt and watch a classic monster movie with a great storyline.

Godzilla Minus One is currently playing in theaters.

6. The Holdovers (Alexander Payne)

There have been a ton of Dead Poets Society-esque films over the years. They’re always heart-felt and typically tear-enducing, but you’d think “been there, done that” at this point; I mean… come on. The Holdovers may have a similar premise but it feels completely different. Giamatti’s cantankerous, aging teacher going nowhere is endearing and off-putting… ie perfect. Accompanied by a young man with intelligence, whit and his own demons and a distrusting, hard-working kitchen cook mourning the recent loss of her son sets the scene for a heartbreaking journey. With equal parts serious growth and childish hijinks you can’t help but fall in love with this ragtag trio.

The Holdovers is currently playing in theaters and is streaming on Peacock.

5. The Taste of Things (Tran Ahn Hung)

The rich beauty of the French countryside sets the scene for this simple, yet incredibly complex story of two weathered and exceptional chefs creating plates that even kings desire, but served to close friends well-known in the culinary world (either as an admirer of great means or industry folks themselves). Day-long preparation of a single intimate meal for 5-6 people dominates this two hour feast for the eyes. Rich colors, mouth-watering fresh ingredients and nearly a how-to on French Cooking. It’s almost impossible not to fall in love with France and even these two. With the addition of a young disciple with a sharp palette and mind, you’re eager to see her grow into something special. With emotional scenes between the two adults showing a muted passion, but that’s merely on the outside. A passion bubbles up often and it is obvious their decades-long relationship has grown with them and one does not make sense without the other. Gorgeous.

The Taste of Things gets a theatrical release next year.

4. Saltburn (Emerald Fennell)

I did not expect what I witnessed over the two hours this film delightfully and horrifyingly revealed. Barry Keoghan was so convincing as Oliver Quick, I outwardly gasped when things started going down. You wanted to hate the super rich, pompous, self-centered characters that surrounded him and that he so desperately wanted to be accepted by. What’s funny is I still did at the end of the film, but then again there was no one of value to like in the end anyway. While I usually detest shows and films where the good guy goes bad or there are no morally acceptable characters, but for some reason I was mesmerized by the opulence and chaos.

Saltburn is currently in theaters and is streaming on Prime Video

3. Return to Seoul (Davy Chou)

This is one of the few films on my list from “ages” ago. Standing the test of time over the year really says something, especially because I have the memory of a goldfish (I rely on my posts here to tell me what films I’ve watched… sad). While there’s hardly an English word spoken (perhaps none? I can’t remember for sure) it feel so relatable and raw. A woman who always feels out of place; calling France home since childhood but looking like nearly no one else as she grew. Supposedly simply going to Korea on a whim but we all knew that what she was really seeking was connection. Whatever that meant for her, whether its making friends from her birth country, experiencing the streets of Seoul for herself or finding her birth parents, she was missing something in her heart and mind that needed to be discovered.

Return to Seoul is available on various VOD platforms

2. Poor Things (Yorgos Lanthimos)

Every year there seems to be one film (at least) that sticks in my brain as a feast for the eyes and the ears. Poor Things has unique, striking, and even grotesque scenes at every turn to captivate you from beginning to end. A quirky sense of humor, awkward interactions and an endearing lead come together in a way that has the film going by in the blink of an eye. Even better than just the eye candy, the writing doesn’t lean on the spectacular visuals to move the film along, it has its own pace and connection that intertwines with the fetching scenes to make something altogether something magical. Addressing topics like feminism, sexual desire, trust in others and the world at large, and choosing your own path in life creates a deeper conversation between you and the film than if it was just the typical Frankenstein-esque story.

Poor Things is currently in theaters

1. Monster (Hirokazu Koreeda)

This, by far, is the most affecting film I’ve seen all year. Just like many others in my list, I only managed to see it within the last couple of months and I’m still thinking about it. I’m sure there are films (and if my memory wasn’t that of the a goldfish I could come up with some) that already take the concept of multiple perspectives to build suspense and uncover the a truth. But Monster covered such a high-stress of-the-moment situation, abuse by a child and school bullying, that you were enthralled, scared and frustrated over and over.

Monster currently in limited release anticipating a wider release in 2024