Looking for a Valentine’s Day movie marathon that’s a little less “happily ever after” and a little more “have you got a spare tissue?” Look no further than these ten Asian romantic dramas guaranteed to leave you and your loved one in a puddle of tears (but in a good way, obviously).
Past Lives (2023): Greta Lee and Teo Yoo star in this critically acclaimed drama about two childhood sweethearts from Korea who reunite years later in New York. They grapple with the choices they’ve made and the paths not taken, exploring themes of fate, missed connections, and the enduring power of first love. “Prepare to be swept away by the film’s delicate storytelling,” raved one Past Lives critic.
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You Are the Apple of My Eye (2011): This Taiwanese box office hit, starring Ko Chen-tung and Michelle Chen, perfectly captures the awkward joys and agonizing heartbreaks of first love. Follow a group of friends as they navigate adolescence, with all its triumphs and disappointments. Get ready for a nostalgic rollercoaster that will leave you reminiscing about your own first love.
In the Mood for Love (2000): Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Maggie Cheung star in Wong Kar-wai’s visually stunning masterpiece about two neighbours who form a deep bond amidst suspicion that their spouses are having an affair. With its exquisite cinematography and subtle performances, “In the Mood for Love” is a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, exploring themes of longing, restraint, and missed opportunities.
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Always (2011): So Ji-sub and Han Hyo-joo star in this South Korean remake of the 1943 American classic “A Guy Named Joe”. A former boxer falls for a blind woman, only to be faced with a heartbreaking sacrifice that tests the limits of their love. Expect a powerful exploration of love, loss, and redemption.
A Moment to Remember (2004): Son Ye-jin and Jung Woo-sung star in this South Korean tearjerker about a young couple whose love is tested when the wife is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Prepare to be emotionally wrecked as the film explores the enduring power of love in the face of devastating circumstances and the challenges of memory loss.
More Than Blue (2009): Kwon Sang-woo and Lee Bo-young star in this Taiwanese melodrama about a terminally ill man who secretly arranges for his beloved to find love after he’s gone. Get ready for a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, exploring themes of sacrifice, selflessness, and the enduring nature of true love.
Your Name (2016): This critically acclaimed Japanese animated film, featuring the voices of Ryunosuke Kamiki and Mone Kamishiraishi, tells the story of two teenagers who mysteriously swap bodies. As they navigate this strange new reality, they begin to fall in love, despite the distance and obstacles that separate them. With its stunning animation and heartfelt story, Your Name is a must-watch for anime fans and romance lovers alike.
Love Letter (1995): Miho Nakayama stars in this classic Japanese film about a woman who sends a letter to her deceased fiancé’s former address, sparking a correspondence with a woman who shares his name. Through their letters, they uncover a shared past and explore themes of grief, memory, and the enduring power of love. “Love Letter” is a beautiful and poignant film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Be With You (2018): So Ji-sub and Son Ye-jin reunite in this heartwarming and heartbreaking film about a man whose deceased wife returns for one rainy season, with no memory of their time together. As they rekindle their love and create new memories, they must come to terms with the inevitable pain of separation.
Architecture 101 (2012): This South Korean film tells the parallel love stories of two architecture students in the present and past, exploring themes of first love, missed opportunities, and the bittersweet nostalgia of looking back. Starring Uhm Tae-woong, Han Ga-in, Lee Je-hoon, and Suzy, Architecture 101 is a beautiful and moving film about the way our past shapes our present.
So, this Valentine’s Day, ditch the predictable rom-coms and opt for something a little different. These Asian romance films offer a powerful and moving exploration of love in all its complexities, guaranteeing a truly unforgettable movie night.
