Federica Giampaolo

Italy

Writer at Freelance

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asianmoviepulse.com

Articles

Film Review: Autumn Tempest (1988) by Huang Yu-shan

1 month ago | asianmoviepulse.com | Federica Giampaolo

The most unconventional and shocking stories often make a striking impact upon release, only to fade into the shadows over time. “Autumn Tempest (1988)”, directed by Huang Yu-shan, was a box-office success in its day, standing out for its fearless exploration of taboos: abortion, female pleasure, and unconventional sexuality. Recognized as one of the first feminist movies of Taiwanese cinema, the feature is now returning to the big screen at BFI 2025 for Taiwan New Cinema Season.
The VaChina Monologues by Fan Popo

1 month ago | asianmoviepulse.com | Federica Giampaolo

Feminism isn’t just about words and research; it’s about action — particularly in the theatrical sense. Chinese queer filmmaker Fan Popo captures the impact of Eve Ensler’s iconic play “The Vagina Monologues” across mainland China in a powerful documentary, playfully entitled “The VaChina Monologues (2013).”Eve Ensler’s groundbreaking feminist play has inspired millions worldwide, including a growing movement among Chinese feminists.
Documentary Review: Between Goodbyes (2024) by Jota Mun

2 months ago | asianmoviepulse.com | Federica Giampaolo

Sometimes family blood runs thicker than water, even if we have never met our kins. It goes beyond cultural, social, and occasionally emotional differences. “Between Goodbyes” explores the life of a Korean adoptee reuniting with her original family in Seoul and the consequential mix-up of misunderstandings and tenderness.
Short Film Review: Mamu (2024) by Aephie Huimi Chen

2 months ago | asianmoviepulse.com | Federica Giampaolo

According to a saying, “The body keeps the score”: although our mind cannot grasp a certain memory with clarity, our body stores all the feelings and emotions connected to it. In Aephie Huimi Chen‘s “Mamu” (2024), one’s connection to family and roots goes beyond the troubles of an aging and fading mind. Mayaw (Aki Rupi), a native Taiwanese man, raised his daughter Rina (Kirsten Foster) in London — all on his own.
Film Review: Sorgavaasal (2024) by Sidharth Vishwanath

Feb 5, 2025 | asianmoviepulse.com | Federica Giampaolo

Beyond one’s own conception of religion and spirituality, the world has a distinctive and shared vision of heaven and hell. When it comes to the real world, a prison might represent the closest environment to an infernal abyss. But why are prisons such dark and terrifying places? Is it because of the criminals that inhabit them or the corruption that lurks in the people who are supposed to look after them?
My Love is Not Transparent by Wakana Asada

Jun 21, 2024 | asianmoviepulse.com | Federica Giampaolo

Sometimes it is difficult to define a relationship, and sometimes there's no need to. To decide whether a friendship is purely platonic or something more is an imaginary duty. Society pressures us to get married and have kids. It creates a significant line separating friendships from love. And since marriage is an urgent milestone in contemporary Japanese culture, guilt builds up when one's not in the “right” direction.
Peg O' My Heart (2024) by Nick Cheung

May 8, 2024 | asianmoviepulse.com | Federica Giampaolo

Actor Nick Cheung is back behind (and in front of) the camera with a new horror feature. Always vocal about his desire to keep the Hong Kong horror scene alive, the director returns with “Peg O' My Heart,” a thrilling adventure through the human subconscious. The film had its world premiere at the 26th edition of Udine's Far East Film Festival. Taxi driver Choi San-keung (played by Nick Cheung himself) has serious trouble sleeping, to the point he endangers his customers.
Interview With Hsiao Ya-chuan

May 5, 2024 | asianmoviepulse.com | Federica Giampaolo

With a mix of nostalgia and modernity, “Old Fox” by Hsiao Ya-chuan brings to light the difficulty of portraying social inequality. By doing that, the film works as a bridge between the past and present, showing how some social issues are still alive and relevant to a contemporary audience. This bridge works thanks to the three distinctive characters of three different generations, which resembles this relationship between Taiwan in the 80s and Taiwan now.
Film Review: Rookie (2023) by Samantha Lee

May 4, 2024 | asianmoviepulse.com | Federica Giampaolo

Following “Billie & Emma” (2018), Filipino director Samantha Lee has been on Gen Zs' lips for her genuine and sweet portrayal of sapphic youth. Last year, she returned with her third feature “Rookie”, greeted with the same enthusiasm. Since then, the film has been a tour de force in many international festivals, bringing Filipino same-sex love stories to audiences around the globe.
Film Review: Motion Picture: Choke (2023) by Gen Nagao

May 3, 2024 | asianmoviepulse.com | Federica Giampaolo

What would happen if the world collapsed? Will society end once and for all? Gen Nagao returns with an astounding thriller on human relations and the nature of violence and order. “Motion Picture: Choke”, also known as “Movie (Choke)”, is his second feature and an unexpected take that cleans the slate of everything we understand of the world and humankind. In contrast to fellow post-apocalyptic movies, Nagao's dystopian society doesn't revolve around avant-garde and hyper-technological structures.