Jamin Shih

Jan 19, 2025 | cinemaescapist.com | Kieran Davey |Jamin Shih |Akshay Suggula |Brian Hioe

Known for the gentle poetry of his domestic dramas and the consistency of his filmmaking style, Yasujirō Ozu is one of the most acclaimed Japanese directors of all time. Having directed over fifty films throughout his four-decade long career, Ozu remained remarkably consistent in both themes and technique: his films are often quiet domestic dramas, examining the complex dynamics of Japanese middle class families through a strict aesthetic formalism.

Aug 1, 2024 | cinemaescapist.com | Brian Hioe |Anthony Kao |Jamin Shih

Gold Boy is a middling film at best. This is a shame, as it wastes what would have otherwise been an engrossing premise. Set in Okinawa, Gold Boy follows thirteen-year-old honors student Amuro Asahi. Amuro’s longtime friend Hiroshi Uema and his adoptive sister Natsuki Uema reenter Amuro’s life after Natsuki stabs her adoptive father in self-defense from an attempted sexual assault. Amuro provides them shelter, while the Uema siblings ponder whether they might have killed their father.

Jul 14, 2024 | cinemaescapist.com | Brian Hioe |Anthony Kao |Jamin Shih

18×2 Beyond Youthful Days, a Taiwanese-Japanese co-production directed by Michihito Fujii and featuring a mixed Taiwanese and Japanese cast, proves to be a well-executed melodrama centered around themes about first love and growing up. 36-year-old Taiwanese video game developer Jimmy (Greg Hsu Kuang-han) finds himself adrift. Feeling devoid of the passion that first led to his success and fame within the video game industry, Jimmy sets out on a solo journey in Japan.

Jul 8, 2024 | cinemaescapist.com | Brian Hioe |Anthony Kao |Xingting Gong |Jamin Shih

The Time of Huan Nan is a multifaceted movie. Though the aim of the film–to depict the historic Huan Nan Market in Taipei’s Mongka district–is self-evident, The Time of Huan Nan is more than the sum of its parts, and it proves a heartful film. The Time of Huan Nan follows brash high schooler Chen Yao-hua, who works in the Huan Nan Market at the butcher stall run by his family.

Feb 11, 2024 | cinemaescapist.com | Brian Hioe |Jamin Shih |Jackie YC Chen

The Asadas is a heartfelt, if slightly unoriginal look at the life of photographer Masashi Asada, purportedly based on real events. Masashi is born as the irresponsible, delinquent son of the Asada family. Despite Masashi’s rebellious proclivities, the Asadas remain a loving family that encourages his creative pursuits. Consequently, Masashi makes his family the focus of his creative works.