Tulane Libraries Media Services welcomes you to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by exploring these film selections, which showcase the diverse cultures of various Asian communities. 

Ugetsu

In this haunting tale from 1953, we follow Genjūrō the potter on his journey to live a better life. He hopes to make money quickly from the wartime needs of the people and provide a better life for his family, while his wife Miyagi believes their life is good enough as it is. When he risks everything to cross Lake Biwa and sell his wares in Nagahama, he is seduced by the mysterious Lady Wakasa. Find out what happens to Genjūrō here on our streaming platforms.

https://www.kanopy.com/en/tulane/video/113269

Oldboy

Oldboy is truly a cruel film. Oh Dae-Su is a man kidnapped from the streets of South Korea and held prisoner for 15 long years. At the end of his imprisonment, the only thing on his mind is revenge against his captors. However, he isn’t the only one seeking revenge. Find out the grim truth of this violent and gripping thriller here on our streaming platforms.

https://www.kanopy.com/en/tulane/video/14077716

A Village Called Versailles

This 2009 film spotlights the rich history, culture, and enduring spirit of the Vietnamese American community in New Orleans East, known as Versailles. Originally arriving in New Orleans East in 1975 as refugees after the Fall of Saigon, these resilient US citizens have since faced many hardships, including systemic racism, economic poverty, and frequent environmental disasters. From the devastating impacts of Hurricane Katrina to the subsequent toxic disaster of the BP Oil Spill, this resilient community rallied together to protest the pressing forces of sociopolitical discrimination and bring forth social change.

https://www.kanopy.com/en/tulane/video/143641

Farewell My Concubine

A film set in the most turbulent times in Chinese history, we follow Peking opera actors Cheng Dieyi and Duan Xiaolou as they grow up and come into their own on the stage. As time passes, Dieyi’s love for Xiaolou grows stronger, but Xiaolou doesn’t seem to reciprocate. Their relationship grows even more turbulent after Xiaolou marries Gong Juxian. Government pressure and interpersonal drama put their loyalties to the ultimate test and show how far one can go for their own self-interest. Find out what lies at the end of their tale here on our streaming platforms.

https://www.kanopy.com/en/tulane/video/14182639

Sweet Bean

Sweet Bean is the story of a troubled dorayaki salesman by the name of Sentaro and his unexpected relationship with Tokue, a kindly old woman who asks to work with him at his shop. Initially reluctant, Tokue convinces him to hire her with her incredible An, or sweet bean paste. Their time together enriches the others' lives and makes Sentaro learn once again what it means to live. Watch their friendship blossom on our streaming platforms here.

https://www.kanopy.com/en/tulane/video/5276466