Now, if you’re askin’ me ’bout the best Asian movies that got a little taste of New Zealand in ’em, I reckon it’s somethin’ that might surprise ya. You see, New Zealand, with its pretty hills and all, ain’t just about sheep and hobbits. It’s also got a place in a few mighty fine films, especially those Asian movies that came to the land of the long white cloud for some good ol’ filming. Let me tell ya, it ain’t all just adventure and rainforests – some of these films really got somethin’ to say!
Now, the first thing ya gotta know is that New Zealand’s been used in a lotta movies. Not just the ones that make ya think of elves and dwarves from “Lord of the Rings,” but also some movies that got a whole different feel to ’em, movies where you can see how Asia and the Kiwi land come together. The landscapes here, they’re somethin’ else – mountains, beaches, and forests. Makes for a good backdrop no matter what kinda story you’re tellin’.
1. The Hobbit Trilogy
Y’all probably know about this one already, but let’s talk a bit ‘bout it anyway. Now, I ain’t saying this is an Asian film, but it sure has drawn plenty of Asian folks to New Zealand for the magic and adventure. “The Hobbit” trilogy, made by Peter Jackson, was filmed in all sorts of parts of New Zealand. The beautiful scenery there became the iconic backdrop for Middle-earth, and boy, did that bring in people from all over the world. It ain’t just about the hobbits and elves; it’s about what you feel when you see the wide, open land. It’s magical!
2. Whale Rider (2002)
Now, here’s one that’s a bit closer to the heart. This movie’s all about the Māori culture in New Zealand. A young girl, Paikea, dreams of becoming the next leader of her Māori tribe, but the elders think she’s just a bit too young and too… well, too much of a girl. This here movie shows the struggle of a young girl trying to fit into a tradition that don’t exactly welcome her. You might not call it an “Asian” movie, but it’s got all that spirit from the Pacific Islands, and it’s been seen by folks all around the world, even folks from Asia. It’s a heart-wrenchin’ one, for sure.
3. The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)
Now, some might wonder what this got to do with Asia, but let me tell ya, “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, which was filmed in the same place as “The Hobbit,” has a real global appeal. Asian audiences love them films, and it ain’t hard to see why. The mystical lands of Middle-earth are as enchanting to folks in Asia as they are to us here. Though the story itself ain’t got much to do with Asian culture, the way it’s presented, with all its grand landscapes and epic adventures, sure does tug at the heartstrings of movie lovers around the world, especially in Asia.
4. The Scent of Green Papaya (1993)
This one here is from Vietnam, but it’s worth mentionin’. Although it ain’t filmed in New Zealand, it’s one of them movies that show the rich beauty of Asian storytelling. Now, there’s somethin’ special ‘bout this film. It ain’t about big action scenes, no sir. It’s about quiet moments, like when the rain falls on the leaves, or the way a simple meal gets prepared. New Zealand, with all its peaceful nature, could sure relate to these quiet scenes. Maybe that’s why a lot of folks from Asia are drawn to both films from the East and the stunning landscapes of New Zealand.
5. The Act of Killing (2012)
Now, this is one that’ll leave ya thinkin’. This documentary film from Indonesia ain’t the kind of thing you watch for a good time – it’s deep, it’s raw, and it ain’t easy to digest. The film shows the brutal truth behind the 1965–66 genocide in Indonesia, and it does it in a way that’s surreal and shocking. While this one don’t feature New Zealand directly, it’s the kind of film that makes ya reflect on the world in ways you never thought possible. Some of these types of films have been shown all over, including New Zealand, and folks there sure know how to appreciate hard-hitting stories like this.
6. Goodbye Pork Pie (1980)
This one here is a good ol’ Kiwi classic. It’s a comedy, a road movie that follows a fella who’s just been dumped by his girlfriend, and what does he do? He jumps into a stolen yellow mini and drives all across New Zealand. Though it ain’t an “Asian” movie per se, its influence and popularity sure spread to different parts of the world, including Asia. It’s got that adventurous spirit that anyone from anywhere can appreciate, especially the young folks from cities all over Asia who want to break free from their usual routine.
7. Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (2010)
This one here’s a real odd one, from Thailand. It’s about a man who’s near the end of his life, and he starts to remember his past lives. Now, I know what you might be thinkin’—what’s this got to do with New Zealand? Well, not much directly, but like a lot of other Asian films, it was shown around the world, and New Zealand folks, with all their love for independent films, sure got a kick out of it. The mystical elements in this film could easily be seen alongside the magical landscapes of New Zealand. There’s something about nature and the spiritual world that makes both New Zealand and this film feel connected.
Conclusion
So there ya go, some of the best films where New Zealand and Asian cinema meet. While some of them are direct collaborations, others just share that universal feeling that ties all people together – nature, adventure, and the stories we tell. Whether it’s the mystical landscapes of Middle-earth or the quiet beauty of an Asian village, New Zealand’s got a way of bringing all these films to life, no matter where they come from. Ain’t that somethin’?
Tags：[Best Asian Movies, New Zealand Films, Pacific Island Cinema, Asian Cinema, Hobbit Trilogy, Whale Rider, The Lord of the Rings, The Scent of Green Papaya, Uncle Boonmee, Goodbye Pork Pie]
