Kyan Sit Min

About the king who is said to have established the first Burmese empire. Non-English.

Bang Rajan

This shows how the small Siamese (Thai) village of Bang Rajan defended themselves against Burmese forces in the mid 18th century. English-language trailer.

King Naresuan

The movie depicts the life of King Naresuan, who ruled Siam (current day Thailand) from 1590 to 1605.

The Overture

A Thai film about a palace musician in the late 1800s to around 1940. Shows the lead up to WWII through the eyes of an ordinary person. The soundtrack is made up of Thai classical music.

The Legend of Suriyothai

This describes the tale of a Thai queen who fought against Burmese invaders (around the mid-16th century)

Travellers and Magicians

Another one from Bhutan, this time about a young man who wants to leave Bhutan to make his fortune in the USA. Filmed entirely in Bhutan itself.

The Cup

From a less well-known Asian country--Bhutan--a film about a group of monks who want to watch the (soccer) World Cup.

The Last Samurai

A film set during the final days of the Samurai

House of Flying Daggers

An action-romance set during the Tang dynasty (around 850 CE)

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

Chinese-language film (directed by Ang Lee) set in the Qing dynasty (18th century)

Seven Samurai

One of the most well-known films about the Samurai from one of Japan's best known filmmakers.

Red Cliff

Directed by John Woo, a film about the end of the Han Dynasty in China (around 200 CE)

Jodhaa Akbar

The story of Emperor Akbar and his Hindu wife.

Introduction

Here's the blog with a list of films on or about Asia. Please send me your suggestions and I'll update the blog as we move on through the semester.