3 Aug 2015

Top five LGBT films from Asia

We've rounded up some of our favourite LGBT movies from around Asia. Think we've missed something out? Comment below.

Farewell My Concubine (1993)





Chen Kaige's story of unrequited gay love won a Palme d'Or and explores 50 years of Chinese history. A dramatic telling of two young orphans who enter the world of the Beijing (Peking) opera. Dieyi and Xiaolou endure beatings, endless scoldings and humiliations to form China's premier artists in the world of Chinese opera during a time of great upheaval in China's 20th century history and in their personal lives.


Happy Together (1997)





A vivid and exhilarating depiction of two men from Hong Kong – Lai (Tony Leung) and Ho (Leslie Cheung) – in an intense on-again-off-again relationship, who travel to Argentina to visit Iguazu Falls, but end up repeating the cycle of infidelity and cruelty. After yet another break-up, Lai meets the handsome and possibly gay Chang, whose friendship jolts Lai into facing up to his responsibilities.


Tropical Malady (2004)





Garlanded with awards, Apichatpong's visionary film exists in dual realms, exploring connected themes of love and desire in a radically different way. A fractured love story is interrupted by a feverish night-time odyssey into the heart of the jungle where shape-shifting spirits and tigers abound.


The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros (2005)





Maximo, a 12-year-old gay boy, is torn between his love for a handsome young cop, and his loyalty to his criminal family.


Soundless Wind Chime (2010)






Elegant and moving, the love story of Pascal and Ricky has been woven into this gorgeous tapestry of a film. Pascal has been in a destructive, violent relationship, picking pockets for a living; scared in his own home. When he meets the gentle and shy Ricky at a street café, he must break through Rickys reticence to open his heart for love. Their turbulent, passionate relationship is the core of this emotionally rich gem. Shot with an intimacy and intelligence seldom seen in an indie, Soundless Wind Chime is a superb feature debut from Kit Hung.