Kim Ki-duk’s The Isle isn’t just a movie—it’s a test of endurance. Banned in multiple countries, the film gained notoriety for its explicit sexual content, graphic nudity, and violent scenes, including one where internal organs are pulled out of a still-living person. At its Venice Film Festival screening, it was reported that audience members fainted or vomited from the intensity of what they saw. Naturally, that kind of reaction only piques more curiosity.
Asian thrillers have a unique way of lulling you into a sense of comfort before delivering twists that leave you breathless. By grounding horror and suspense in the relatable, these stories turn ordinary moments into nightmares, making the unexpected even scarier. For those who love exploring the dark side of human nature, here are 10 must-watch Asian thrillers on Netflix that will have you hooked from the first episode.
Did you know that some of Hollywood’s most beloved films—like Inception, Reservoir Dogs, and The Lion King—were actually inspired by (or outright copied from) Asian films? We’re not talking about official remakes with proper licensing and credit. These are cases where Hollywood took themes, stories, and even entire scenes and passed them off as their own. Here are 10 Hollywood films that bear striking similarities to Asian originals.
Published April 17, 2025
Film Review
100 Greatest Asian Movies Of All Time: Children of Heaven 5/100 | Best Foreign Films
“Children of Heaven” (1997) is an Iranian film that proves you don’t need a big-budget Hollywood production to create a beautiful, unforgettable movie. Directed by Majid Majidi, this film tells the heart-wrenching yet uplifting story of two siblings, Ali and his younger sister Zara, who struggle to get by after Ali loses Zara’s only pair of shoes.
What follows is a journey of creativity, resilience, and love, showing that even in the toughest circumstances, human connection and determination can create something truly special.
The Heart of the Story: A Brother and Sister’s Struggle
At its core, “Children of Heaven” is about the everyday problems children face, but it’s a narrative that resonates with audiences of all ages. Ali, the older brother, loses Zara’s shoes, which she needs for school. Unable to afford a new pair, the siblings come up with a creative solution: they’ll share one pair of shoes—Ali wears them in the morning, and Zara wears them in the afternoon. This simple setup leads to a touching portrayal of the sacrifices children are willing to make for one another.
Breaking Hollywood Rules: A New Way of Storytelling
What sets this film apart from many Western movies is how it defies the typical “Hollywood” storytelling conventions. There’s no clear antagonist—no villain causing the trouble. Instead, the challenge is purely circumstantial. The situation itself is the antagonist, and the characters react positively to it, showing that not every great story needs a traditional “bad guy.” This approach not only makes the movie feel more genuine, but it also makes the characters’ struggles more relatable and emotionally impactful.
In most Western films, the climax often involves a big confrontation or fight scene, but in “Children of Heaven,” the climax is a quiet, intimate moment with no music or dramatic dialogue. The emotional stakes are communicated solely through the actor’s performance and the storytelling, making it all the more powerful.
The Performance: Ali’s Journey and the Power of Silence
Ali’s character, played by an incredibly young but talented actor, is a testament to the power of simplicity. There’s no grand, exaggerated performance here—just a boy running, hoping to win a pair of shoes for his sister.
It’s all in his eyes and expressions. The film’s minimalism, in terms of background music and effects, only highlights the raw emotion at the heart of Ali’s journey. His struggle to win the race for third place becomes a deeply moving moment of perseverance and hope.
A Masterclass in Direction and Writing
The quietness of the film, combined with solid direction, is a perfect example of how great filmmaking doesn’t rely on loud soundtracks or flashy effects to make an impact. Majidi’s direction allows the viewer to feel the emotions of the characters without needing external cues. The writing is rich with subtle layers and complexities—whether it’s the relationship between the siblings, the father’s honorable character, or the way the film challenges notions of what it means to be “less fortunate.”
The Layers: Family, Honor, and Perspective
The father’s character is another standout aspect of the film. On the surface, he appears stern and domineering, but as the story unfolds, we see his true nature—a man who keeps his word and values honesty and honor. There’s a poignant moment when he refuses to take a piece of sugar that doesn’t belong to him, even though no one would have noticed. It’s a small act, but it speaks volumes about his character.
The film also offers a thought-provoking commentary on perspective. At one point, Ali finds his lost shoes, only to realize they have ended up with a child who seems to have even less than he does. The film beautifully illustrates that just because someone has less doesn’t mean their life is any less valuable. It’s a subtle yet powerful reminder that we shouldn’t judge others based on what they have or don’t have.
The Message: Turning the Broken Into Beauty
At its heart, “Children of Heaven” is about resilience and turning hardship into something beautiful. Ali and Zara could have easily succumbed to despair over their situation, but instead, they found a way to make it work. Ali, in particular, turns his daily runs to school into an opportunity to strive for something greater. He doesn’t just run; he runs with the goal of winning shoes for his sister, transforming his struggle into something meaningful.
The film’s message is clear: we should all learn to take our brokenness and turn it into art—create something beautiful, even if it doesn’t erase the pain we’ve gone through. In the case of Ali and Zara, their journey with the shoes wasn’t just about finding a solution—it was about finding strength in their bond, and in doing so, they turned a simple problem into a profound moment of connection.
A Beautiful, Timeless Story
“Children of Heaven” is a beautiful film that defies expectations and conventions. It proves that you don’t need big budgets or flashy effects to make a powerful movie—sometimes, all you need is a simple story, heartfelt performances, and solid direction. This film shows that beauty can be found in the most unlikely places, and that sometimes, the most profound lessons come from the simplest of stories. If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor—watch it. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling, and it may just change the way you look at cinema.
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There Is No Evil is a deeply moving Iranian film that not only tells a poignant story but also sheds light on the painful history of state-sponsored executions in Iran. The film had to be smuggled out of the country, and while it may sound like a controversial or explicit topic, there's actually no nudity or sex scenes involved. Yet, the raw emotion and powerful message are impossible to ignore.