Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with Peacock
May 23, 2023
In honor of the start of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Peacock is highlighting some top-notch content featuring contributions from AAPI creators. From award-winning book adaptations to gory horror movies and reality shows dripping with drama, this list has something viewers of all ages and tastes will enjoy.
Movies:
1. Burning (2018)
Burning, from award-winning director Lee Chang-dong, is a 2018 psychological thriller based on the short story “Barn Burning '' by Haruki Marakami. After running into his childhood friend Shin Hae-mi (Jeon Jong-seo), aspiring writer and freelancer Lee Jong-su (Yoo Ah-in) promises to feed her cat while she’s out of the country. Trouble begins to brew, however, when the young woman returns home from her journey with a wealthy new “friend” (Steven Yeun) who possesses a deadly prediction that may threaten Shin’s life.
2. Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
Based on the novel of the same name, Memoirs follows the story of Chiyo Sakamoto, a young Japanese woman who, after being sold by her father to a local okiya, is trained to be a geisha. After falling in love at first sight with the handsome and gentle Chairman Ken Iwamura (Ken Watanabe), Chiyo sets out on a quest to do anything possible to win his heart.
3. The Joy Luck Club (1993)
Gathering for one of their regular mahjong games, a group of four older women band together to share stories about life before their emigration from China. With each of the women having had their children in America, The Joy Luck Club explores the complicated and intergenerational balancing act that so often comes from leaving one's home for new opportunities.
4. Chu & Blossom (2014)
Grieving the recent death of his brother, Korean exchange student Joon Chu moves to small-town America where he finds himself enthralled by avant-garde performance artist Butch Blossom. Together, the two traverse a path towards understanding the world separate from fear and regret.
TV:
1. Young Rock
Before he was a wrestling legend and international movie superstar, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was just Dewey, the young son of fellow wrestler Rocky Johnson. Taking place over various time periods, including one where the wrestling star grows up to be President of the United States, this show is sure to bring laughs for the entire family.
2. Family Karma
This reality series follows the intergenerational experiences of several Indian-American families currently living in Miami, Florida. Complete with gasps, gags, and enough drama to satiate even the most reluctant reality tv fans, Family Karma is sure to excite and entice viewers of all experiences.
3. Quantum Leap
The past, present, and future meet in this time traveling romp that finds brilliant quantum physicist Dr. Ben Song (Raymond Lee) and his team uncovering the mysteries behind the legendary Quantum Leap accelerator, as well as the technology's currently missing creator.
4. The Mehdi Hassan Show
When it comes to news anchors, there are few who hit harder than Mehdi Hassan. Presenting balanced and well-researched coverage on political, economic, and social news events, Mehdi is revered for his ability to delineate nuanced information to audiences with care and intention.
