In the ritzy-glitzy world of Asian cinema, extravagance is on full display. Wealth is a central theme in films from China to Japan, South Korea to Singapore, and beyond. Audiences are captivated by tales of luxury, power, and prestige. Many complex human emotions accompany great fortunes, and it’s often the humbling of a narcissist that wins the trust of audiences. Film fans in the Western world are all too familiar with the lavish lifestyles of the rich and famous in Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and beyond. However, many of these lifestyles pale compared to the grandeur of Asia’s privileged elite. From Chinese tycoons to Singaporean superstars, Southeast Asia has immense wealth.
Of course, one must look beyond the veneer and dig a little deeper. These stereotypes are perhaps best exemplified by the aphorism, you can be rich with nothing, if you’re rich with everything else. Asian films often depict the extremes between ostentatious wealth and absolute squalor within society. Indeed, these films are a non-too-subtle depiction of society’s wealth disparity with top-heavy elites and a growing poverty base. We see it all on full display, with gilded bonsai trees and the timeless allure of gold coins. These symbols of affluence are often woven into the narrative. They provide a rich tapestry of ancient traditions amid ultramodern realities.
For Westerners, the Asian film industry is igniting a firestorm of interest worldwide. Thanks to the amazingly talented directors, screenwriters, producers, and actors across SE Asia, we get to enjoy an array of world-class films. For those eager to get a good feel for the action – the pomp and ceremony, you may want to immerse yourself, hands-on, in a fabulously themed Asian social game – Super Rich God Slot by 3 Oaks Gaming. It’s got all the makings of an epic Asian dynasty, including gilded bonsai trees, golden scrolls, gold coins, and superrich rewards. It’s no wonder that Asian opulence has spilled over into so many peripheral entertainment industries, such as social games, video games, film, and TV series. Audiences can’t get enough of the golden glimmer.
Today, we tap into the fascinating milieu of the privileged elite of Asian cinema!
| Film | Description |
|---|---|
| Monga (2010) | This Taiwanese gangster film by Doze Niu dives into the gritty world of young gangsters in the1980s in Taipei. Monga’s all about the power and wealth in the criminal underworld. This flick is kind of rough and raw; it shows how money corrupts. Wealth here isn’t glamorous—it’s brutal and dangerous. And it’s totally jarring! |
| The House of Flying Daggers (2004) | Zhang Yimou’s movie is a visual treat for fans. And it’s set during the Tang Dynasty. It’s got a love triangle, political intrigue, and loads of wealth on show. The costumes and settings are all about flaunting the power of the ruling class. It’s rich in story and style. This flick certainly leaves a strong and lasting impression. |
| Confession of Pain (2006) | Andrew Lau & Alan Mak directed this Hong Kong thriller. It digs into the dark secrets of the wealthy elite. The film’s settings scream luxury, but it’s not all pretty. Behind the wealth lies plenty of danger and deceit. It’s a tense, suspenseful look at life among the rich. |
| The Billionaire (2011) | Directed by Songyos Sugmakanan, this Thai film tells the tale a young billionaire named Itthipat Kulapongvanich. It’s not just about being rich, though. The movie shows the drive and hustle it takes to make it big in modern-day Asia. It’s an inspiring and cautionary tale. |
| Cold War (2012) | This Hong Kong police thriller, was directed by Longman Leung & Sunny Luk. It’s an elegant mix of power struggles with loads of scenes of serious wealth. The elite society in Hong Kong is on full display. Every move is a power play, and the stakes are seriously high. The film keeps you on edge with plenty of tension and drama. |
| A Simple Life (2011) | Ann Hui directs this touching film. It perfectly contrasts the lives of a wealthy family with their aging peasant servant. The film isn’t about opulence but rather the simple things. It reveals that true wealth isn’t only about money. It’s about meaningful relationships. It’s quiet, yet powerful. |
| The Grandmaster (2013) | Wong Kar-wai’s martial arts epic is a feast for fans. Set in 1930s China, it follows the life of Ip Man, with elegance and tradition in every frame. The film’s rich visuals show off the wealth and culture of the time. It does a sublime job of blending action with beauty. |
| The Handmaiden (2016) | Directed by Park Chan-wook, this South Korean thriller is all about wealth, power, and manipulation. It was set in 1930s Korea. The director perfectly captures the luxurious settings hiding dark truths. The opulence is manipulative to max. This film is a must-see! |
| Burning (2018) | Lee Chang-dong’s psychological drama quietly explores the huge gaps in wealth & privilege. One character, a wealthy young man, is quite intriguing. As the film unfolds, it reveals how wealth can divide and isolate people. |
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest Asian films. There are plenty of fascinating tales to be told, and with the top-drawer quality it’s going to be amazing!