Steven Yeun’s Prime 10 Criterion Favourites: If Steven Yeun had determined to pursue legislation or medical science slightly than pursuing appearing, the cinematic world would have missed out on a gem of an actor. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Yeun is an American actor who has delivered acclaimed performances within the in style tv sequence “The Strolling Useless,” Bong Joon-ho’s “Okja,” and Lee Chang-dong’s “Burning.” He’s the primary Asian American actor to be nominated for the Academy Award for Greatest Actor. In 2023, he starred at nighttime comedy sequence “Beef” (2023), for which he received two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award.

With the record of such nice honors, it’s undoubted that Yeun is without doubt one of the greatest actors within the movie business. Other than being an awesome actor, his script selection can also be commendable. The actor mentioned his Criterion favorites and these are the movies that he counts in his high 10.

1. Tokyo Story (1953) and Good Morning (1959)

For me, Criterion was an entry level for Asian cinema, which was actually superior. I began choosing out movies like “Good Morning.” Ozu is so stunning. You have a look at the colours he’s working with, the stillness, the wonder. I attempted to not put one other Ozu on this record, however I needed to embrace “Tokyo Story” additionally. I keep in mind watching it for the primary time and was like, man, so little occurred, however a lot occurred, and there’s such a sensible grace. I hope we will see extra movies like this once more.

2. Nonetheless Strolling (2008)

I really like Kore-eda; I can’t wait to observe “Shoplifters.” This movie seems like a pure extension of Ozu, which is great. As an Asian American individual, you search for methods to justify, clarify, and perceive why your loved ones dynamic is the way in which it’s, even though you’re on this nation the place everyone’s household dynamic appears very totally different. Then you definately get these glimpses, and also you’re like, oh, I can see the connection there.

3. Secret Sunshine (2007)

I feel this one speaks for itself. I noticed this after I noticed Poetry. I want extra of Lee Chang-dong’s movies had been on Criterion. Tune Kang-ho in “Secret Sunshine” is just not the central efficiency, however he’s simply so sincere and uncooked and true. He’s this man who needs to be beloved so badly. It’s heartbreaking. Director Lee actually turns a mirror on you. I used to be raised very Christian, and by some means, this movie echoes the issues buzzing at the back of my head. It’s good to have somebody make you not really feel loopy.

4. Chungking Specific (1994)

It’s so good—so delicate, truthful, and easy. This film permits you to simply have a look at human beings as human beings for a second. Wong Kar-wai is a grasp, and I’ve an admiration for his capacity to direct your consideration to sure issues however not in an apparent method. I obtained to see Asian individuals as actual individuals who could possibly be flawed and make selections which can be egocentric and don’t take into consideration social graces on a regular basis.

Being raised in a really Christian, conventional Korean family, you’re form of simply seeing the floor and what you’re purported to be always. I keep in mind rising up considering all Korean individuals had been church deacons, and you then see a Korean man driving a taxi and unexpectedly you’re like, what’s occurring? This doesn’t make sense to me! Wong’s movies are like touring to Hong Kong with out going to Hong Kong.

5. Incredible Mr. Fox (2009)

All of Wes’s stuff is nice, however I actually love this one as a result of it was the primary time Wes discovered Wes 2.0. It was like, oh, you’ve unlocked one other method of taking pictures for your self, which you now see manifested in movies like “Moonrise Kingdom.” His type is now wider than ever.

6. The Princess Bride (1987)

I need these sorts of films again. This was such a formative one in my life. It straddles that line between the grownup world and the kid world and provides you each angles.

7. Punch-Drunk Love (2002)

“Punch-Drunk Love” is superior. I grew up watching Adam Sandler, however this efficiency lured me to a different facet of him and blew me away. You’ve simply watched Completely satisfied Gilmore and you then’re like, I’m going to observe one other Adam Sandler film, and you then see this and also you’re like, whoa, sensible. I notice these choices are all emotional films for me!

8. Mulholland Dr. (2001) and Being John Malkovich (1999)

“Mulholland Dr.” was in all probability the nerdiest expertise I’ve had. Simply watching the movie after which desirous about it, listening to commentaries, then researching on-line what different connections I missed, and seeing all these deeper themes and meanings, I noticed that’s how one can make a movie! This was the primary Lynch movie I ever noticed. That Naomi Watts efficiency, and the efficiency throughout the efficiency, nonetheless haunts me. The film felt prefer it was simply form of fucking with me, and I actually loved that.

“Being John Malkovich” was one other a kind of formative movies that expanded my horizons on what movie might be, what it may touch upon, what number of layers you possibly can connect, and the way meta it may get. “Mulholland Dr.” and “Being John Malkovich” got here out across the time once I had already cemented in my thoughts what a film was. Then, for all that to only blow up in my face was actually superior.

9. RoboCop (1987)

“RoboCop” fucked me up once I first noticed it. It’s set in Detroit, the place I’m from, and it’s simply so brutal. The primary film I ever noticed was “Terminator 2″ once I was 5—my dad and mom clearly weren’t checking what I used to be watching at that age. With “RoboCop,” you’re getting the reality, however you haven’t any concept that what it’s telling you is definitely the reality.

10. Hoop Desires (1994)

“Hoop Desires” is, once more, somebody telling you the reality. This time, it’s concerning the glamorized, flashy, completely packaged machine that’s basketball. You assume, that is cool, that is what it’s purported to be. I’m certain all these individuals are residing nice lives. Then you definately see that is what the grind is, and it mirrors your individual upbringing ultimately. You perceive that everyone begins from someplace and everyone’s obtained a journey, and it doesn’t at all times work out the way in which you supposed.

Associated to Steven Yeun’s Criterion Favourites: Ryusuke Hamaguchi Shares Criterion Prime 10 Movies