LIST: 6 family-oriented movies to ring in the Lunar New Year
Beyond the delicious reunion dinner, the Lunar New Year is all about cherishing family time. And what better way to do that than with a cozy movie night?
From a film about an instant father to a wishing dragon, here are six Asian films you can watch on Netflix with your loved ones to help you ring in the Year of the Dragon.
Instant Daddy
A film about a father's brave and pure love really hits the spot. Instant Daddy is a Pinoy adaptation of the hit Mexican film Instructions Not Included. It stars Jerald Napoles (Val), Ryza Cenon (Kate), Althea Ruedas (Mira), MC (Whitney), Nikko Natividad (Rico), among others.
The movie is a tearjerker that tells the tale of young Val and his father (Jao Mapa), who were abandoned by their mother. His father deceived him into thinking that his mother was living overseas and that she had been writing him letters. As a teenager, he leaves his father and moves to Manila after discovering the truth and to start anew.
Fearing he would experience the same fate as his parents, Val turned to driving taxis and became averse to making lasting relationships. Among the many women he dates is Julie (Danita Paner), who abruptly deserts him, leaving a child she claims is their daughter.
Doll House
Doll House is another film featuring child actress Althea Ruedas who plays Yumi, and Baron Geisler as Rustin/Clyde, the former's father in the film.
The movie is a reflective story centered on the life of Baron's character, a drug addict who wants to atone for his transgressions by going back to see his daughter. He spends sober time with his young daughter, who is unaware that the former is her biological father.
Wish Dragon
Want some light family movie? Watch Wish Dragon. This 2021 Chinese-American animated fantasy comedy film stars Jimmy Wong, John Cho, Constance Wu, and Jackie Chan, among others.
It narrates the tale of a motivated teenager named Din, voiced by Jimmy, who meets a wish-granting dragon that demonstrates the magic of possibilities and fulfills his desire to reunite with his childhood best friend.
Okja
How far would you go for a friend?
Okja (2017) centers around Mi-Ja (Ahn Seo-Hyun) and her bond with the special super-pig she raised. After a multinational corporation captures Okja, Mija embarks on a quest to save her friend and faces obstacles and moral conundrums in the process.
Finding 'Ohana
Finding 'Ohana takes viewers on a lighthearted adventure packed with cultural exploration, family ties, and daring discoveries. Led by four young actors, the story follows outspoken Pili (Kea Peahu), responsible Ioane (Alex Aiono), thoughtful Casper (Owen Vaccaro), and gentle Hana (Lindsay Watson) as they uncover hidden truths and strengthen their bonds.
Over the Moon
Over the Moon is the third feature film co-production from Netflix's animation division following Klaus and The Willoughbys.
This captivating animation weaves a beautiful story of resilience, exploring themes of overcoming tragedy and loss, the enduring power of family, and the dangers of dwelling on the past.
Loosely based on a Chinese legend, the animated film centers on a girl named Fei Fei (Cathy Ang) who must deal with the possibility of her father getting married again after his mother dies. In an attempt to find evidence that the fairy tales her mother had told her were true and to persuade her father to remember her mother and not get married again, she ends up travelling to the moon with her annoying little step-brother as he is not ready to let go and accept someone else in her family.