NATHAN RIVAS WRITES – As we approach the release date for “Jojo Rabbit” by Taika Waititi, the acclaimed indigenous director from New Zealand, it has become apparent that indigenous creators there as well as in Australia are in increasing demand in Hollywood. For example, top Down Under actors such as Jemaine…
Full Article Netflix: This ‘Down Under’ Town, With Its Racism, Corruption and Sex Trafficking, Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Them
NATHAN RIVAS WRITES – Once again, anime has come to Tinsel Town. Sort of. A few weeks ago, Warner Bros. announced that Lana Wachowski will write and direct a fourth Matrix film, with actors Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss reprising their roles as Neo and Trinity. Never mind that the…
Full Article AROUND THE PACIFIC RIM: FAUX ANIME IN THE SHADOWS OF THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN
FASSA SAR WRITES – Amazon and Netflix are now battling it out to gain the eyeballs of millions of Indian television viewers. These two company giants are moving away from the traditional Hollywood strategy where television and film are created for American audiences with the hope they catch some international…
Full Article FILM: AMAZON AND NETFLIX TURN INDIA INTO A HUGE CREATIVE OPPORTUNITY FOR ITS BEST YOUNG TV AND MOVIE TALENTS
EPIPHANY HULBURD WRITES — Over the past couple of years, Asian content has slowly been making its way into the Western mainstream entertainment world. Whether it’s through co-productions with China or the constantly spreading influence of Korean pop culture, otherwise known as “Hallyu,” the content consumed by Americans and Western…
Full Article FILM: FIVE MUST-SEE CLASSIC ASIA FILMS NOW ON NETFLIX
TIARA SALVABILLA WRITES – Alchemiya, the so-called “Netflix for Muslims,” is making a play for Asia. The video on demand (VOD) service is known for shedding positive light on Muslims and Muslim culture. Since its launch in 2014 it has gained thousands of users from 10 different countries and is…
Full Article SOUTHEAST ASIA: AXIATA POPULARITY GROWS, SPREADING MUSLIM POSITIVITY
ALEXIS CRUZ WRITES – The expression “She’s got it all” seems particularly apt for the new Netflix film “Okja” and its cloven-hooved lead. Okja the character is smart, brave, loyal and loving, to a degree befitting her elephantine size (for the record, Okja’s sex is uncertain but we’ll call her…
Full Article SOUTH KOREA: Netflix’s ‘Okja’ is Some Pig
YI NING WONG WRITES – Netflix Original, Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower, tells the story of young Hong Kong activist, Joshua Wong, as he leads the infamous Umbrella Revolution against China in 2014. Directed by Joe Piscatella, the docufiction keeps its viewers interested, featuring the inception of a student organized pro-democracy…
Full Article CHINA: NETFLIX FALLS SHORT WITH ITS UMBRELLA REVOLUTION ORIGINAL FILM
JAMES ROYCE WRITES — Piracy rates in Australia have dropped in recent months, and the introduction of Netflix this March might be the culprit. The video streaming giant sees itself as a key competitor to the many pirate sites and services that offer video content illegally around the world. By…
Full Article AUSTRALIA: Online Piracy Starting to Feel the “Netflix Effect”
LEXIE TUCKER WRITES – As of September 2, the citizens of Japan have been able to “Netflix and chill” to their heart’s content. Be that as it may, it looks as though they aren’t really into binge-watching uber popular, original series such as “House of Cards” or “Orange in the…
Full Article JAPAN: Netflix and Shrug
ROBERT DYLAN FIELDS WRITES – When most people hear the word “animation,” the first thing that comes to mind are often animated works from figures such as Walt Disney. A lot of the time, however, they do not step back and consider what the word animation really means. The word “animation”…
Full Article DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness
VERONICA BANEZ WRITES – Lightbox, Neon, Netflix, Quickflix, Sky TV. These are only a few of the many streaming movie and television services that are provided in New Zealand. James Croot and Blayne Slabbert, writers for the website Stuff.com, really put into perspective the wide range of differences between all…
Full Article NEW ZEALAND: The Rise of Convenient Entertainment
ANNIE LUNDGREN WRITES – “Marco Polo” is Netflix’s newest warfare-meets-orgy saga. Despite failing with critics, the historical melodrama was greenlit for a second season in January. Since Netflix does not release ratings data, it is safe to assume that the show is doing well among viewers. Marco Polo showcases Asian…
Full Article TELEVISION REVIEW: Orgies + War = Marco Polo
VERONICA BANEZ WRITES – Technology is more advanced today than it has ever been. One of the most important advancements has been the concept of streaming – not only for entertainment purposes, but for current events as well. In recent years, there has been a huge outbreak of media streaming…
Full Article NEW ZEALAND: Just Press Play