11 Asian Gay Films to Discover in 2023

Asia has made significant strides in recent years when it comes to representing the LGBTQ+ community in cinema. From heartrending dramas to empowering narratives of self-discovery, Asian LGBTQ+ films have emerged as a significant force, eloquently advocating for diversity and representation. Here's a curated list of standout films in this genre that you should explore:

Asia has made significant strides in recent years when it comes to representing the LGBTQ+ community in cinema. From heartrending dramas to empowering narratives of self-discovery, Asian LGBTQ+ films have emerged as a significant force, eloquently advocating for diversity and representation. Here's a curated list of standout films in this genre that you should explore:

1. "Happy Together" (1997, Hong Kong)

A poignant tale of a turbulent love story between two men living in Buenos Aires, this film explores the intoxicating highs and agonizing lows of their relationship. Directed by Wong Kar-wai, "Happy Together" is a cinematic masterpiece that beautifully represents gay relationships.

2. "My Brother… Nikhil" (2005, India)

A trailblazer in Indian LGBTQ+ cinema, "My Brother… Nikhil" tells the story of a gay man who, upon being diagnosed with HIV, experiences the painful stigma associated with the disease. The film is a powerful narrative on acceptance, love, and familial ties.

3. "Blue Gate Crossing" (2002, Taiwan)

This Taiwanese film delicately explores adolescent love and friendship, sexual identity, and unrequited affection. It's a compelling portrayal of the confusion and longing that often accompany the journey of self-discovery.

4. "Our Love Story" (2016, South Korea)

This film beautifully encapsulates the ups and downs of a lesbian relationship. The poignant narrative combined with powerful performances makes it a standout in South Korean LGBTQ+ cinema.

5. "How to Win at Checkers (Every Time)" (2015, Thailand)

This Thai film revolves around an 11-year-old boy who is exposed to issues of class, sexuality, and power as he prepares to send his brother off to the military draft. It’s a touching portrayal of family, societal pressures, and coming-of-age realizations.

6. "The Handmaiden" (2016, South Korea)

Directed by Park Chan-wook, "The Handmaiden" is a gripping psychological thriller set in the 1930s during the Japanese occupation of Korea. The film spins a complex web of love, deception, and sexual identity that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

7. "Farewell My Concubine" (1993, China)

This Chinese epic drama traces the lives of two male Peking opera stars over five decades. It subtly explores the theme of homosexuality amidst political unrest, societal norms, and the world of opera. Directed by Chen Kaige, the film won the Palme d'Or at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival.

8. "Dear Ex" (2018, Taiwan)

"Dear Ex" presents a unique narrative that explores the themes of love, grief, and acceptance. It follows a woman and her son as they grapple with the loss of their husband and father who, before his death, names his gay lover as his life insurance beneficiary.

9. "Close-Knit" (2017, Japan)

"Close-Knit" is a Japanese film that sheds light on the life of a transgender woman. It beautifully explores the concept of family and the unconditional acceptance and love that should bind its members.

10. "Margarita with a Straw" (2014, India)

This Indian drama follows the journey of a young woman with cerebral palsy who relocates to America for her studies. While there, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and explores her sexual identity. The film has been lauded for its realistic and sensitive portrayal of disability and bisexuality.

11. "Malila: The Farewell Flower" (2017, Thailand)

This Thai film paints a touching portrait of a reunion between two men in the face of terminal illness. Using the traditional art of Bai Sri as a metaphor, it delves into themes of love, loss, and impermanence.

Asian LGBTQ+ cinema continues to break boundaries, contributing profoundly to the worldwide understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. The wide spectrum of narratives that these films cover - love stories, family dramas, tales of self-discovery and acceptance - reflect the rich diversity of the human experience. By investing our time in these films, we embrace a celebration of love, identity, and humanity in all its wonderful forms.