Best Movies to Watch for AAPIH Month
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Media can inspire empathy, connection, and understanding around important issues. May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and we have the incredible opportunity to celebrate the remarkable triumphs for the AAPI community every year.
We recognize that film and television are powerful mediums as well as the significance of representation of people both on and off screens. For this reason, we would like to take the time to appreciate means of entertainment that have taken great strides to represent AAPI culture and have positively amplified their voices. While these entertainment options may not paint a full picture of AAPI experiences, they certainly help get the conversation started and will hopefully encourage viewers to learn more about their heritage.
So, grab your favorite snacks and celebrate AAPIH with Optimum!
10. Hidden Heroes: The Nisei Soldiers of WWII (The HISTORY Channel)
Where to Watch: The History Channel
The unsung story of America's Nisei warriors of WWII, the sons of Japanese immigrants who volunteered by the thousands after Pearl Harbor and served in a segregated regiment to fight in some of the bloodiest battles of WWII. Featuring sit-down interviews, archival imagery, illustration, and narration, the documentary will center around the Nisei soldiers of the 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT), the most decorated unit for its size and length of service in the history of the US military, and the Military Intelligence Service, a group of Nisei linguists and translators who are credited with shortening the war and saving millions of lives. VOD: 5/1/23-5/31/23
9. The Love Club: Sydney’s Journey
Where to Watch: Hallmark
Former track athlete, Sydney, hasn't closed the chapter on her college ex-boyfriend who broke her heart years ago. Will her new running buddy help her discover it's time to let go of an old flame? Stars Lily Gao, and Jesse Hutch. Airs 5/27.
8. Awkwafina is Nora from Queens: S3
Where to Watch: Comedy Central
Awkwafina stars as Nora Lin in this scripted series based on her real-life beginnings in Flushing, Queens. Raised alongside her cousin by her dad and grandma, Nora leans on her family as she navigates young adulthood in outer borough New York City.
7. Sweet Pecan Summer
Where to Watch: Hallmark
Amanda has to work with her ex-boyfriend JP to sell her favorite aunt's pecan farm. Putting aside their differences, old feelings start to rekindle, and they question their life paths. Stars Christine Ko, Wes Brown, and Lauren Tom. Airs 5/24.
6. NCIS: Hawai'I
Where to Watch: CBS
Hana hou. (That’s Hawaiian pidgin for one more time, of course). The newest recruit in the unstoppable NCIS universe, NCIS: Hawai`i, storms back ashore. Wherever there are criminal kingpins or maritime pirates or any other military offenses on Oʻahu there’s this collection of indefatigable agents to investigate them, under the command of the first female Special Agent in Charge. Highly trained for the field, they’re ohana — family — and they’re here to keep paradise safe for all.
5. Ghosts
Where to Watch: CBS
Last year, Sam and Jay threw caution to the wind when they set about converting a ramshackle country estate into a bed-and-breakfast. Who could know that the conversion would unearth an unusual collection of ghosts in the process — ones that only Samantha can interact with? (And do they have a lot to say…) Last season’s number one and most-buzzed-about new comedy, Ghosts returns to scare up more of what it takes to make a go of a spirited dream.
4. The Ghost and Molly McGee
Where to Watch: Disney XD and Disney Channel
With the Chairman gone for Good, Scratch is ready to kick back, relax, and do whatever he feels like doing. But when he’s declared the new Chairman of the Ghost World, he suddenly finds himself saddled with tons of new duties and responsibilities. Meanwhile, a new family moves across the street from the McGees. The Chens are fun, friendly, and practically perfect for the McGees in every way… except for the inconvenient fact that they’re ghost hunters. Life (and afterlife) just got a lot more complicated for Molly and Scratch! Ends 5/7.
3. Right in Front of Me
Where to Watch: Hallmark
Carly has a second chance at romance with her college crush but is unable to impress him until her new friend Nick starts giving her advice. Soon she learns who the right man for her really is. Stars Janel Parrish and Marco Grazzini. Airs 4/29.
2. Karate Kid
Where to Watch: AMC
Daniel (Ralph Macchio) moves to Southern California with his mother, Lucille (Randee Heller), but quickly finds himself the target of a group of bullies who study karate at the Cobra Kai dojo. Fortunately, Daniel befriends Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki "Pat" Morita), an unassuming repairman who just happens to be a martial art master himself. Miyagi takes Daniel under his wing, training him in a more compassionate form of karate and preparing him to compete against the brutal Cobra Kai.
1. Everything Everywhere all at Once
Where to Watch: Showtime
Academy Award® winning Best Picture starring Academy Award® winners Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan & Jamie Lee Curtis. When an interdimensional rupture threatens to unravel reality, the fate of the world is suddenly in the hands of a most unlikely hero: an overwhelmed immigrant mother. As bizarre and bewildering dangers emerge from the many possible universes, she must learn to channel her newfound powers and fight to save her home, her family, and herself.
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