May marks Asian Heritage Month: a time to recognize the contributions of Asian people to the world we share.
As the month comes to a close, the Charlatan’s staff and contributors have rounded up their favourite films, albums, books, foods and media from Asian artists, creators and culture.
Take your pick at which of these to explore, or discover your own Asian Heritage Month pick, to continue recognizing and supporting the contributions of the Asian community.
Alexa MacKie: Arts Editor, Vol. 55; Managing Editor, Vol. 54
Asian Heritage Month pick: the written works of Ocean Vuong
To me, May is the season for rebirth and resilience, as the snow melts away, and everything begins to bloom.
The words of Vietnamese-American writer Ocean Vuong encapsulate this feeling, and his work rings all the more powerful during Asian Heritage Month.
His debut novel, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, tenderly weaves fiction, memoir and poetic prose. Vuong’s words are written in the form of a letter from a Vietnamese son to his illiterate mother, as his story sorts through the ups and downs of a mother-son relationship, with themes of class, race and queer discovery.
His poetry collections, Night Sky with Exit Wounds and Time is a Mother, are similarly emotional, traversing themes of grief and melancholy without sacrificing hope and strength. There’s something so intimate and personal about his writing that’s also relatable for his reflection of messy and imperfect human emotions.
For his words that bring tears to my eyes and his real life story of resilience and overcoming, Ocean Vuong epitomizes the power and beauty I associate with Asian Heritage Month.
Michael McBean: News Editor, Vol. 55
Asian Heritage Month pick: MICO, Toronto-based indie-pop singer
Over the last couple of years, I have been vibing to rising indie-pop star MICO. The Filipino-Canadian artist came on my radar in 2023, when his powerful vocals in his hit single “cut my hair” made its way onto Toronto airwaves.
I enjoy how MICO explores his emotions through lyricism. From his heartbreaking song “Deserve this” to his reflective track “did too much,” he isn’t afraid to show vulnerability.
In my first-year of university, one of my best friends and I were lucky enough to catch MICO perform live at the Brass Monkey in Nepean. Even though he was noticeably under the weather, he powered through his performance and didn’t disappoint.
Elissa Mendes: Editor-in-Chief, Vol. 55; Opinions Editor, Vol. 54; News Editor, Vol. 53
Asian Heritage Month pick: Everything Everywhere All at Once, film directed by The Daniels
My pick has to be the instant classic and Academy Award-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once.
This surreal A24 film explores Asian-American identity and the human condition with wit, curiosity and breathtaking visuals. Michelle Yeoh and Stephanie Hsu’s performances are heart wrenching and brilliant, making the 139-minute runtime fly by in the best way.
Plus, I am so blessed that it includes a soundtrack collaboration with one of my favourite artists: Mitski’s “This Is a Life” is as surreal and comforting as the movie itself.
Marissa Meilleur: Culture & Community Editor, Vol. 55
Asian Heritage Month pick: XO, Kitty, TV series created by Jenny Han
Is this show cringey? Yes. Is its target audience probably several years younger than me? Yes. Did I still binge watch both seasons embarrassingly quickly? Yes.
A fun spin-off of the iconic To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before book and movie trilogy, XO, Kitty centres around Kitty Song Covey (Anna Cathcart), the youngest and feistiest sister from the original series, in Seoul, South Korea, as Kitty attends boarding school and hopes to learn more about her family’s roots.
While in some ways this series follows the typical rom-com love triangle formula, it also explores Kitty’s Korean heritage and reunion with long-lost family members. Elements like Korean music and Korean-spoken scenes offer a unique blend to appeal to cross-cultural audiences.
Anna Cathcart’s performance showed her immense growth as an actress since To All The Boys, from distinctive facial expressions to impeccable comedic timing. In this more mature portrayal of Kitty, she was able to build strong chemistry with franchise newcomers such as Q (Anthony Keyvan), Yuri (Gia Kim) and of course, Min Ho (Sang Heon Lee).
While I wouldn’t say XO, Kitty is my favourite installment of author Jenny Han’s growing universe, I definitely find a similar charm and comfort in it as its predecessors.
Honnor McCalla-Rodol: Charlatan co-op student, Vol. 55 and Vol. 54
Asian Heritage Month pick: This Is How Tomorrow Moves, album by beabadoobee
Though I was familiar and quite fond of some beabadoobee songs, “This Is How Tomorrow Moves” was my first true dive into her music — and the Filipino-British singer did not disappoint.
The 14 tracks might make you want to jam out, put flowers in your hair or drive home at night with the windows down. Some personal standouts include “California” and “Beaches.”
The album encapsulates youth. The songs feel like glimpsing into beabadoobee’s diary entries, and reflecting on her past allows us to do the same with our own. She accomplishes this with the power of whimsical indie rock, plus a touch of soft grunge and some elements of jazz.
All in all, this album reminds me to let whatever happens, happen.
Maia Tustonic: News Editor, Vol. 55 and Vol. 54
Asian Heritage Month pick: Past Lives, film directed by Celine Song
At the core of this film is the Korean concept of “inyeon,” which refers to how interactions and relationships from thousands of past lives influence the present relationship between two people.
The film Past Lives tells the story of Nora Moon (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), two young classmates in Korea who lose track of each other and reconnect as adults, wondering what their relationship would have been if they had never lost touch.
Director Celine Song perfectly encapsulates the love, loss and destiny infused in the concept of inyeon. This film will always end in tears rolling down my face.
The themes playing out in Past Lives are sources of emotion and connection for any viewer. How many times have we wondered how our lives would be different if we had made another choice? Through meaningful cinematography and poignant dialogue (like the line “You dream in a language that I can’t understand”), Song explores how people we love come and go in our lives.
Whether you crave a romantic, emotional or contemplative movie experience, this bittersweet film is the perfect watch.
Abyssinia Abebe: Features Editor, Vol. 55; Podcast Co-host, Vol. 54
Asian Heritage Month pick: Crazy Rich Asians, film directed by Jon M. Chu
Asian Heritage Month is the perfect excuse to rewatch one of my favourite comfort movies: Crazy Rich Asians.
If you haven’t seen it (or it’s been a while), the film follows Rachel Chu, a Chinese-American professor who travels to Singapore with her boyfriend Nick for a wedding only to find out he’s basically Asian royalty. Her life suddenly involves designer gowns, private islands, over-the-top weddings and a sprinkle of family drama!
The cast is incredible, the food shots make me hungry every time, and the soundtrack? Immaculate.
But beyond that, it’s a rare Hollywood rom-com that authentically and powerfully centers Asian characters. During Asian Heritage Month, it feels mandatory to press play on this masterpiece!
Sophia Laporte: Contributor, Vol. 55 and Vol. 54
Asian Heritage Month pick: Xiaolongbao at Sammi & Soupe Dumpling Ottawa
Asian cuisine encompasses hundreds of incredible cultural dishes, but one particular dish I fell in love with last year were soup dumplings, otherwise known as xiaolongbao. The dim sum dish practically melts in your mouth, and the perfection of a juicy dumpling with savoury hot broth and filling is to die for.
I was ecstatic to find out Ottawa had a place known for them near ByWard Market: Sammi & Soupe Dumpling. My friends and I have made a tradition of going out for these monthly, after exams, birthdays or celebrations. They’re a great find for university students looking for a comforting, filling meal that doesn’t cost more than $15.
I usually get the classic juicy pork dumplings, but you can’t go wrong with any (and there’s chicken and vegetarian options for those looking to avoid pork, too)!
Georgia Looman: Contributor, Vol. 55 and Vol. 54
Asian Heritage Month pick: The Secret World Of Arrietty, film directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi
My first Studio Ghibli movie and one of my favourites since! It’s a simple story but told with such exquisite detail through the animation, creating a fantasy world that isn’t so different from our reality.
The main character is a miniature, teaspoon-sized girl named Arrietty. She lives with her equally tiny father and mother in a regular-sized house, unbeknownst to the regular-sized owners, where a young boy is staying to recover from his sickness.
You’d expect some sort of weird romance between a tiny girl and the massive (from her perspective) little boy, but there is none! That was one of my favourite aspects of the film, as it soley depicts their blossoming friendship and mutual understanding.
The movie was released in 2010, but remains timeless in its stunning visuals and unique storyline. As a child, I saw myself in Arrietty’s untamed hair and adventurous spirit.
I recommend this movie to everyone as a stunning window into Japanese culture and storytelling style, and also especially to daring young girls who see the world as their oyster.
Cassandra Bellefeuille: News Editor, Vol. 54
Asian Heritage Month pick: Timely!!, album by Anri
As the weather gets warmer, I find myself revisiting Anri, a Japanese city pop artist’s music.
My favourite album of hers is Timely!!, a shimmering blend of funk, jazz and synth-heavy pop that feels timeless even decades after its release in 1983. Songs like “Remember Summer Days” and “WINDY SUMMER” capture the laid-back feeling of driving with the windows down and basking in the sun.
What I love about Anri’s music is how effortlessly cool and nostalgic it sounds. Discovering Anri was like finding the secret soundtrack to a summer I’ve never had but always wanted.
Anri’s music has inspired a resurgence of city-pop and helped to shape the aesthetics of artists across the globe. As I continue to daydream about golden sunsets and ocean breezes, Anri will always hold the top spot on my summer playlist and is a go-to for Asian Heritage Month.
Justin Ball: Podcast Co-host, Vol. 54
Asian Heritage Month pick: Always Be My Maybe, film directed by Nahnatchka Khan
Romantic comedies are predictable, unadventurous and cliché. However, these traits make Always Be My Maybe the perfect watch when you need reminding that things have a way of sorting themselves out.
Starring stand-up veteran Ali Wong and seasoned sit-com actor Randall Park, the movie follows childhood sweethearts Sasha and Marcus as they attempt to rekindle an old spark after 15 years of not speaking. As adults, Sasha is a celebrity chef, while Marcus still lives with his father. The two are able to help each other heal from past wounds and eventually form a budding romance.
Always Be My Maybe stands out from others in its genre by thoughtfully incorporating Asian-American culture.
Critics have praised the movie’s portrayal of traits that are typically assigned to Asian characters in Western media. Sasha is successful, but she is erratic and has trouble navigating most relationships. Marcus, on the other hand, is unmotivated and unable to process his mother’s death.
Always Be My Maybe proves that even predictable stories can be fresh and worthwhile when told with underrepresented voices.
Sadeen Mohsen: Culture & Community Editor, Vol. 54
Asian Heritage Month pick: The Skyluck Journals by Andrew Nguyen, CBC
A first-person article written by Andrew Nguyen about his family’s experiences reaching the Hong Kong Harbour as Vietnamese refugees is a fascinating read about a series of journals written by his mother as they boarded the Skyluck to escape Saigon in 1979.
When the Skyluck arrived, it was docked at the Hong Kong Harbour for months, holding more than 2,700 Vietnamese refugees. It would take 18 months for Nguyen, who was four years old at the time, and his family to arrive in Canada.
An important part of Asian Heritage Month is acknowledging the strength and resilience of refugees. Stories like these deserved to be seen, heard and preserved, similar to the way Nguyen’s mother documented their lives aboard the ship.
With his mother, they translated 15 journal entries over several weeks, which he hoped would “fill in the gaps of my own memory of my family’s story.”
Zoe Pierce: Sports Editor, Vol. 55
Asian Heritage Month pick: Beatopia, album by beabadoobee
You might have heard the song “the perfect pair” by beabadoobee on TikTok or Instagram Reels, a popular background song featured in over 84 thousand TikTok videos, but I’m here to tell you to go listen to the entire 2022 album Beatopia, a criminally underrated record.
Beabadoobee has said in interviews that making music has helped her become proud of her Filipino heritage and that she hopes to inspire Asian female artists.
My favourite song off the indie album is “Talk,” which always finds its way back into my regular rotation. It has a little mix of everything — a powerful rock background blended with beabadoobee’s soft, high voice.
My runners-up are “Lovesong” and “Pictures of Us,” which each have a unique sound. Every track almost feels like its own genre, and you’ll go through all kinds of moods while listening.
Grace Hawkes: Charlatan co-op student, Vol. 55 and Vol. 54
Asian Heritage Month pick: Iron Widow, novel by Xiran Jay Zhao
For a whirlwind sci-fi fantasy rife with East Asian history and mythology, look no further than Iron Widow. This bestseller by Chinese-Canadian author Xiran Jay Zhao encourages readers to reflect on modern society by retelling the story of China’s only female empress, Wu Zetian.
In a world blending ancient Chinese society, futuristic tech and East Asian myth-based magic, eighteen-year-old Zetian seeks revenge against her sister’s killer, a star pilot in humanity’s war against alien invaders. On her journey, Zetian’s quest for vengeance becomes a fight for survival as she defies her corrupted, misogynistic military system and questions who’s really to blame for her suffering.
Perhaps the novel’s greatest strength is its refreshing perspective, sown from an unapologetic, in-your-face attitude and Zhao drawing from their lived experience to meaningfully represent intersectional identities lacking in current literature.
So whether you’re looking to celebrate Asian-Canadian art, explore rich and diverse heritage, or just craving a cathartic, action-packed, rage read about the takedown of an oppressive patriarchy, Iron Widow is the perfect book to immerse yourself in this Asian Heritage Month.
Daniel Fraser: Opinions Editor, Vol. 55
Asian Heritage Month pick: Steven Yeun, actor in The Walking Dead
When you start watching The Walking Dead, you typically gravitate towards four or five characters — Rick, Shane, Lori, Carol, or, for me, Steven Yeun’s character — the unassuming Glenn Rhee.
Yeun’s portrayal of Glenn is a masterclass in bringing heart and humanity to a brutal apocalyptic world. As Glenn, Yeun infused the character with unwavering loyalty, quiet courage and a moral compass that never faltered, making him a true fan favourite across seven seasons. His evolution from a shy pizza boy to a standout leader and devoted partner to Maggie (Lauren Cohan) showed off Yeun’s range, offering up a stellar mix of vulnerability and grit.
And so, watching Glenn meet his end at the beginning of season seven in such a brutal way at the hands of Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s character, Negan, was awful for me.
Several years later, I have yet to continue with the renowned show since watching Glenn’s untimely demise. The show doesn’t feel worth it anymore — and I think that speaks to how great Yeun is in the show. Glenn’s absence left a gaping hole that the other characters simply cannot fill. Thankfully, I have recently been able to get my fill of Yeun by way of Minari, Beef and Nope.
Featured graphic by Alisha Velji/the Charlatan
