☕️ TL;DR

Recommended picks of the week: [K-drama] Connection、[US series] The American Nightmare、[US series] St. Denis Medical Season 2、[Chinese drama] Three Walks、[Film] Ordinary Children、[Film] Crown Shyness、[Film] Hello, Amélie、[Animation] The Mighty Nine、[Documentary] A Thought of Ryukyu

A few standout trailers: the official trailer for Doraemon: Nobita’s New Undersea Devil’s Rock Castle; the first teaser for Detective Conan: The Fallen Angel on the Highway; the official trailer for Foreign Diary; the official trailer for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms; a new trailer for Supreme Marty.

A few film & TV updates: Hirokazu Kore-eda will direct the live-action adaptation of Suddenly, Turning Back; The Deer and the Cauldron set for release on December 5; Mountains May Depart confirmed for a December 12 re-release; Nanjing Photo Studio special screening edition dated; and Shadow Spider-Man unveils a new poster.

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[K-drama] Spirit Fingers

• Keywords: Drama / Romance
• Also known as: Spirit Fingers
• Episode length: ~60 minutes × 12 episodes; Douban link

Find the color that truly belongs to your life.

@潘誉晗: The protagonist, Song Yuyeon, is a high school student who has grown deeply insecure. Her family constantly compares her to her genius younger brother, and her mother’s oppressive, discouraging parenting leaves her unable to express her true emotions. One day, she joins an art group called “Spirit Fingers” and unexpectedly meets the male lead, Nam Ki-jung. Under the influence of Nam Ki-jung and the group, Yuyeon slowly finds confidence and learns to face herself.

Adapted from the webtoon of the same name, the drama features no major stars, and some viewers even mocked the setup — the male lead suffers from irritable bowel syndrome (so he often has to run to the bathroom). Yet this seemingly quirky and bizarre series became a surprising hit, delivering bursts of laughter as well as genuine emotional resonance. What appears to be a simple romantic comedy about a good girl and a “problem student” actually channels a powerful energy through the “Spirit Fingers” group.

The group is made up of students and adults, all with different levels of artistic skill. But this group of eccentrically dressed adults teaches Yuyeon — and the audience — an important lesson in their own way: live more freely, and go find the color that belongs to your own life.

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[US Series] Death by Lightning

• Keywords: Drama / Biography / History
• Also known as: Death by Lightning
• Episode length: 47–66 minutes (per episode; final episode is 66 minutes) × 4 episodes
• Where to watch: Netflix; Douban link

About the second U.S. president to be assassinated.

@潘誉晗: Chicago, 1880. Ohio Congressman James Garfield agrees to a request from Treasury Secretary John Sherman to give a speech supporting Sherman’s presidential campaign at the Republican National Convention. Garfield’s speech is wildly successful, winning broad support — and, unexpectedly, thrusting him into the presidency himself. Among those ecstatic about Garfield’s rise is his fanatical supporter Charles Guiteau, who rushes to the White House demanding to be appointed a diplomat. After repeated rejection, the mentally unstable Guiteau decides to assassinate Garfield.

This historical drama is adapted from the book by Candice Millard and uses the story of former U.S. President Garfield as its central thread. As the 20th president of the United States, Garfield’s journey was extraordinary. A man with a background in ministry, he never intended to run for office; his first major speech was merely to help a friend win votes. After becoming president as an unlikely dark horse, he pushed forward significant reforms and defended Black Americans’ right to vote. Yet only six months into his presidency, he was assassinated. Ironically, the bullet wound itself was not fatal — he could have survived.

Matthew Macfadyen and Michael Shannon deliver performances that not only bring this absurd and tragic chapter of American history to life but also expose the madness of political conflict in that era.

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[US Series] St. Denis Medical Season 2

• Keywords: Drama / Comedy
• Also known as: St. Denis Medical Season 2
• Episode length: 22 minutes (per episode; exact episode count TBD); Douban link

A hospital bustling with chaos, laughter, and life.

@潘誉晗: After being promoted to head nurse, Alex finds herself even busier than before. She finally took a rare family vacation to Hawaii and was still basking in the joy of the trip, but the fast pace of work quickly pulled her back to reality. Joyce, now officially sponsored by the hospital, is excitedly planning to establish a birthing center to attract more expectant mothers and increase revenue…

The second season of St. Denis Medical continues to focus on the everyday happenings within the hospital. Through a mockumentary lens, the show steps into the daily work of healthcare professionals — not only documenting how everyone performs their duties, but also using their humorous personal lives to sharply satirize and critique the current American healthcare system. Take the storyline where Bruce is attacked by a goose: because he passes out quickly and never sees what hit him, everyone initially suspects it was retaliation from a disgruntled patient. Terrified, they hope for better security measures, but installing surveillance equipment requires funding the hospital can’t spare, leaving the staff to brainstorm makeshift self-defense strategies instead.

Through these quirky yet lovable characters, the series also reveals the deep, messy, and endearing bonds that hold them together.

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[Chinese Series] The Triple Echo of Time

• Keywords: Drama / Fantasy
• Also known as: The Triple Echo of Time
• Episode length: ~47 minutes × 24 episodes
• Where to watch: Tencent Video; Douban link

In this life, the most important thing is not to forget who you are.

@潘誉晗: In 2033, a global “internet blackout” turns the world upside down, reshuffling what used to be considered hot and cold industries. Print media suddenly experiences a revival. Meanwhile, 41-year-old programmer Zhao Zuoyou loses his job after the heavy blow dealt to the tech industry, and his wife files for divorce. Faced with this crisis, he decides to join a time-travel experiment run by a company called “Finite Life,” going back to his past so that his 16-year-old self will choose liberal arts instead of science. What he didn’t expect is that his 66-year-old future self also travels back — determined to stop the 41-year-old’s plan.

Three versions of the same person, each at a different age, with different worldviews and life experiences. Created by the team behind Ancient Love Poetry, this soft sci-fi drama centers on the theme of difficult life choices. It plays with a dual-timeline time travel concept and introduces a fascinating scenario — your elderly and middle-aged selves standing before your 16-year-old self, each offering a completely different path and ending.

The multi-thread narrative makes the series rich in information, while the fresh concept creates plenty of highlights. The setups, foreshadowing, and logic are all neatly resolved in the finale, making the overall execution impressively solid.

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[Film] How Dare You?

• Keywords: Drama / Slice of Life / School
• Also known as: ふつうの子ども / How Dare You?
• Runtime: 97 minutes; Douban link

Grown-ups have made a complete mess of our future!

@SHY: Ueta Tadafumi, a 10-year-old fourth grader, develops a crush on his classmate Miyake Kokona — a young environmental activist passionate about protecting the planet. Hoping to get closer to Kokona, Tadafumi teams up with their class troublemaker, Hashimoto Haruto, forming a trio that starts with handing out flyers and gradually takes action to support environmental causes. But as their mischievous “missions” escalate, more serious consequences begin to loom ahead.

Following the earlier recommendation of My Small Land, director Naomi Kawase draws inspiration from environmental youth activist Greta Thunberg and, through her sharp observational lens, presents this inventive children’s film. The story blends the familiar theme of environmentalism with the chaotic energy of spirited kids, depicting their small-scale revolution while also touching on family, education, and other social issues — creating a wonderful synergy that exceeds the sum of its parts.

The film offers vivid, delicate portrayals of children’s psychology, and the young cast delivers impressive performances. Their improvisational moments feel natural and authentic, capturing the essence of real childhood. They are ordinary children, yet special in their own way; the questions they raise land with weight. Meanwhile, the adults’ supposedly righteous principles — which they themselves fail to follow — appear all the more ironic through a child’s eyes. The director’s messages, voiced through these children, are whimsical yet deeply thought-provoking.

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[Film] Crown Shyness

• Keywords: Drama / Family
• Runtime: 80 minutes; Douban link

Do you think trees stand apart — or grow as one?

@利兹与青鸟: Phun and Zai Zai are deeply in love, but Zai Zai has a five-year-old daughter living in Thailand, pulling her between motherhood and romance. Phun’s mother, Yu-Ling, had been away working for three years and passed away from cancer shortly after returning home. Their grandmother then moved in to live with Phun. She cannot accept the mother’s wish for a natural tree burial, nor can she accept Phun having a girlfriend.

“Crown shyness” refers to the natural phenomenon where the crowns of neighboring trees avoid touching, leaving narrow gaps between them. The film uses this imagery to represent the love and distance between three generations — grandmother, mother, and child. Like trees rooted in the same soil, separated yet connected by blood, they move from resistance, to understanding, to depending on one another. The emotions feel genuine, as if unfolding right beside us.

For a debut feature, the film shows remarkable maturity. The director expresses emotional currents mainly through visual language rather than dialogue — gentle, understated, yet powerful. The actors are intuitive and nuanced, with several scenes executed beautifully: Phun and Zai Zai laughing under the night sky, falling freely into each other’s arms; grandmother and grandchild lying together, remembering their daughter and mother, sharing grief, longing, and unresolved regrets.

Love, family, and the sorrow of parting — from denial to anger to acceptance — are all portrayed with honesty, ultimately soothed by sunlight and the quiet of the forest.

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[Film] Hello, Amélie

• Keywords: Drama / Fantasy / Coming-of-Age
• Also known as: Amélie et la Métaphysique des tubes / Little Amélie or the Character of Rain
• Runtime: 78 minutes; Douban link

I want to see everything, feel everything, and give all the love I possibly can.

@SHY: In the beginning, there was nothing. Little Amélie opens her eyes in the darkness and, from that moment on, regards herself as a god, refusing to respond to any external contact. But a small earthquake on her second birthday compels her to move by her own will and begin experiencing the world. As her third birthday approaches, Amélie must also learn to accept the things she does not like.

Adapted from Belgian writer Amélie Nothomb’s semi-autobiographical novel, the film tells the story of her first years on earth through the eyes of a bewildered child. What makes it unique is that the protagonist’s seemingly naïve thoughts are portrayed as results of rational reflection, blending the process of infant development with metaphysical themes, all tinged with a touch of fantasy. After a series of events, Amélie evolves from the “god” of her inner universe into someone capable of accepting both others and her own ordinariness — and life becomes richer for it.

To a newborn, everything is new. Amélie slowly learns the names of things, forms her own understanding of how the world works, and builds connections with the people around her — until sudden encounters with separation and death force her to bear sorrow she cannot yet describe. The film uses everyday imagery to craft a Zen-like poetic journey, its mood like falling raindrops: light, profound, and full of reverence for life. It is one of the most distinctive animated films I’ve seen this year.

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[Animation] The Mighty Nein

• Keywords: Animation / Fantasy / Adventure
• Also known as: The Mighty Nein
• Episode length: ~45 minutes × 8 episodes; Douban link

Can losers save the world and become heroes?

@潘誉晗: At a sacrificial ritual, a bugbear cradles his dying wife and personally ends her life. Yet she does not fear death, because the beacon at the site will absorb her soul, allowing her to reincarnate once that soul finds a suitable vessel. Just then, three agents infiltrate the scene and steal the beacon. This sudden incident enrages the Bright Queen of the Dynasty, who accuses the Empire of stealing their sacred artifact and demands its immediate return.

The latest entry in the tabletop-inspired animation lineup introduces a new protagonist group: the “Mighty Nein.” This party — composed of a mage, monk, goblin, goblin rogue, half-orc warlock, and more — is anything but conventional. In others’ eyes, they are misfits, “losers” who don’t quite fit anywhere. Yet it is precisely this marginalized group that pours everything they have into saving a world on the brink of collapse. After all, it’s often the overlooked nobodies who can act in ways no one expects.

Continuing the D&D-inspired style, the animation embraces a dark ensemble tone. Occasional humorous exchanges between characters soften the heaviness of the plot. Paired with excellent fight choreography and dynamic storyboarding, the show delivers excitement even with fully 2D visuals.

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[Documentary] It Is Time to Change

• Keywords: Documentary / History
• Also known as: It is time to change
• Runtime: ~190 minutes
• Where to watch: Bilibili (Shípíndào Support Program; requires separate payment); Douban link

True civilization never persecutes life.

@潘誉晗: Mr. Gushiken, a 71-year-old resident of Okinawa, is a “bone retriever.” Since the age of 28, he has been excavating the remains of those who died in the Battle of Okinawa. He has little pension and lives a financially difficult life, yet he believes he must continue this work — because he is human.

Over three trips and twenty days of filming in Okinawa, the Shípíndào team created the documentary It Is Time to Change, turning their camera toward a place not far from mainland China: Okinawa (the Ryukyu Islands). This region shares historical trauma similar to ours — once occupied by U.S. forces and later neglected by the Japanese government. Even now, although Japan has administrative control over Okinawa, the heavy presence of U.S. military bases continues to exert profound and far-reaching influence on the lives of the people.

The nearly three-hour documentary is weighty. Aerial shots reveal the breathtaking beauty of Okinawa’s oceans — waters so crystal blue they seem dreamlike. Yet the islands’ history, and the many lingering issues it left behind, feel suffocating. Through interviews and on-site footage, the Shípíndào team weaves this fading chapter of grand historical tragedy into the fabric of everyday life, allowing viewers to viscerally experience the sorrow of what happens when history is forgotten.

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More

[Film] Hello, Frida @SHY: A vibrant young Mexican girl overcomes illness and prejudice as she strives toward her dreams. Inspired by the real childhood of painter and activist Frida Kahlo, this animated film attempts to look beyond the cultural icon and portray the real person underneath. With a strong feminist perspective, dazzling visuals, and a touch of magical storytelling reminiscent of Kahlo’s artistic style, the film is aimed at younger audiences but remains engaging for adults as well.

[K-drama] Kiss Boom @潘誉晗: To secure a job, the heroine Ko Dallin pretends to be a married and pregnant mother and successfully lands a position at a maternity product company. What she didn’t expect is that her boss, Gong Ji-heok, is the very man she once shared a spontaneous kiss with on Jeju Island. Recently released on Netflix and starring Ahn Eun-jin and Jang Ki-yong, this romcom balances workplace and family narratives well. While the character tropes are somewhat conventional, the leads’ strong performances make the series genuinely delightful to watch.

[Chinese Series] The Mystery of the Brown Eye @潘誉晗: Detective-video blogger Yang Zhenghui suddenly realizes his ex-girlfriend Xiaowei has been out of touch for far too long. She hasn’t streamed or posted on social media in over a year — highly unusual. He begins to suspect something has happened to her. Adapted from the novel of the same name, the series expands on the original while staying largely faithful to it. Using the “brown eye” — a pottery flaw — as metaphor, the story exposes the darkness and complexity of human nature, involving cases tied to insurance fraud, wife murder, and other provocative topics.

[Film] The Left-Handed Girl @潘誉晗: The film follows single mother Shufen, who makes a living running a stall at the night market. Returning to Taipei from the countryside means both she and her two daughters must adapt to an entirely new life. The older daughter, young and attractive, becomes a “betel nut beauty,” while the younger daughter, a left-hander, is labeled as having an ominous “devil’s hand” by her grandfather. Through the differing fates of this mother and her daughters, the film paints a deeply affecting portrait of the struggles faced by women living at the margins of society.

[Documentary] But There Is Still Theatre @利兹与青鸟: A companion series to But There Are Still Books, each episode centers on a different theatre-related theme. It tells the behind-the-scenes story of actor Chiang Chi-ming and the stage play Assorted, Mixed, or Salad — rehearsals, character interpretation, and the meaning of acting in their lives. Other episodes follow theatre entering mountain schools, bringing children fresh, heartfelt experiences; the creation of a stage play by young disabled actors in Reversing the Future, showcasing the power of life; and the magical Asia Building and the neighbouring theatre troupe’s acting classes… inviting viewers to discover everything that theatre can be.

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📅 New Trailers This Week

Doraemon: Nobita’s New Undersea Devil’s Rock Castle — Official Trailer

On November 30, the animated film Doraemon: Nobita’s New Undersea Devil’s Rock Castle released its official trailer and is scheduled to premiere in Japan on February 27, 2026. This is the 45th entry in the Doraemon movie series, directed by Tetsuo Yajima and written by Isao Murayama. The film is a remake of the 1983 theatrical version and will follow Doraemon, Nobita, and friends as they embark on an underwater adventure. Source

Detective Conan: The Fallen Angel on the Highway — First Teaser

On December 3, the 29th Detective Conan movie revealed its subtitle The Fallen Angel on the Highway, along with a teaser visual and the first teaser trailer. The film will be released in Japan on April 10, 2026. Directed by Takahiro Hasui (True Legend of the Samurai YAIBA) and written by Takahiro Okura (The Million-Dollar Pentagram), the story will feature Chihaya Hagiwara as a key character. Source

A Foreign Diary — Official Trailer

On December 2, the TV anime A Foreign Diary released its official trailer and announced a premiere date of January 4, 2026. Adapted from Tomoko Yamashita’s manga of the same name, the series is directed by Miyuki Oshiro, written by Kohei Kiyasu, scored by Kensuke Ushio, produced by studio P.A. Works, and stars Miyuki Sawashiro and Fuuko Mori. It tells the story of the socially awkward novelist Takadai Makio and her cohabitation life with her late sister’s daughter, Asano. Source

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms — Official Trailer

On December 5, the Game of Thrones spinoff series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms released its official trailer and will premiere on HBO Max on January 18, 2026. Peter Claffey stars as Ser Duncan the Tall, while Dexter Sol Ansell plays Egg — the future Aegon V Targaryen. Fate, formidable enemies, and dangerous adventures await. Source

Supreme Marty — New Trailer

On December 4, A24’s film Supreme Marty released a new trailer and is set to premiere in North America on December 25. Directed by Josh Safdie (Good Time, Uncut Gems) and starring Timothée Chalamet and Gwyneth Paltrow, the film tells the story of Marty Mauser, an American table tennis athlete chasing greatness in the 1950s. Source

More

“Home for Young Mothers” Sets Release Date: On December 1, the Dardenne brothers’ latest film Home for Young Mothers announced its nationwide release date of December 12. The film won Best Screenplay in the main competition section at the 78th Cannes Film Festival and will also represent Belgium in the Oscars’ Best International Feature category. It focuses on the survival struggles faced by five young mothers.

A24’s “Mother Mary” Releases First Trailer: Directed by David Lowery (A Ghost Story) and starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel, the film follows a pop superstar who, after an existential crisis, pauses her tour to seek out Sam — the fashion designer who once crafted her public image. The film will premiere in North America in spring 2026. Source

“Detective, Your Backpack Is Open” Drops Teaser: Written and directed by Shuichi Okita and starring Ryuhei Matsuda, this marks their reunion after A Man of 0.5. Set in a rural hot-spring town, the drama follows a detective-inventor who casually solves various whimsical cases.

“The Sanctuary” Releases Trailer: Starring Jason Statham and directed by Ric Roman Waugh (Angel Has Fallen, Greenland), the film tells the story of a mysterious man hiding on a remote Scottish island. One day, he rescues a drifting girl from the stormy sea, setting off a chain of dangerous events. It is scheduled for North American release on January 30 next year.

“The California Scheme” Unveils First Trailer: This marks James McAvoy’s directorial debut, with cast members Samuel Bottomley, Seamus McLean Ross, and James McAvoy himself. Based on a true story, the film follows two Scottish men in the 1990s who impersonate a famous California rap duo in hopes of becoming hip-hop stars. It will be released in England and Ireland on April 10 next year.

📽 Weekly Film & TV News

Hirokazu Kore-eda to Direct Live-Action Adaptation of Look Back

On December 3, it was announced that Tatsuki Fujimoto’s short manga Look Back will be adapted into a live-action film, directed, written, and edited by Hirokazu Kore-eda. The film is scheduled for release in Japan in 2026. The original work tells the story of the deep, unexpected bond formed between two girls, Fujino and Kyomoto, through their shared love of drawing. It won first place in the 2021 Kono Manga ga Sugoi! (Boys’ Edition) ranking and was previously adapted into an animated film. Source

Royal Tramp Set for December 5 Release

On December 1, Stephen Chow’s classic comedy Royal Tramp (4K restored version) announced its first-ever theatrical release in mainland China, scheduled for December 5. Starring Stephen Chow, Ng Man-tat, Chingmy Yau, Sandra Ng, Michelle Reis, Brigitte Lin, Natalis Chan, Deric Wan, Elvis Tsui, and others, the film returns after 33 years, allowing audiences to once again experience the nonsensical comedic charm of Hong Kong cinema’s golden era. Source

Mountains May Depart to Return to Theaters on December 12

On December 3, a new poster confirmed the 10th-anniversary re-release of Jia Zhangke’s film Mountains May Depart, set for December 12. The third act of the film takes place in the “future” of 2025 — a future that has now become the present. Ten years later, we revisit that snowy dance and reflect on our own journeys of wandering and separation. Source

Special Screening of The Nanjing Photo Studio Announced

On December 3, it was confirmed that a special black-and-white commemorative version of the film The Nanjing Photo Studio will screen on December 13 in select theaters in Nanjing, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.

New Poster Released for Noir Spider-Man

On December 4, Amazon’s live-action series Noir Spider-Man, starring Nicolas Cage, released a new poster. Set in 1930s New York, the series follows an older Spider-Man. Directed by Harry Bradbeer and written by Oren Uziel (22 Jump Street, The Lost City), Uziel also serves as an executive producer.