8 Podcasts to Help You Understand the News | The Beat Asia
Asia/ Vibe/ Pop Culture

Listening to the World: Eight Podcasts to Digest International News

20221209 Podcasts for International News PIC01 Photo by Photo by Unsplash

For as long as they’ve been around, podcasts have been a great platform for news. News podcasts are essentially recorded radio programs, and every show has a repository of past recordings that you can play on your own time (and at your own speed, too). It is great if you have a nose for news, and there are so many options that you can handpick your shows.

Traditional news reporting, however, can be cut and dry. It is the same story in podcasts as in television news reporting--both tend to be a get-your-facts-and-go situation. This is not even including the part that there is so much news to catch up on.

Having said that, there is no denying that knowing what’s going on around you is essential. It allows you to participate in the wider world and, getting down to the brass tacks of news, informs you of things that could affect your life. One of the better things of getting your news from podcasts, a low-effort form of media, you can listen to episodes while doing other things. You can listen to the news while taking a shower, eating breakfast, on your commute or while driving to work.

To help you get started, here are eight podcasts that comb through and explain the context of the most prominent issues today without being longwinded: 

1. ‘The Bugle'

    "The Bugle" has been going on for 17 years, which means it was there when the whole podcast movement start. John Oliver, of “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” is one of the founding members of this podcast. That should give you an idea on how they go about this show. It’s a trans-international satirical news podcast that pokes fun at the ever-more serious world of international news. It is hard not to laugh when a host is fixated on something or someone famous, and goes about relating it to everything out there.

    But, it is a news podcast after all and a great one at that. It just so happens to be great in making people laugh, too. 

    2. ‘Vibe Check’

      The headline of this show are the hosts, Sam Sanders, Saeed Jones, and Zach Stafford. They go through the context of the most important news of the past week, and how those news affected their experiences. It is a new podcast, having only started in August, but it is always a hit whenever they release an episode. Truly, there is no boring moment in each release, and you will never look at a Snickers bar the same way.

      As the show’s description says, “Vibe Check is your favorite group chat come to life.” Sign us up.

      3. ‘Opening Arguments’

        A show dedicated to showing what’s technically and legally correct, “Opening Arguments” is for people who want to know the legality of the claims and actions of public figures. The show focuses on U.S. news that often have international ripple effects. Anchored by a comedian and a lawyer, there are laughs and legalese to engage even the most casual listener. 

        4. ‘Pod Save the World’

          Pod Save the World” is the by-diplomats-but-for-the-people kind of podcast that lets you in the inner workings of the biggest news in the world. Its hosts, former U.S. national security members, are not afraid of cutting through the cheese. They analyze decisions made by the biggest decision makers, and the news that followed such movements. In short, the show is run by people who used to deal with diplomats but can’t stand the grey area where nothing makes sense until something happens.

          5. The Guardian’s ‘Weekend’

            More op-ed than an entertaining news show, The Guardian’s “Weekend” is a complete break from plain news. You will often hear the paper’s famous columnists, particularly Marina Hyde, dissect the most egregious and enamored news of the week. Despite all that, this podcast is made for easy listening and weekend brunches when you have time to unhurriedly spread the jam on your toast.

            6. ‘The Gray Area’

              “We don’t pretend to have the answers, but we do offer a space for real dialogue.” This is on the banner of “The Gray Area,” where the show’s host and guests conduct philosophical discussions about the current state of the world. By philosophical, we mean that the speakers on the show don’t try to solve any problem. Rather, they discuss the ideas within the main idea or try to get to the core of phenomena like the “end” of social media or the popular billionaire pastime of prepping. 

              7. ‘What a Day’

                What a Day” is a podcast with formulaic delivery: 20-plus minutes, released every morning (U.S. time), and tackles the day’s biggest news. The hosts don’t cover everything, but you’d be surprised at how much they can cram in at most a quarter of an hour. If an avalanche of news is not your cup of tea, this show is the amply sized news podcast for you.

                8. ‘Rough Translation’

                  At the best of times, “Rough Translation” is like Wes Anderson’s “The French Dispatch.” It is not a dissection of international news. It is more about the local version of the most talked about piece of news. One relevant example is the episode where a small town in the U.S. is getting exclusives from a Ukrainian resident, but the readers are not exactly getting frontline dispatches. The special episodes about work also came at an opportune time, where the show focused on work tales from all over the world when quiet quitting was all over the airwaves.

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                  Asia/ Vibe/ Pop Culture
                  ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ Revealed with Ryan Gosling to Star on May 28, 2027
                  Photo Photo by Walt Disney Company/Website

                  Lightsabers at the ready, “Star Wars” fans! The legendary film franchise is about to add a new movie to its roster, slated for a 2027 theatrical release!

                  Last weekend, over 100,000 fans from all over the world flocked to Tokyo for the Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025. The three-day sold-out event was a chance for fans to connect and share their love for the franchise, which is approaching its 50th anniversary.

                  Filled with exciting panels, celebrity meet and greets, and explosive reveals, the weekend was nothing short of spectacular, and fans at the event got a first look at the biggest “Star Wars” news yet! Director Shawn Levy (“Deadpool & Wolverine,” “Stranger Things”) took to the stage last Apr. 17 to unveil “Star Wars: Starfighter,” the newest film in the franchise set to release on May 28, 2027. 

                  The film will start production this fall and is a standalone adventure taking place approximately five years after the events of “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker” (2019). The movie will feature all-new characters set within a period that has not been explored in previous films. 

                  “There are many rumors, some true, some not… This is not a prequel, this is not a sequel. It’s a new adventure,” said Shawn as he revealed the film’s star Ryan Gosling, who is known for his work in “Barbie” (2024), “La La Land” (2017), and “The Notebook” (2004). The Oscar-nominated actor was welcomed to the stage, sending fans into a frenzy.  

                  “There are so many opportunities to tell a ‘Star Wars’ story that has all the heart, and action, and fun of ‘Star Wars’ but to do it in ways that are new and original,” added director Shawn in an interview at the event. The project is reportedly being written by Jonathan Tropper for the last two years and has been kept under wraps until last Thursday when the director, alongside Lucasfilm’s President Kathleen Kennedy and Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni, made the announcement. 

                  Lucasfilm also announced other "Star Wars" projects coming soon, including the season 2 trailer for “Light & Magic,” a new batch of “Star Wars: Visions” shorts which will premiere on Disney+ on Oct. 29, and a spin-off series from these shorts entitled “The Ninth Jedi.”

                  For more galactic news and updates, follow Star Wars on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram

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                  Asia/ Vibe/ Pop Culture
                  Six Lighthearted K-Dramas to Binge Through Spring
                  Lighthearted K Dramas to Binge This Spring

                  As the flowers bloom and the days grow warmer, there’s no better time than to dive into a feel-good Korean drama (K-Drama) that perfectly matches the refreshing season. Spring is all about fresh starts, gentle romances, and a touch of whimsy — exactly what these shows on this list deliver. 

                  Whether you’re in the mood for charming love stories or cozy and fun slice-of-life moments, these light and breezy K-Dramas will leave you smiling. So, grab your blanket, make a warm cup of tea, get comfortable in your favorite spot, and binge your way through the season with these delightful K-Dramas.

                  My ID is Gangnam Beauty (2019)

                  16 Episodes | Starring: Cha Eun-woo and Im Soo-hyang 

                  The story revolves around a young woman named Kang Mi-rae (Im Soo-hyang) who has always been bullied for her looks, pushing her to undergo plastic surgery in the hopes of having a better life in college. But with a pretty new face comes a new set of challenges, and soon she learns that the things that truly matter lie underneath the skin. 

                  This show embodies themes of new beginnings and self-love. It features stories of adolescents growing up from the pain they received from society, who always had appearance-oriented views. In “My ID is Gangnam Beauty,” Mi-rae slowly gains her self-esteem with the help of a classmate, Do Kyung-joon (Cha Eun-woo), who went to the same middle school as her, and who teaches her that there’s more to just one’s appearance. It has comedic and touching moments, charming characters you can’t help but root for, and a sweet slow-burn romance that will have you clicking “next episode” long before the credits roll. 

                  This show also has a lot of good-looking people in the cast, including Cha Eun-woo, who graces us with his handsome face for sixteen episodes! Talk about fans winning! 

                  Watch now

                  Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (2016)

                  16 Episodes | Starring: Nam Joo-hyuk and Lee Sung-kyung 

                  A fan favorite among K-Drama fans, “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo” is about a passionate weightlifter who gets caught between fulfilling her dreams and navigating her first love — which has a pretty funny backstory since she initially had a crush on the main love interest’s older brother! 

                  But apart from the cute romance that develops between Lee Sung-kyung and Nam Joo-hyuk’s characters — who, by the way, also dated in real life — this coming-of-age tale also addresses societal issues such as bullying and fat-shaming. This show gave us women characters who are beautiful in their own right despite being in a sport many would deem as “manly.” The show portrayed women who are passionate about their sport, training every day and eating plenty to gain more muscle. It’s far from the usual shows where women are often seen dieting or ordering a salad on a first date. Girl power and food are just a couple of things that made this K-Drama so relatable and well-liked. 

                  Moreover, it embodies themes of friendship and chasing after one’s dreams, as well as growing up and finding love along the way. 10/10 would recommend it for a good time!

                  Watch now

                  Touch Your Heart (2019)

                  16 Episodes | Starring: Lee Dong-wook and Yoon In-na

                  This beautiful pair first enchanted audiences as the Grim Reaper and his reincarnated past love in “Goblin: The Lonely and Great God” (2016). Their chemistry was so good that producers decided to pair them up again — this time in a contemporary romance drama oozing with our favorite tropes, such as enemies-to-lovers and workplace romance.

                  In “Touch Your Heart,” a top actress whose career was damaged due to a scandal gets a second chance at success when she’s offered a major role in an upcoming drama. In order to clear her name, however, she must first take a job working as a secretary to a cold and stoic lawyer to fully grasp the character she’s about to play. And yes, you’ve guessed it, all that time together made them fall in love. 

                  Equal parts comedic and touching, this light rom-com is the perfect binge for hopeless romantics and for believers in love and second chances. And although it’s a cliché story littered with trope-y moments, it’s still worth the watch because of the main lead’s lovable chemistry. 

                  Watch now

                  Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)

                  16 Episodes | Starring: Kim Seon-ho and Shin Min-a

                  If there was one K-Drama we would highly recommend, guaranteed to make you feel good and relaxed as you watch through it, it’s this one. This series was one of the highest-rated K-Dramas in television history, ranking first place during its entire run for eight weeks with over 3.2 million viewers for its last episode. It also became one of Netflix’s most-watched non-English shows — unsurprising considering how “dimple couple” Shin Min-a and Kim Seon-ho made chemistry look as effortless as a stroll on the shores. 

                  This light romantic comedy follows dentist Yoon Hye-jin (Shin Min-a), who moves to a seaside village after everything in her life goes awry. Looking for a fresh start and a chance to put up her own practice, she spontaneously opens a clinic where she befriends the residents and Hong Di-sik (Kim Seon-ho), a jack-of-all-trades beloved by the entire town and for whom Yoon Hye-jin eventually develops feelings. More than the romance, we especially loved the resident’s stories that provided valuable life lessons about parenting, running a business, and even relationships. 

                  If you’ve ever felt burned out or are feeling stuck in life, watching “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” will remind you that life passes like the tides, so savor each moment, do your best, and wait for better days. It also captures the beauty of slowing down and how spontaneity can sometimes lead us to the best things in life. 

                  Watch now

                  Business Proposal (2022)

                  12 Episodes | Starring: Ahn Hyo-seop and Kim Se-jeong

                  Workplace romances always hit the spot, especially when there isn’t too much drama involved. Based on a popular web novel of the same name, “Business Proposal” follows Shin Ha-ri (Kim Se-jeong), who finds herself in a bind when she takes her best friend’s place on a blind date. However, instead of scaring him away, she ends up being proposed to by the CEO of the company she currently works for. 

                  Kang Tae-moo (Ahn Hyo-seop) is pressured by his grandfather to settle down. He decides to marry the next woman he goes on a date with to appease him so he would no longer be disturbed from his work. It just so happens that his blind date is Ha-ri pretending to be Jin Young-seo, a daughter of a chaebol (business conglomerate) family. 

                  This romance drama is the crème de la crème of rom-coms and is comedy gold, with strong friendships, fantastic supporting characters, and family moments that make it one of those shows you can watch over and over again.

                  Watch now

                  Lovely Runner (2024)

                  16 Episodes | Starring: Byeon Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon

                  If you want a splash of magic in your watchlist this season, we highly recommend “Lovely Runner” which is arguably one of the best K-Dramas of 2024 as it weaves a story of fate, second chances, and first loves

                  This time-travel romance follows Im Sol (Kim Hye-yoon) as she goes back in time to save popular idol Ryu Sun-jae (Byeon Woo-seok) from a tragic death. If you’re thinking that time travel is too complicated to be a light, feel-good binge, think again! The story’s plot progresses in a linear manner that’s easy to follow and focuses more on slice-of-life moments between the leads and the characters surrounding them, so you won’t have to worry about complicated timelines. It has great cliffhangers per episode, too, and a very satisfying ending — a rarity in K-Dramas. 

                  Since it tackles time travel, it’s one of those shows that gives you the best of both worlds in the romance department because you get to witness the leads fall in love as teenagers and as working adults. Not to mention, it has one of the best original soundtracks, with Byeon Woo-seok’s “Sudden Shower” and 10cm’s “Spring Snow” perfectly encapsulating the unconditional and sacrificial love between the main couple. 

                  Watch now 

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                  Asia/ Vibe/ Pop Culture
                  Happily Ever After: Ranking the Disney Princess Live-Action Remakes
                  Photo 2 Photo by Walt Disney Studios

                  Disney’s animated princess movies are the pinnacle of its Renaissance era, otherwise known as the House of Mouse’s golden age, when they returned to producing the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed animated features. These films have enchanted audiences for decades, so it’s no surprise that Hollywood began rummaging through Mickey’s vault and brought many of them to life with big-budget live-action remakes. 

                  From dazzling visuals equipped with impressive CGI effects to fresh takes on beloved characters, these films recapture the magic of the originals, igniting nostalgia among long-time Disney fans, all the while introducing them to a new generation

                  But not all of them have lived up to fairy-tale expectations. While some have soared to new heights, others had fans waiting for a different kind of Happily Ever After. 

                  In honor of the premiere of the live-action remake of Disney’s very first princess, Snow White, we figured it’s about time we ranked the films released so far. However, we’re only including the official Disney Princesses, which means movies like “Enchanted” — although a clever and magical story that combines elements from various Disney Princess films will not be included.

                  Without further ado, here’s our ranking of live-action Disney Princess movies from least enchanting to most magical!

                  #8 Mulan (2020)

                  Starring: Yifei Liu, Gong Li, and Donnie Yen

                  "Mulan" follows the story of a young woman who disguises herself as a man in the imperial army to take her father’s place in the war. She’s the first Disney Princess who wasn’t based on a fairytale but a Chinese legend and continues to be a shining role model for girls everywhere as she taught us that the “flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.”

                  The remake had been highly anticipated, considering there was much to love about the original 1998 classic, from the catchy songs to the action-packed storyline. However, the 2020 live-action film directed by Niki Caro strayed far away from the source, removing the things that made the original so enjoyable in the first place

                  Although the battle sequences were well shot and at par with popular Chinese action films, the film didn’t have the comic relief that was provided by Eddie Murphy’s character, Mushu and more importantly, the songs. How on Earth do you expect us to defeat the Huns without the “I'll Make a Man Out of You” montage?

                  While the changes made to the plot were admirable as it was intended to highlight women empowerment and be closer to the source material, it was devoid of its iconic humor, making the film a little less magical. We did give points, however, for having Christina Aguilera sing the beloved song “Reflection” again for the end credits. 

                  #7 Snow White (2025)

                  Starring: Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot, Andrew Burnap

                  It was only about time that Disney’s OG princess got her own live-action movie. Don’t get us wrong, the story has seen various remakes through the years such as Lily Collin’s “Mirror, Mirror” and Kristen Stewart’s “Snow White and the Huntsman” among the popular ones, but to have a Disney-made one, honoring the original 1937 classic would be a first. 

                  Theater actress Rachel Zegler played the titular role, which we believed was a good choice considering she had the pipes for it and brought a refreshing take on the role. Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen was unexpected but very much welcomed by Disney fans, intrigued to see her in a villain role after having played a superhero for DC Comics. With a good cast and the promise of new songs, where did it go wrong?

                  Snow White” suffers from the same thing “Mulan” did, but instead of just straying from the source material, we felt it altered Snow White’s character a little too much. Although the intention was to make her stronger and more independent, which was supported by a good backstory, this Snow White felt a little too modern, which can be both a good and bad thing. We’re still torn about whether or not it’s a win, but it was an enjoyable film, nonetheless, and the new songs were a wonderful addition to the classic.

                  #6 Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)

                  Starring: Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning

                  Now you might be wondering, isn’t Maleficent a villain? Yes, but Disney decided to make this iconic antagonist more relatable and sympathetic by giving her own film but still following the timeline of the original “Sleeping Beauty” film. 

                  This isn’t that film, however, but its sequel, and unlike its predecessor, the plot falls short, and the character development could’ve used a little bit more adjustment. Aurora (Elle Fanning), who is now queen of the Moors, saw very little development from what we already knew about her while the villain in this film — although slightly more evil than what we expected this company to develop, being a queen who wanted to commit genocide, didn’t quite live up to its potential. 

                  On the other hand, just like the first film, it’s visually stunning with an impressive ensemble of actors who actually look like their animated counterparts. It might not be the best, but definitely better than most of the sequels Disney produced in the 90s. 

                  #5 Aladdin (2019)

                  Starring: Will Smith, Mena Massoud, and Naomi Scott 

                  Aladdin” was a magical surprise. It was interesting to see how everyone kind of hated it the moment the teaser trailer came out, only to be pleasantly swept off their feet after watching the film in its entirety. In fact, it flew past the billion-dollar mark at the worldwide box office, making it one of the most commercially successful movies on this roster. 

                  And what’s not to love? Not only did Mena Massoud look like the handsome, dimpled thief from Agrabah, but he also sounded like him! Will Smith also defied expectations and really shone as the Genie, much to the fans’ delight. Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott) also got a little bit more screen time, plus a well-deserved solo song, which would’ve been really good if it hadn’t clashed with the original soundtrack’s sound. It seemed a little bit too modern, despite being a good pop song. 

                  Although “Aladdin” was a good film in terms of paying tribute to the original, it fell short on originality; the changes made neither added nor subtracted value to the franchise. Do we like it better than the animation? Not really. Is it one of the better live-action remakes? Absolutely! 10/10 would still get on that magic carpet ride. 

                  #4 The Little Mermaid (2023)

                  Starring: Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, and Melissa McCarthy

                  It felt like forever until we saw this feature on the screen, considering it was the film that got caught up in the pandemic, and filming took longer as it had to be paused mid-way. Everyone had been skeptical about it mainly because they had cast a black woman as our favorite red-headed mermaid — a character assumed to be white since it was originally based on a tale from Denmark. But some fans have argued, she’s a mermaid, a fictional character. Does race matter?

                  As a matter of fact, it does. But not for the reason you think. We believed representation mattered, and Halle Bailey completely understood the assignment when she switched her legs for a tail in this role. It made sense why Disney had chosen her, considering she had the most beautiful voice and portrayed Ariel’s spirit so effortlessly; it was like the character literally came to life before our eyes.

                  The movie stayed true to the original but with minor changes and additions that gave more depth to the characters we know and love. Take Prince Eric’s soaring solo “Wild Uncharted Waters” which gave us a little bit more insight into how he felt after being saved, and his love for sailing and expeditions; or that adorable interaction before “Kiss the Girl” when Ariel tried to teach Eric how to say her name (IYKYK). 

                  “The Little Mermaid” successfully revived a classic tale with improved character development, a handful of new iconic songs, and thought-out interactions but surprisingly falls short on the visual aspect. It was impressive how they managed to make an entire movie set underwater, and we know nothing about CGI, but that would’ve been a difficult feat. However, it didn’t look as realistic as we’d hoped and didn’t give us that feeling of being submerged under the sea. Nonetheless, this film deserves a high spot on this list for its diversity and polished storytelling. 

                  #3 Maleficent (2014)

                  Starring: Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning

                  Maleficent may have been a villain, but she’s Disney royalty in her own right, having been a box-office success in 2014, which led to the string of live-action films on this list. This movie is a retelling of the classic tale and narrates the story from the perspective of the villain a refreshing concept that earned its spot in the Top 3. 

                  We believe Disney made a good choice telling the story from Maleficent’s point of view as this opens up possibilities for her character development. In the original animated feature, she was just the “Mistress of All Evil” with little to no background on why or how she came to take on the title. In the movie, Disney told us about Maleficent’s origins as a fairy with massive wings as well as her conflicted relationship with King Stefan — who was portrayed as the villain in this story. We also loved Maleficent and Aurora’s dynamic in this tale, how the plot humanizes her with a compelling character arc. 

                  It's far from the tale or villain we know, but it’s new and intriguing, and opened the possibility for other characters — whether villains or supporting roles — to get their turn in the spotlight. 

                  #2 Beauty and the Beast

                  Starring: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, and Luke Evans

                  There may be no such thing as perfection, but Disney’s live-action remake of “Beauty and the Beast” came close. Like “Aladdin,” the film retained most of its original elements, from the character looks and design to the music and storyline. There were only subtle nuances in this tale, like how they made Belle more of an inventor than just a girl who loves to read, and was truly someone who thought outside the box, which better explained why everyone in town thought she was odd. There were also visual flashbacks about Belle’s mother and the Beast prior to the curse, which were only told by a narrator in the original animation. This improved character development, making them more relatable and worth rooting for. 

                  These subtle changes also filled up the gaps in the original animated feature and answered some of our questions, like why everyone forgot about the castle and its occupants. Or why Mrs. Potts, Lumiere, and Cogsworth stay loyal to the prince despite him being, well — mean.

                  Perhaps its strongest change was the new music made by no other than legendary composer Alan Menken, who somehow made his original score even better with the addition of “Days In the Sun”, “Evermore,” and “How Does a Moment Last Forever.” Our favorite tracks were still heard throughout the film, given a more vibrant and soaring sound, highlighting its magical aspect. It flooded us with sweet nostalgia and had us crying at the end of the film. Yes — we’re talking about that scene just as the last petal fell. Watch it to know what we mean!

                  #1 Cinderella (2015)

                  Starring: Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham Carter, and Richard Madden

                  Ten years since it was released and this live-action remake remains untouched as the best among the rest, and we believe many would agree. It exemplified what these remakes could do when done well, and what can make these adaptations enjoyable for fans and new audiences. Like “Beauty and the Beast,” “Cinderella" retained all the elements that made it magical and beautiful, which made it a nostalgic masterpiece. Its modern take was present in the way technology was used to enhance scenes such as Cinderella’s iconic dress transformation, which instantly made the audience feel as if they were seeing it for the first time.

                  It had a slightly longer run time, which gave more time to develop Prince Charming’s character, who had always been a mystery since he barely had any dialogue in the animation. It also deepened our understanding of Cinderella’s character by showing us scenes from before she was orphaned and how she lived by her mother’s words, which led her to become so kind that she allowed her stepmothers and sisters to treat her badly. 

                  The actors were all well-suited for the roles, with Cate Blanchett and Helena Bonham Carter, in particular, shining in their roles as the stepmother and Fairy godmother. Lily James was a gem and truly stepped into the role of the kind maiden in glass slippers, as well. The costumes were divine, and the set design was remarkable. It’s pure Disney magic from start to finish; a masterpiece in its own right. We just know people wouldn’t mind watching it over and over again the way they do with the original animated features. 

                  You can watch all these fantastic Disney live-action movies on Disney+. You can also follow the platform on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more magical Disney films and shows. 

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                  Asia/ Vibe/ Pop Culture
                  Rami Malek Sets Off Explosive Revenge Plot in ‘The Amateur’
                  The Amateur Header Photo by 20th Century Studios

                  20th Century Studios’ latest espionage thriller is a nice break from today’s invincible superheroes from space and other parallel universes, proving that, indeed, not all heroes (or villains) wear capes. Sometimes, they’re cryptographers who can break code and assemble bombs like Lego.  

                  Based on the 1981 novel of the same name by Robert Littel, “The Amateur” is a vigilante action thriller directed by James Hawes, starring Oscar-winner Rami Malek (“Bohemian Rapsody”), Rachel Brosnahan, (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”), Caitríona Balfe (“Outlander”), and Laurence Fishburne (“John Wick”). The slow-burn thriller centers on a CIA codebreaker whose entire world shatters when his wife is murdered in a terrorist attack. Unable to handle his grief and frustrated with the agency’s inactivity to apprehend his wife’s killers, he embarks on a mission to hunt them down himself.  

                  The Beat Asia got to attend a special screening of the film last Apr. 7, and here's what we thought of the gripping silver screen gem. 

                  Warning: Spoilers ahead!

                  A Gratifying and Intelligent Revenge Plot for the Books

                  Rami Malek gives a powerful performance as Charlie Heller, an introverted but brilliant CIA codebreaker who loses his wife in a terrorist attack. The beginning of the film shows scenes before the tragedy and sets up the emotional foundations of the story, which becomes its own conflict post-attack. The first act combines scenes of Charlie and Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan) parting ways as she goes off on a business trip, him going into work, and his daily routine, highlighting that he’s a charmingly awkward, quiet man who’s incredibly good at what he does.

                  But when news reaches him that his wife had been shot in a terrorist attack, he breaks down, but instead of losing himself in grief, he grows even more hyper-focused, intent on tracking down Sarah’s killers. It didn't take long for him to discover the people behind the attack, but the inaction from his agency led him to the path of becoming a CIA operative himself so he could hunt the killers down.

                  When he finally gets the training he wants, we immediately see that this man is no killer as he struggles to shoot a gun; paralyzed the moment he’s urged to pull the trigger in front of his handler and trainer, Colonel Robert Henderson. Everyone seemed to underestimate Charlie’s ability to pull off his revenge plan, but this soon becomes his greatest strength as the more they underestimated him, the smarter Charlie got as he starts to figure out how to use the resources available to him, especially his most important tool: his brilliant mind. 

                  Rami Malek
                  Photo from Website/20th Century Studios

                  Rami’s portrayal as “The Amateur” is emotional, intelligent, and wholly human. Action heroes are often described as strong and invincible, but Charlie is just a normal civilian trying to avenge his wife, who was brutally and unfairly murdered. His character was deeply rooted in grief, loneliness, and anger, and we love how it explored moral uncertainty as he carried out those rogue missions. “The Amateur” impressively encapsulates what it means to be in a gray area, and how strong emotions can easily push people to do things they never thought possible

                  The movie’s strength is in its emotional realism as it focuses more on the character’s vulnerabilities and inner monologues as he grapples with the consequences of violence. Those flashes of blood, weapons, and murders show us that no matter how much Charlie believed those people deserved it, he still struggled with the idea of blood on his hands. It was heartbreaking and thought-provoking at the same time, as we viewers begin to question: "Should we be rooting for him to kill these men too? Will revenge truly make everything okay?"

                  We applaud director James Hawes for capturing those moments of grief and turmoil, instead of leaning heavily on stunts. Every time a target was taken down, it never felt gratifying. Instead, it only added to that heaviness in our chests as Charlie is shown suffering from the cost of those murders. Eventually, however, it was fascinating to see him stumble through the plan, then get back up again with another smart Plan B, highlighting that brains, not bullets, win the war. 

                  Although Rachel Broshnan had little screen time compared to the other actors, her role was highly impactful because she was the motivation, and every time Charlie begins to rethink his decision about pursuing the terrorists, Sarah’s ghost comes to haunt him, almost like a reminder that he needs to see this through. Not to mention, Rachel and Rami’s chemistry was on point, which added depth to Charlie’s grief. 

                  Other notable performances were Caitríona Balfe, who played the role of Inquiline, an anonymous information tipper who ended up helping Charlie through one of his revenge plans, and Laurence Fishburne, who played Colonel Henderson, the protagonist’s mentor figure turned hunter. 

                  Rachel Broshnan and Rami Malek
                  Photo from Website/20th Century Studios
                  Caitríona Balfe and Rami Malek
                  Photo from Website/20th Century Studios

                  Our only gripe with the colonel was that we had hoped his relationship with Charlie would have been given a little bit more screen time, which brings us to the film’s weakness. Despite its strong emotional anchor, the movie had some plot holes, which were slightly obscured by the gripping action sequences

                  Yes, it was a thrill ride from start to finish, keeping us on the edge of our seats as the story took us across Europe, but since the story progressed quickly, it left little room to linger on character developments or deepen their relationships

                  Some of the things Charlie had accomplished also seemed out of this world, which was mainly due to how the film didn’t show much about what happened in between, omitting some important planning aspects for his grand hunt. It only showed us snippets of how he set up these explosive traps, which left the rest to our imagination. 

                  The Amateur pool scene
                  Photo from Website/20th Century Studios
                  Laurence Fishburne
                  Photo from Website/20th Century Studios

                  However, being plot-driven does match the vibe of a CIA thriller since audiences would be expecting more action than dialogue, but this film had a good balance of both! It kept tensions high throughout the film and connected audiences with the characters well, making the journey not only entertaining but meaningful. 

                  Final Verdict

                  Overall, “The Amateur” is a film reminiscent of old-school spy movies we know and love, a thoughtfully crafted story centered on one’s humanity. It’s thought-provoking without the dull moments in between, and it provides the perfect balance of action and heart. 

                  “The Amateur” is our new favorite morally grey character, and despite the violence and the character’s desire for revenge, it portrays a protagonist that is layered and sympathetic, you can’t help but root for — all thanks to Rami’s brilliant performance. Is he a hero or a villain? We think it’s pointless to decide, considering that as humans, aren’t we all a little bit of both?

                  If you’re looking for an entertaining, gripping thrill ride with peak acting, make sure to get front-row seats for this one. “The Amateur” is out now in Philippine cinemas, and the rest of the world on Apr. 11. 

                  Follow 20th Century Studios on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram to know more about exciting movies coming to the big screen. 

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                  Asia/ Vibe/ Pop Culture
                  Disney+ APAC’s Most Watched Japanese Series is Folk Horror 'Gannibal'
                  20250404 Gannibal Photo by Disney+

                  Japanese folk horror series “Gannibal” is slated to become the most-viewed Japanese series on Disney+ in the APAC region this year. 

                  Gannibal,” an adaptation of the 2018 manga of the same name, first debuted in 2022 and follows the story of a police officer who's been relocated to a remote Japanese village that has been said to be tied to dark secrets and ancient practices. Assigned to investigate a villager’s mysterious disappearance, he uncovers a series of horrors and rumors of cannibalism in the process. 

                  The show returned for its second season on Mar. 19, 2025, with a two-episode premiere. The season follows police officer Daigo Agawa, played by Yuya Yagira, and his struggles with his inner darkness while trying to take down the heinous Goto Family and end the village’s rumored practices of cannibalism. 

                  Season 2 will also explore the twisted history of the Goto Family, with actress Yuri Tsunematsu (Okaeri MoneThe Naked Director: Season 2, Alice in Borderland) joining the cast as the young Gin Goto, the matriarch of the Goto family. With the series diving into the character’s past, viewers will learn how Gin was able to gain control over Kuge, using her allure and insanity to drive the village’s descent into madness. 

                  Season 2 also sees the return of cast members Show Kasamatsu (Tokyo Vice), Riho Yoshioka (House of Ninjas), Mitsuo Yoshihara (Or Utopia), Baijaku Nakamura (The Blood of Wolves II), Mitsuko Baisho (52-hertz Whales), as well as the debut of new cast members Yuki Kura (Shōgun), Kosuke Toyohara (Kuchinai Sakura), Hashizume Isao (City Hunter) and more. 

                  Five episodes of Gannibal Season 2 are currently streaming on Disney+, with a new episode launching every Wednesday until April 23, 2025. 

                  For more shows and updates, follow Disney+ on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok

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                  Asia/ Vibe/ Pop Culture
                  ‘Legend of Zelda’ Live-Action Movie Slated for March 2027 Release
                  Photo 3 Photo by Legend of Zelda/Facebook

                  Gamers have much to be excited about as the “Legend of Zelda live-action film finally gets a release date!

                  Japanese gaming giant Nintendo announced it via its new app, Nintendo Today!, which was released last Mar. 27.  The upcoming video game adaptation will hit theaters on Mar. 26, 2027, with Wes Ball (“The Maze Runner” and “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”) directing. Also on board as producers are game creator Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad, an executive producer of the Spider-Man movies starring Tom Holland. 

                  This is the first time Zelda is being adapted to the big screen, having only been made into a 13-episode animated series in 1989. The project was officially announced in November 2023 and is being produced by Sony Motion Pictures Group.

                  “Because the movie is being developed and made in the closest possible collaboration with [Nintendo video game designer] Shigeru Miyamoto," said Tom Rothman, Sony Pictures Chairman, in an interview with Deadline. “He’s a true genius in that world, and it’s his strong vision that is motivating it. He created it and understands it thoroughly. You only need to look at the results of 'Super Mario Brothers' to see.” 

                  The cast list has yet to be announced but Director Wes Ball had mentioned bits and pieces about production in previous interviews, promising an “ambitious film” which fans will be happy and excited about. 

                  “The Legend of Zelda” features the protagonist Link, a sword-wielding elf who battles through a monster-filled fantasy world alongside Princess Zelda. The highly popular video game series was released in 1986 and is one of Nintendo’s most successful franchises, selling more than 140 million games worldwide. 

                  Meanwhile, Sony and Nintendo’s most recent game adaptation film, “The Super Mario Bros Movie” (2023), accumulated over US$1.36 billion at the box office. The company had announced that a sequel is already in the works, slated for April 2026. 

                  For updates, follow "The Legend of Zelda" movie's official Instagram account or stay tuned on Sony Pictures' FacebookX (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram pages.

                  Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.

                  Asia/ Vibe/ Pop Culture
                  Disney Unveils the Cast for the Upcoming 2026 Movie, 'Avengers: Doomsday'
                  486828438 18391200697114219 7466596280553475290 n Photo by Marvel Studios/Instagram

                  Six years after the resounding success of the “Avengers: Endgame,” the Avengers will be assembling once more – with an all-new cast line-up. 

                  Marvel Studios finally unveiled the cast for the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday” movie, revealing a mix of Marvel Cinematic Universe characters, stars from the defunct X-Men Universe, and the stars of the upcoming “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” film in a series of social media posts starting Mar. 26, 2025 (local time), and culminated in a five-hour Cast Announcement livestream on Mar. 27, 2025 (local time). 

                  The reveal also comes eight months after Marvel Studios surprised fans and the world during the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con that Robert Downey Jr. will be returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the Fantastic Four villain, Doctor Doom

                  The ensemble cast for the two upcoming Avengers movies “Doomsday” (2026) and “Secret Wars” (2027) are the following: 

                  Marvel Cinematic Universe 

                  • Robert Downey Jr. (Victor von Doom / Doctor Doom)
                  • Chris Hemsworth (Thor)
                  • Tom Hiddleston (Loki)
                  • Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson / Captain America)
                  • Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes)
                  • Paul Rudd (Scott Lang / Ant-Man)
                  • Letitia Wright (Shuri / Black Panther)
                  • Wyatt Russell (John Walker / U.S. Agent)
                  • Tenoch Huerta Mejía (Namor)
                  • Simu Liu (Xu Shang-Chi)
                  • Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova)
                  • Danny Ramirez (Joaquin Torres / Falcon)
                  • David Harbour (Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian)
                  • Winston Duke (M’Baku)
                  • Hannah John-Kamen (Ava Starr / Ghost)

                  X-Men Universe (20th Century Fox)

                  • Patrick Stewart (Charles Xavier / Professor X)
                  • Ian McKellen (Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto)
                  • Alan Cumming (Kurt Wagner / Nightcrawler)
                  • Rebecca Romjin (Raven Darkhölme / Mystique)
                  • James Marsden (Scott Summers / Cyclops)
                  • Channing Tatum (Remy LeBeau / Gambit)


                  “The Fantastic Four: The First Steps” characters

                  • Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm / Invisible Woman)
                  • Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic)
                  • Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm / The Thing)
                  • Kelsey Grammer (Hank McCoy / Beast)
                  • Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm / Human Torch)
                  • Lewis Pullman (Bob / Sentry)

                  Avengers: Doomsday” is set for release in 2026 and is the second movie of the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Six, following “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” The untitled “Spider-Man: No Way Homesequel follows the 2026 Avengers movie, and the film phase will end with “Avengers: Secret Wars,” which is scheduled for release in 2027.

                  Currently, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is at Phase Five, with the most recent movie released being “Captain America: Brave New World,” starring Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson / Captain America. 

                  Thunderbolts*” is the final film of Phase Five, scheduled for release this May 2025. It is about a group of antiheroes called the Thunderbolts, who are caught in a deadly trap and forced into a dangerous mission. 

                  Don’t miss out on the latest from Marvel Studios, follow their Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram pages.

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