Best New Movies and TV Shows to Watch This Week

☕️ TL;DR

Recent recommendations: [Film] The Night King, [Film] Tokyo Taxi, [Hong Kong Drama] The Prosecutors, [US Series] Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, [K-Drama] The Truth About Sarah, [K-Drama] Glory: Their Court, [Chinese Drama] The Blindfolded Goddess, [UK Series] Can You Keep a Secret?, [Animation] Golden Kamuy Final Chapter, [Animation] Sentenced the Hero: Punishment Hero Unit 9004 Prison Records

Selected trailers: Official Trailer for Detective Conan: Fallen Angel on the Highway, First Trailer for Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island, Official Trailer for Toy Story 5, First Trailer for House of the Dragon Season 3

Entertainment news: A new Neon Genesis Evangelion anime project announced, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie confirmed for import, Paramount to acquire Warner Bros.

[Film] Night King

Keywords: Drama / Comedy
Also known as: Night King
Runtime: 133 minutes
Where to watch: Now showing in theaters; Douban link

Loyalty above all.

@Sholmes: As traditional nightclub businesses in Tsim Sha Tsui continue to decline, Foon works as the manager of the Dong Yat Nightclub in Tsim Sha Tsui. When the Muse Group moves to acquire the nightclub, his ex-wife, Sister V, arrives as the guarantor and becomes his superior. Sister V initiates sweeping reforms and brings in new staff, while Foon, out of loyalty, strives to protect the PR hostesses he has worked with for years. Just as Foon and Sister V are caught up in internal conflict, Tai Chi Fung, the Muse Group’s heir, suddenly decides not to proceed with the acquisition, forcing the two to find a way to save the nightclub themselves.

Through the nightclub’s rise and decline, the film reflects how traditional values and legacy industries in Hong Kong are impacted by waves of globalization and commercialization. The PR hostesses are not portrayed as negative stereotypes; instead, the film gives each of them their own stories and dignity, questioning society’s deep-rooted prejudices against such professions. The power struggle between Foon and Sister V also symbolizes the clash between old and new values — one committed to loyalty and promises, the other embracing efficiency and reform — much like Hong Kong itself. The conglomerate power represented by Tai Chi Fung serves as a direct critique of capital’s erosion of local culture, where people and traditions rooted in the past often cannot withstand a single commercial contract. Wrapped in comedy, the film carries the weight of social transformation, reminding viewers that once certain things disappear, they may never return.

[Film] Tokyo Taxi

Keywords: Drama / Road / Healing
Also known as: TOKYOタクシー / Tokyo Taxi
Runtime: 103 minutes; Douban link

I want to take a proper look at this nostalgic Tokyo.

@SHY: Taxi driver Koji Usami, overwhelmed by the mounting pressures of life, accepts a request to drive 85-year-old Sumire Takano from Shibamata, Tokyo to a nursing home in Hayama, Kanagawa. What he assumes to be an ordinary trip turns into something else entirely, as Sumire repeatedly asks for detours to revisit places etched deep in her memory. Though complete strangers at first, the two gradually open up to one another, and their lives are quietly transformed as a result.

Now in his nineties, director Yoji Yamada remains active on the creative front, adapting the 2022 French film Driving Madeleine into an authentically Japanese story. Chieko Baisho, a familiar face from the Tora-san series, plays Sumire Takano — a character of her own age — bringing a calm presence shaped by a lifetime of experiences. Takuya Kimura, who previously co-starred with her in Howl’s Moving Castle, takes the wheel this time, and the two share a natural chemistry as they journey together.

As the scenery flows past the taxi window, Sumire gently recounts her eventful life, turning the small vehicle into a vessel traveling through time and reflecting the changes in Japanese society. Under the fading light of dusk, this unexpected journey shared with a stranger becomes the final, happiest day of her life. Transforming a once-in-a-lifetime encounter into an irreplaceable memory, this simple and tender story celebrates the kindness between people — and is sure to warm your heart.

[Hong Kong Drama] The Unusual Prosecutor

Keywords: Drama
Also known as: The Unusual Prosecutor
Runtime: Approximately 45 minutes per episode × 25 episodes
Where to watch: Youku; Douban link

A modern-day Judge Bao delivering justice.

@潘誉晗: Prosecutor Bao Xiren suffers from “Mirror-Touch Synesthesia,” a rare condition that allows him to feel the emotions experienced by others, as if reflecting them like a mirror — whether joy, sorrow, or regret. This unique and powerful empathy often disrupts Bao’s daily life (such as causing him to faint in public after sensing someone’s pain), but it also enables him to quietly participate in the process of judgment. Together with his assistant Gongsun Po and undercover detective Zhan Xiongfei, he repeatedly solves complex cases.

Although the series was delayed for two years before its release and lost some content due to editing, its overall quality remains impressive and distinctly Hong Kong in style. Inspired by the classic Justice Bao, the show delivers an innovative modern adaptation of this well-known traditional story. While preserving the original framework and narrative structure, it incorporates contemporary elements such as toxic fandom culture, idol misconduct, gaslighting, marriage scams, and school bullying. Across eight case-based story arcs, the series aligns with modern audience sensibilities and offers meaningful discussions on real-world issues.

[US Series] Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette

Keywords: Drama / Romance / Biography
Also known as: Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette
Runtime: Approximately 45 minutes per episode × 9 episodes; Douban link

The story of America’s most stylish power couple.

@潘誉晗: The first season of acclaimed American director Ryan Murphy’s new anthology series Love Story focuses on the romance between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.

The series adopts a reverse narrative structure, opening with the tragic 1999 plane crash before rewinding seven years to the couple’s first meeting, creating a sense that everything was destined from the very beginning. Their encounter and love seemed fated, as did the inevitable tragedy that followed. In many ways, the love story between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn resembles a real-life Cinderella tale. Carolyn came from a modest background and, through intelligence and keen judgment, rose from working as a sales associate to becoming the PR director at Calvin Klein. Yet no matter how accomplished she was, being the girlfriend of the president’s son meant that even if she wished to keep a low profile, the spotlight would always follow her.

Based on the four episodes that have aired so far, while certain plot points may raise questions about historical accuracy, the production quality is undeniably high. In portraying this iconic fashion-forward couple of the late 20th century, the series carefully recreates the atmosphere of New York’s fashion scene in the 1990s.

[K-Drama] The Art of Sarah

Keywords: Drama / Crime
Also known as: 레이디 두아 / The Art of Sarah
Runtime: Approximately 60 minutes per episode × 10 episodes
Where to watch: Netflix; Douban link

I am like a glaring light, too dazzling to be looked at directly.

@利兹与青鸟: A body is discovered in Seoul’s sewer system, with half of its face smashed beyond recognition — yet a luxury handbag bearing a special serial number makes identification less difficult. Elsewhere, a woman who casually spends tens of millions in cash at luxury boutiques draws constant attention wherever she goes. The two women share the same tattoo — could they be the same person? As the police investigation unfolds, we gradually uncover the legend of Kim Sarah. From a heavily indebted sales associate, to the wife of a loan shark tycoon, and eventually the founder of luxury brand Bado, every step in Sarah’s rise is astonishing, yet always shadowed by the looming risk of a fall into ruin.

This is a fast-paced drama about money and lies. Despite some questionable plot logic, its rapid pacing, shifting identities, and layered twists more than make up for its flaws, immersing viewers in a world of extravagance and power struggles. It explores how an ordinary person disguises herself to infiltrate high society, how vanity can transform people into monsters, and offers a satirical take on class hierarchy and the luxury industry. Shin Hye-sun delivers a compelling performance as an ambitious, capable, and calculating woman, while the script’s attention to detail across different social classes adds credibility to the story. Notably, the series divides its narrative between external perspectives and the protagonist’s own viewpoint, allowing space for strong ensemble characterization and presenting a more complete portrait of Sarah’s dual life.

[K-Drama] Honor: Their Courtroom

Keywords: Drama / Thriller / Crime
Also Known As: 아너: 그녀들의 법정 / Heder
Runtime: Approximately 45 minutes per episode × 9 episodes; Douban Link

A Korean take on the “Devil’s Island” case.

@潘誉晗: Yoon Ra-young, Kang Shin-jae, and Hwang Hyun-jin—three law school graduates—have been close friends since their university days. Together, they founded a law firm dedicated to providing legal services for female victims. This time, they are set to defend a high school girl who was sexually assaulted by a top male celebrity. However, their investigation unexpectedly leads them to a secret prostitution app called “Comect In,” behind which lies a vast sexual crime network involving numerous executives and public figures.

This female-led legal drama, adapted from the Swedish series Heder, has sparked considerable discussion due to its bold and sensitive subject matter. It inevitably brings to mind the widely debated “Devil’s Island” case in recent years: the victims were all underage girls subjected to inhumane treatment, while judicial authorities destroyed evidence and used systemic power to threaten them.

The screen adaptation does an excellent job of presenting these brutal realities in a way that is not overwhelmingly horrifying, while highlighting the immense difficulty of the case. A journalist investigating the truth is murdered, and the three protagonists face constant threats and obstruction. Yet for the sake of the women who were harmed, they never once consider giving up.

[Chinese Drama] The Inner Eye

Keywords: Drama
Also known as: The Inner Eye
Runtime: Approximately 45 minutes per episode × 30 episodes
Where to watch: Mango TV; Douban link

The sanctity of the law should never be challenged.

@潘誉晗: Tang Yingying, an accomplished lawyer at Chen Jun Law Firm, takes on a case at the request of Shi Li, the son of the Aina Group, who hopes she will represent him in court. At a wedding a few days earlier, Shi Li served as the best man, while bridesmaid Zhang Yi later accused him of molesting her while intoxicated. Shi Li denies the allegation, insisting that the encounter was consensual and that no coercion took place. Tang Yingying was also present at the wedding, and recalling the determined expression she had glimpsed on Zhang Yi’s face that day, she decides to accept this highly controversial case.

Adapted from the novel of the same name by Mrs. Jinya, the series follows Tang Yingying’s professional growth and struggles as a lawyer. Presented in an episodic format, the show features a total of 13 cases that explore topical issues such as the definition of sexual assault, domestic violence, and workplace harassment. While the narrative occasionally suffers from minor plot inconsistencies or idealized resolutions, its willingness to tackle sensitive and challenging subjects marks a notable step forward for domestic television dramas. Rather than focusing on grand, high-profile cases, the series shifts its attention to problems that ordinary people may encounter in everyday life — particularly those affecting women — lending it a certain degree of social relevance.

[UK Series] Can You Keep a Secret?

Keywords: Comedy
Also known as: Can You Keep a Secret?
Runtime: Approximately 28 minutes per episode × 6 episodes; Douban link

This is a secret that must never get out.

@潘誉晗: Harold visits his mother Debbie one day, two months after his father William was presumed dead. Debbie appears to be in good spirits and even takes out a bag of cash, clearly pleased. But when she sees Harold breaking down in grief over his father’s passing, she finally reveals the truth — it was all a misunderstanding. William isn’t dead. Faced with the overwhelming financial burden caused by William’s Parkinson’s disease, she chose to conceal the fact that he is still alive in order to claim the insurance payout.

This newly released British miniseries, which has already been renewed, consists of just six episodes, each under half an hour. Despite its short runtime, the tightly paced narrative makes effective use of this somewhat absurd premise to satirize real-world issues. Insurance fraud is certainly indefensible, but when an ordinary family’s healthcare coverage proves insufficient — and illness or eldercare pushes them into financial hardship — this retired couple finds themselves driven to desperate measures.

Set in a picturesque town in southwest England, the series unfolds in a bright and charming atmosphere as Debbie and her family scramble to keep their secret under wraps. The result is a story rich in British-style irony, filled with both humor and mounting tension.

[Animation] Golden Kamuy Final Season

Keywords: Manga Adaptation / Drama / Adventure / Action
Also known as: ゴールデンカムイ最終章 / Golden Kamuy Final Season
Runtime: 24 minutes per episode × 13 episodes, updated every Monday; Douban link

More grotesque than any god, yet dazzlingly beautiful — such is Golden Kamuy.

@SHY: Following the trail of an escaped convict to Sapporo, Sugimoto and his companions run into Hijikata’s group, who are searching for the same target. With tensions on the verge of eruption, a temporary truce is brokered by Asirpa. To prevent the Seventh Division — which holds most of the tattooed skins — from obtaining the gold, the two sides agree to cooperate for the time being. Their next lead, involving a criminal imitating Jack the Ripper, points them toward the Sapporo Brewery.

The once-in-a-lifetime quest for fortune finally nears its conclusion, as long-standing mysteries begin to unravel. The whereabouts of the tattooed skins from the 24 death-row inmates are revealed one by one, along with the method for deciphering their coded message. The truth behind Wilk becoming the mastermind known as Noppera-bō, and the past that shaped Lieutenant Tsurumi, comes to light — completing the character arcs of many, even as it foreshadows their eventual exits. Whether driven by ambitions of founding an independent nation or by the simple desire to protect loved ones, all are destined to meet their end.

Although the anime adaptation’s production values remain modest, the strength of the original material ensures a compelling viewing experience. With its wildly multi-threaded narrative, intricate life-and-death mind games, and a massive showdown at the Sapporo Brewery rivaling that of Abashiri Prison — with the decisive battle at Goryokaku yet to come — the entire Hokkaido descends into chaos. Blending adventure, strategy, history, cuisine, comedy, and unexpected camaraderie into one exhilarating mix, this gripping series delivers an immensely satisfying ride.

[Animation] Sentenced to Be a Hero

Keywords: Light Novel Adaptation / Fantasy / Adventure / Action
Also known as: 勇者刑に処す懲罰勇者 9004 隊刑務記録 / Sentenced to Be a Hero
Runtime: 25 minutes per episode × 12 episodes (Episode 1: 58 minutes), updated every Saturday
Where to watch: Bahamut Anime Crazy / Netflix / Bilibili; Douban link

After you annihilate all the enemies, be sure to praise me… and pat my head.

@SHY: A Hero is one who fights monsters — and also the most cruel form of punishment. Criminals sentenced to the Hero Penalty are thrown onto the frontlines against the Demon King. Even in death, they are revived, condemned to fight without rest for all eternity. Zero Flubaz, the former captain of the Holy Paladin Order who has been sentenced for undisclosed reasons, encounters Theolita, the Goddess of the Sword, on the battlefield. The two form a contract and are drawn into a vortex of war and conspiracy.

Like other stories that center on criminals forced into battle, the tone of the original novel bears some resemblance to 86 -Eighty Six-. However, this work places less emphasis on romantic subplots and focuses more heavily on its war sequences, giving the overall narrative a more serious tone. Due to screenwriter Kenta Ihara’s disastrous handling of the early episodes, the anime may initially feel like yet another mass-produced pseudo-isekai. Fortunately, it gradually finds its footing in the mid-season, with its worldbuilding becoming increasingly intriguing as the story unfolds.

Produced by the core team at Studio KAI, the adaptation’s production quality speaks for itself. First-time director Hiroyuki Takashima delivers a steady performance, joined by a lineup of notable supporting staff to present a visually stirring spectacle. The large-scale battle scenes are particularly impressive, featuring a wide variety of attack styles enhanced by dazzling visual effects. Built upon dynamic fight choreography and supported by well-placed suspense, this exhilarating action series is well worth following.

[Film] Family Matters
@利兹与青鸟: In the hot and humid Taiwanese countryside lives an ordinary yet turbulent family of four — an adopted elder sister, a resentful mother, a younger brother conceived through sperm donation, and a gambling-addicted father. Divided into four chapters, the film is adapted from the director’s own short film Sister, portraying their intimate yet distant familial bonds. With a gentle pace and restrained storytelling, the film examines the quiet pain and love hidden within East Asian family dynamics, offering both lighthearted moments and deeply moving weight.

[Film] Yes
@利兹与青鸟: Harsh lighting, pounding dance music, and teasing laughter fill a party where an ordinary couple does everything they can to please the wealthy elite. Though they feel no shame, making a living this way gradually erodes both body and soul. This Hebrew-language film by an Israeli director blends absurdity, pain, and satire, using the couple’s predicament against the backdrop of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict to expose a decaying social reality and distorted moral values.

[UK Series] Betrayal
@潘誉晗: One day, John Hughes meets with an informant, only to witness the nervous source being shot dead in front of him. Although he quickly subdues the killer, the failed mission earns him a dismissal notice from MI5. Unwilling to see his career end this way, he decides to continue investigating the incident on his own. This four-episode series follows a midlife intelligence officer struggling with both professional and personal crises, delivering a concise yet gripping story.

[Japanese Drama] Devoured by Salvation
@Sholmes: Aspiring idol Minase Ten happens to pass by the set of popular actor Hōshō Chiaki and lands a small role, leading to more acting opportunities. Isolated by jealous members of her idol group, Minase becomes closer to Hōshō, whose possessiveness gradually intensifies. Set against the backdrop of the entertainment industry, the series uses restrained and delicate cinematography to depict a twisted romance that evolves from redemption into emotional consumption.

[Japanese Drama] Suikoden by Kitakata Kenzo
@SHY: In the late Northern Song dynasty, the imperial court is steeped in corruption and the people suffer greatly. Low-ranking official Song Jiang, deeply aware of the public’s hardship, resolves to uphold justice and gathers like-minded outlaws to challenge a nation in decline. While bearing the name Suikoden, the original novel reinterprets the classic tale through the lens of Japanese leftist struggle, drawing from author Kitakata Kenzo’s involvement in the Zenkyōtō movement. The adaptation adopts the scale of a historical epic drama, with meticulous production design offering a fresh perspective on a familiar legend.

[Animation] Baki-Dou
@SHY: Legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi is resurrected through a secret Tokugawa experiment, prompting martial artists such as Baki, Doppo Orochi, and Retsu Kaioh to face him in battle, each encounter offering experience for the next. With a premise even science fiction writers might hesitate to attempt, this season delivers an abundance of memorable moments — from “Do you think money can buy me?” to “I don’t mean to be rude” and “Is a sword really such an inconvenient thing?” Enhanced by its low-budget animation, the absurdity is dialed up even further, making it an entertaining watch best enjoyed with a glass of brandy.

[Documentary] King of Paparazzi
@潘誉晗: Netflix’s latest documentary focuses on Italian paparazzo legend Fabrizio Corona. Born into a family of serious journalists — both his grandfather and parents worked in traditional news media — Corona instead pursued a career in entertainment reporting, eventually crossing into criminal activity. Through the story of his career, viewers also gain insight into several modern social scandals in Italy.

[Documentary] Unlocked: A Jail Experiment Season 2
@潘誉晗: With a new warden determined to make changes, the Greenhaven Correctional Facility introduces the radical social policy of “freedom” in response to internal disorder. Cells are left unlocked and guards removed, allowing inmates to move freely and manage themselves in hopes of relearning social order and easing reintegration into society. While less groundbreaking than its first season, the second installment remains a worthwhile experiment for interested viewers.

📅 This Week’s New Trailers

Detective Conan: Fallen Angel on the Highway – Official Trailer
On February 23, the animated film Detective Conan: Fallen Angel on the Highway released its official trailer and is set to premiere in Japan on April 10. Directed by Takahiro Hasui (Shin Samurai-den YAIBA) and written by Takahiro Okura (The Million-dollar Pentagram), the story centers on Chihaya Hagiwara as Conan and his companions travel to Yokohama for a motorcycle festival. Source

Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island – First Teaser
On February 26, the animated film Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island released its first teaser trailer and is scheduled to premiere in Japan on July 24. Directed by Kei Oikawa and produced by Cygames Pictures, the film is adapted from a story posted by original creator Nagano on X in 2023, in which the adorable characters receive a special invitation and set off for a mysterious island retreat. Source

Toy Story 5 – Official Trailer
On February 20, Pixar’s animated film Toy Story 5 released its official trailer and will premiere in North America on June 19. Directed by Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris, with voice performances by Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack, the film explores the clash between ever-advancing technology and the timeless bond of companionship as modern gadgets “invade” childhood. Source

House of the Dragon Season 3 – First Teaser
On February 20, HBO’s hit series House of the Dragon released the first teaser for its third season, set to premiere in June. Starring Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Steve Toussaint, and Rhys Ifans, the story remains set 200 years before Game of Thrones, as the struggle of blood, fire, and dragons escalates toward a brutal naval war and the pursuit of absolute power. Source

Animated Film Crayon Shin-chan: Bizarre! My Yokai Holiday First Trailer: Directed by Masaki Watanabe (Sakamoto Days) and written by Yoshiko Nakamura, with animation produced by Shin-Ei Animation. While vacationing in Hiroshi’s hometown of Akita, Shin-chan and his family are drawn into a grand adventure in the “Land of Yokai.” The film is set to premiere in Japan on July 31. Source

Series Pride and Prejudice First Trailer: Adapted from Jane Austen’s classic novel, directed by Euros Lyn (Heartstopper) and written by Dolly Alderton (Everything I Know About Love), starring Emma Corrin, Jack Lowden, Olivia Colman, and Rufus Sewell. The series will premiere on Netflix this autumn. Source

Chinese Trailer for Prima Facie: Exhaustive Enumeration: Produced by the original creative team behind Prima Facie and starring Rosamund Pike, the film continues writer Suzie Miller’s courtroom-focused storytelling, centering on a woman navigating the dual roles of Supreme Court justice and mother. The film will begin its first round of preview screenings on February 28, with an official release set for March 8.

Entertainment News Weekly

A New Neon Genesis Evangelion Anime Series Announced
On February 23, a brand-new anime series in the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise was officially announced, along with a teaser visual and its core creative lineup. Further details are yet to be revealed. Yoko Taro (NieR: Automata) will serve as series composer and screenwriter, with Kazuya Tsurumaki and Toko Yatabe directing, Keiichi Okabe composing the music, and production handled jointly by khara and CloverWorks. Source

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Confirmed for Mainland China Release
On February 14, the animated film The Super Mario Galaxy Movie was confirmed for release in mainland China, alongside a trailer and poster, with the release date yet to be announced. Featuring voice performances by Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Brie Larson, and Benny Safdie, the star-studded cast leads Mario and Luigi on an all-new interstellar adventure into the unknown. Source

Paramount Set to Acquire Warner Bros.
On February 26, Warner Bros. Discovery announced that its board of directors considers Paramount Skydance’s previous $31-per-share acquisition offer to be a superior proposal. Later that day, Netflix issued a statement declining to raise its bid for Warner Bros. Paramount is expected to proceed with the acquisition and will pay a $2.8 billion termination fee tied to the current merger agreement with Netflix. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval. Source

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