Best New Movies and TV Shows to Watch This Week

☕️ TL;DR

Recent recommendations: [Film] Burn Biwa, [Film] Master of the World, [K-Drama] Trying Hard to Overcome Our Inferiority, [K-Drama] Scarecrow, [J-Drama] Walking Through Moonlit Nights: Answers Found in Literary Classics, [British Drama] Half a Man, [US Series] Running Point Season 2, [Animation] Stranger Things 1985 Story Collection Season 1, [Animation] Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Japan Edition, [Animation] Marriage Toxin

A few exciting trailers: the official trailer for Spider-Noir, a new teaser for House of the Dragon Season 3, the first trailer for Ted Lasso Season 4, and the first-look trailer for Innocent Sins

A few film and TV updates: the first poster for Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, a China-exclusive poster for Mortal Kombat 2, Supergirl confirmed for release in mainland China, Masters of the Universe confirmed for release in mainland China, Jaws scheduled for release in mainland China on May 15, Memento scheduled for mainland China release on May 29, and the main visual for Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island

For previous recommendations, click here or tap the tag #WhatToWatchThisWeek at the end of the article. More themed watchlists can be found here. If you’d like to explore more in-depth film and television content, you can also follow our spin-off column “What to Watch Café.” As always, feel free to leave suggestions in the comments section, and thank you for your continued love and support for the “What to Watch” series.

[Film] Burn Biwa

Keywords: Fantasy / Adventure
Runtime: 85 minutes
Where to watch: Now showing in theaters; Douban link

And so humanity discovered fire — the secret of warmth.

@SHY: Raised by a human tribe, the monkey child Burn Biwa sets off alongside a young wolf named Doggy, following in the footsteps of his mother Awubaji toward the sacred mountain Niluojiage in search of a mysterious object that has defeated countless warriors before them. Ferocious beasts and unforgiving environments test their courage and wisdom, while at the end of this arduous journey lies not only the secret of Burn Biwa’s origins, but perhaps something capable of changing the course of human civilization itself.

As the first feature-length hand-painted rice-paper animation from the Shanghai Animation Film Studio, the film combines traditional Eastern aesthetics with modern animation techniques. More than 50,000 sheets of rice paper were ink-washed by hand, bringing the texture and tactile quality of the material directly onto the screen. The production also invited 69 artists from various fields to reinterpret the line art in different styles, using collage, stop-motion, and other techniques to explore new possibilities for 2D animation. Beyond its breathtaking visuals, the soundtrack composed by the Wild Children band is equally captivating.

Drawing from Qiang ethnic mythology passed down for thousands of years, the creators reshaped the story into a coming-of-age adventure more accessible to contemporary audiences. The friendship forged between Burn Biwa and Doggy is deeply moving. If there is one slight drawback, it is that the overly dense dialogue somewhat weakens the poetic emptiness of the imagery; personally, I think the overall experience would have been even stronger with more restrained narration. Nevertheless, this experimental hand-painted animated feature remains a valuable exploration for Chinese animation and deserves far more recognition.

[Film] Master of the World

Keywords: Drama
Also known as: 세계의 주인 / The World of Love
Runtime: 119 minutes; Douban link

We are all the masters of our own world.

@SHY: Lee Joo-in is a cheerful and lively high school student with close friends, a budding romance, and a position at the center of her class’s social circle. However, when her classmates organize a petition opposing the return of a convicted rapist to the community after prison release, Joo-in becomes the only student who refuses to sign. A few impulsive words suddenly change the world around her.

When films portray survivors of sexual violence, they often emphasize the devastating consequences of the trauma, as though victims are doomed to remain trapped by it for life. While this kind of social narrative can raise awareness, could it also become another invisible prison imposed upon survivors themselves? Carrying such questions and reflections, director Yoon Ga-eun, known for her focus on women’s perspectives, draws inspiration from multiple real-world incidents to portray the long aftermath of a child sexual assault case with remarkable restraint.

The film contains no caricatured villains. Family members and classmates alike try, in their own ways, to protect Joo-in, approaching the same issue from multiple perspectives. Repeated visual parallels vividly show the shifts in attitude over time. There is long-suppressed sorrow as well as storm-like emotional release, yet the film never loses its resilient spirit. The one whose life should be destroyed is the perpetrator, not the victim. Even if the scars can never fully fade, we can continue living with the pain and still become the masters of our own world.

[K-Drama] Trying Hard to Overcome Our Inferiority

Keywords: Drama
Also known as: 모두가 자신의 무가치함과 싸우고 있다 / Everyone is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness
Runtime: Approximately 68 minutes per episode × 12 episodes; Douban link

It turns out every one of us is fighting against the version of ourselves we believe to be worthless.

@潘誉晗: Hwang Dong-man is 40 years old and has spent two decades struggling within the film industry. Yet compared to the other members of the “Group of Eight,” his former classmates from film school, he remains unsuccessful. While his peers have long achieved fame, directing blockbuster films and winning awards, Dong-man barely survives through odd jobs, talking endlessly just to convince himself that he still has dreams worth holding onto.

Byun Eun-ah, nicknamed “Axe,” is a professional producer. After years of hard work, she has built a respectable career for herself, but beneath the surface she is deeply sensitive and anxious. Under intense stress, she sometimes even suffers nosebleeds. And on one particular night, these two deeply insecure people cross paths.

Screenwriter Park Hae-young, known for acclaimed works such as My Mister and My Liberation Notes, once again delivers a drama filled with unforgettable lines. There is no grand romance or flashy plot setup here. Instead, through the meeting of two broken, self-loathing individuals, the series exposes the hidden wounds that many modern people dare not reveal. In the end, it gently reminds us that we do not need to please others or be consumed by the noise of the outside world. Only by reconciling with ourselves can we regain the courage to truly live.

[K-Drama] The Scarecrow

Keywords: Mystery / Crime
Also known as: 허수아비 / The Scarecrow
Runtime: Approximately 60 minutes per episode × 12 episodes; Douban link

The television version of Memories of Murder.

@利兹与青鸟: This series is adapted from South Korea’s infamous Hwaseong serial murder case. Anyone who has seen the film Memories of Murder will likely already be familiar with it. In the late 1980s, multiple women were murdered using similar methods, yet the police lacked sufficient evidence to identify the killer. Thirty years later, advances in DNA technology finally bring a breakthrough. In order to secure a confession, investigators seek out Kang Tae-joo, one of the detectives originally assigned to the case, to assist with the reinvestigation. The story then shifts back to 1988, where Detective Kang, after offending his superiors, is reassigned to the small town of Gangseong. Upon arrival, he is immediately drawn into the serial murder investigation, alongside Prosecutor Cha — the same person who bullied him during childhood.

As the investigation deepens, a vivid portrait of 1980s police and civilian life gradually unfolds: Detective Kang, devoted to solving the case despite his faltering career; Prosecutor Cha, outwardly respectable yet ruthless beneath the surface; a sharp and justice-driven reporter; and innocent, helpless survivors. Familiar suspects from the original film, including the laundry shop owner and bookstore clerk, also make appearances, adding to the suspense. Compared to the movie, the series expands the rivalry between Detective Kang and Prosecutor Cha, offering a more detailed look at bureaucratic corruption, outdated investigative methods, and violent interrogation practices. The performances are excellent as well, especially Lee Hee-joon, who completely sheds his righteous image from Mouse to portray Prosecutor Cha in a way that makes viewers genuinely despise him. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the real-life case.

[J-Drama] Moonlit Road: The Answer Lies in Literary Classics

Keywords: Drama / Comedy / Mystery
Also known as: 月夜行路－答えは名作の中に－
Runtime: Approximately 45 minutes per episode × 10 episodes; Douban link

The key to solving crimes lies within literary masterpieces.

@潘誉晗: Suspecting her husband of infidelity, housewife Ryoko follows a business card she discovers hidden away and heads to a club in Ginza, only to accidentally end up in a bar instead. The bar’s owner, Luna, learns about Ryoko’s troubles and discovers that she still cannot forget her first love. On a whim, Luna drives Ryoko all the way to Osaka to search for that long-lost lover. Along the journey, the two women encounter numerous cases, while literature-loving Luna visits various literary landmarks across Osaka and uses stories from famous literary works to uncover the truth behind each mystery.

Adapted from the novel of the same name by Rikako Akiyoshi, the series may not offer particularly surprising cases from a mystery standpoint — most of them are relatively understated — but its core premise is undeniably charming. Ryoko, an overlooked and seemingly ordinary housewife, and Luna, a transgender bar owner, appear to belong to completely different worlds, yet unexpectedly become perfect companions. Their road trip is filled not only with romantic literary references, unresolved cases, and lingering regrets tied to first love, but also with a gradual rediscovery of agency over their own lives.

[British Drama] Half Man

Keywords: Comedy
Also known as: Half Man / Lions
Runtime: Approximately 56 minutes per episode × 6 episodes; Douban link

You’re not my brother — you’re my other lover.

@潘誉晗: Neil is stunned when he learns that a new student from a juvenile detention center will soon be joining his class. The transfer student, Ruben, happens to be the son of the woman currently living with Neil’s mother. In a sense, Neil and Ruben are stepbrothers with no blood relation at all. Naturally timid, Neil is terrified of the violent-tempered Ruben, and anxiously asks his mother whether Ruben will be living with them. Calmly, she informs him that she has already placed another bed in his room — Ruben will not only move into their house, but also share a bedroom with him.

This HBO limited series focuses on two deeply broken men and adopts a dual-timeline narrative structure. It opens with the adult Ruben showing up at Neil’s wedding and violently assaulting him, before shifting back to their youth. Gradually, we watch two completely different young men become intertwined in each other’s lives because of their mothers’ relationship. From mutual hostility to emotional intimacy, these two unrelated individuals eventually become closer than brothers — while also developing feelings that are far more complicated. Over the course of this thirty-year entanglement, it becomes impossible to say whether what binds them together is brotherhood… or an unspoken love.

[US Series] Running Point Season 2

Keywords: Comedy
Also known as: Running Point Season 2
Runtime: Approximately 30 minutes per episode × 8 episodes
Where to watch: Netflix; Douban link

Who says women can’t run a basketball team?

@潘誉晗: Cam has returned early from rehab, heading straight to what used to be his office — and is now Isla’s — to give her a huge “surprise.” Although Cam claims that Isla is now the president of the Waves and insists he has no intention of competing for power, saying he only wants an office and will fully support her work, Isla knows better. His return is clearly aimed at reclaiming control of the team. And true enough, Cam wastes no time getting deeply involved in every aspect of the organization’s operations and decision-making. As a result, Isla must not only continue successfully managing the team this season, but also ensure that she leaves absolutely no room for mistakes that her brother could use against her.

Inspired by the real-life experiences of Jeanie Buss — the first female executive to lead an NBA championship team — the series follows a woman who owns a popular basketball franchise while battling her own family for control and simultaneously leading the team toward a championship run. With real events serving as inspiration and Cam’s return adding fresh tension, this season is noticeably more engaging than the last. The Gordon family’s constant mix of support and rivalry delivers both humor and genuine emotional warmth.

[Animation] Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 Season 1

Keywords: Drama / Animation / Fantasy / Adventure
Also known as: Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 Season 1
Runtime: Approximately 30 minutes per episode × 10 episodes
Where to watch: Netflix; Douban link

The adventure isn’t over yet.

@潘誉晗: Hawkins, Indiana, 1985. Although Eleven still cannot return to school as she wishes, after surviving the battle to close the Upside Down, the group of kids finally feel like life once again holds some hope and excitement. A major snowstorm is expected to hit Hawkins the following week, forcing the town into lockdown for several days — which, to the kids, sounds like the perfect opportunity for fun.

To fund their plans, they decide to use Eleven’s powers to help townspeople clear snow in exchange for money. It seems like a brilliant idea at first, until a brand-new supernatural creature suddenly appears in the snow. Fearing that the government might conclude Eleven failed to fully close the Upside Down, the group decides to capture the monster themselves.

As an animated spin-off of the hugely popular Stranger Things franchise, the story is set between Seasons 2 and 3 of the main series. Because it cannot alter the continuity of the original story, the animation naturally faces certain narrative limitations. Fortunately, this animated adventure focuses primarily on the younger cast and leans into a youthful exploration-and-adventure format, meaning it doesn’t need extensive expansion to work. The pacing remains light and energetic throughout, and once that familiar soundtrack begins to play, the nostalgia hits instantly.

[Animation] Nippon Sangoku: The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun

Keywords: Manga Adaptation / Drama / War
Also known as: 日本三國 / Nippon Sangoku: The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun
Runtime: 24 minutes per episode × episode count unknown, updated every Sunday
Where to watch: Prime Video; Douban link

It was this chaotic era that ruined you.

@SHY: The world’s great trends divide after long periods of unity. In the final years of the Reiwa era, Japan collapses amid internal conflict and external crises under the shadow of nuclear winter. After decades of warlord rule, three new nations — Yamato, Seii, and Bukou — rise from the wasteland. In the 56th year of the Yamato calendar, a young boy named Mikado Aoki steps onto the stage of history after a sudden upheaval. Later celebrated as a brilliant military strategist, he begins writing the epic tale that will eventually unify the three kingdoms.

Although the setting takes place in a near future after nuclear war and civilizational collapse, it may be more accurate to view the series as alternate historical fiction. Not only have political systems and productive capacity regressed, but public consciousness itself has largely returned to something resembling feudal society. Raised by a librarian, the protagonist draws knowledge from books of the old world, repeatedly devising ingenious strategies inspired by texts ranging from The Art of War to agricultural settlement systems. These familiar historical references help balance out the somewhat rough worldbuilding through concise yet effective emotional progression.

Director Kazuaki Terasawa continues the striking visual style he displayed in Fujimoto Tatsuki 17-26, establishing a grim and oppressive tone through bold imagery. The first episode’s extensive black-and-white visuals, interrupted by flashes of blood-red color, create an intense visual impact, while minimalist shot composition brings characters vividly to life in just a few strokes. The ironic narrative tone further enhances the series’ dark humor, compensating for certain logical inconsistencies while embracing the chaotic fusion of serious drama and absurd comedy to depict individuals struggling against the overwhelming tide of history.

[Animation] Marriagetoxin

Keywords: Manga Adaptation / Action / Romance / Comedy
Also known as: マリッジトキシン / Marriagetoxin
Runtime: 24 minutes per episode × episode count unknown, updated every Tuesday
Where to watch: Bahamut Anime Crazy; Douban link

Turns out men can be this beautiful too…

@SHY: Gero Hikaru, heir to a clan of poison users, works as an assassin isolated from ordinary society. He originally intended to remain single forever, until he learns that his younger sister Mei is being forced by the family elders to break up with her girlfriend in order to continue the bloodline. Determined to protect his sister’s relationship, Hikaru forms a contract with Mei Kinosaki, a cross-dressing marriage scam artist, hoping that Mei can help him find a suitable marriage partner.

After so many sweet romance stories, perhaps it’s finally time for an all-out matchmaking comedy. Mei, positioned as the ultimate wingman, effortlessly charms both men and women while personally coaching the socially awkward Hikaru on how to pursue relationships. Of course, as assassins, neither of their targets are ordinary people. Once they set their sights on a mission target, both combat and dating become equally dangerous endeavors. And amid all the adrenaline and “bridge effect” tension, they may accidentally get emotionally trapped themselves. Surrounded by countless beautiful women though Hikaru may be, perhaps the true path forward lies in “man plus man.”

After repeated setbacks, Bones Studio’s “crown prince” Motonobu Hori temporarily puts aside his ill-timed artistic ambitions in order to prove himself with a pure commercial crowd-pleaser. Stylish visuals, energetic music, and dazzling action animation combine to deliver a fast-paced supernatural battle × romantic comedy where both romance and humor are absolutely essential. Filled with classic hero-saves-the-beauty moments and explosive chemistry, this pure entertainment-focused popcorn spectacle is never boring for a second.

[K-Drama] The Grand Prince’s Wife of the 21st Century
@潘誉晗: Set in a 21st-century South Korea that still operates under a constitutional monarchy, the series follows Sung Hee-joo, the talented illegitimate daughter of a wealthy family who remains excluded from high society because of her birth. In order to enter aristocratic circles, she approaches Grand Prince Lee-an, the royal family’s second son, proposing a marriage alliance that would benefit them both through an exchange of resources. Beneath its fictional backdrop and subtle exploration of class divides, the series is ultimately a light romantic drama centered on a marriage-of-convenience-turned-love story — perfect for relaxing viewing.

[J-Drama] Travel, Me, and Cats
@潘誉晗: Travel writer Nekogami Mamoru possesses a mysterious supernatural ability — he can talk to cats. Using this secret gift during his journeys, he learns from cats where to find delicious food and the best hidden destinations. Like a solitary gourmet traveler with superpowers, he enjoys the cuisine of Izu alone while quietly taking in the scenery along the way. Filled with food, cats, and beautiful landscapes, this 24-minute-per-episode mini-series is deeply comforting and healing.

[Film] Nino
@利兹与青鸟: After a medical checkup, 29-year-old Nino learns that he has cancer, and that treatment may affect his fertility, requiring sperm preservation. Faced with this sudden upheaval, he struggles to process the news, responding to the chaos around him with a quiet, numb confusion. Wandering alone through a steel-forest-like city, he appears especially small and lonely, yet gradually finds warmth and comfort through interactions with family and friends. Rather than relying on dramatic conflict or emotional outbursts, the film delicately captures the emotional flow and ordinary moments of one weekend in Nino’s life, resulting in something gentle, fresh, and quietly moving.

[J-Drama] Error
@SHY: Mio Ohsako’s world is turned upside down after her mother jumps from a building and accidentally kills a passerby below. While trying to rebuild her life, she unexpectedly befriends Yume Nakata, an employee at a moving company, unaware that Yume hides a secret capable of changing both of their destinies forever. How grave must a mistake be to become unforgivable? From grieving families to the police, none of the characters in this series are entirely innocent. Multiple households tied to the tragedy become entangled through a chain of coincidences, with each person’s seemingly minor mistake pushing events further toward irreversible disaster. A friendship born from lies is destined to face countless twists and turns.

[J-Drama] The Flowers of Evil
@SHY: Kasuga Takao, the only student in his class who has read Baudelaire, always carries a melancholy that others cannot understand. One day, while returning to school to retrieve his poetry book, he accidentally steals the gym uniform of his crush, Saeki Nanako, only to be caught by his classmate Nakamura Sawa. From that moment on, the destinies of these three seemingly unrelated teenagers become intertwined. Following the TV anime and live-action film, Shuzo Oshimi’s twisted cult classic receives its third adaptation. The casting for Kasuga and Saeki is fairly conventional, but ano’s portrayal of Nakamura feels astonishingly perfect. Against vivid visual compositions, the series tells a strange coming-of-age story blooming within repression.

[J-Drama] Hell Astrologer
@利兹与青鸟: Erika Toda plays Kazuko Hosoki, whose life is as dramatic as it is legendary. From nightclub hostess to business owner and eventually a wealthy socialite, her ambition and desire prevent her from accepting the role of merely being a childbearing tool. After leaving everything behind, she rebuilds herself into the “Queen of Ginza,” navigating fame, fortune, and heartbreak before ultimately becoming one of the entertainment world’s most famous astrologers. The series boasts lavish costumes and production values, along with an outstanding soundtrack. While there are moments of exhilarating drama, it also falls into some clichéd and tedious territory.

[British Drama] Peppermint
@潘誉晗: One night, 22-year-old Shannon encounters Alan on the tracks of an abandoned train station. The two fall in love at first sight, understanding each other instantly without needing words. But Shannon comes from a mafia family, while Alan belongs to a rival clan long opposed to hers, making their relationship doomed from the start. A gangster-inspired Romeo and Juliet, the story has a few narrative flaws, but the magical realist aesthetic conveyed through its cinematography is exceptionally refined.

[Animation] My Brother Is a Minotaur
@SHY: Loken, a minotaur adopted by a human family, is haunted by mysterious dreams and gradually loses control over himself. Accompanied by his younger brother Charlie and friends Dana and Harper, he begins investigating the mystery of his origins, only to discover danger lurking throughout the ancient ruins they explore. Produced by Cartoon Saloon, the series features the studio’s signature hand-drawn art style, blending Celtic folklore into a lighthearted coming-of-age adventure that slowly uncovers the hidden secrets of a mysterious island. The viewing experience is refreshing and entertaining — though the abrupt season finale feels somewhat excessive.

[Animation] Rilakkuma
@利兹与青鸟: Rilakkuma enters the world of animation, sailing across the ocean before accidentally ending up on a deserted island after oversleeping. There, he meets companions such as Kiiroitori and Korilakkuma, and together they play in the forest, host tea parties, and enjoy delicious pastries and tea. Each episode lasts only one minute and airs every Saturday at 9 PM on Bilibili. The art style is soothing and adorable, and even more interestingly, Rilakkuma is narrated by YOASOBI vocalist Lilas Ikuta, who also performs the ending song — perfect for putting on repeat.

[Reality Show] Their Australian Driving Holiday
@潘誉晗: To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the TVB drama Short End of the Stick, TVB reunited stars Wayne Lai, Tsui Wing-lim, and Edmond Leung for a self-driving trip across Australia. Wearing matching necklaces, reminiscing about filming memories while driving, and chatting nonstop whenever old acquaintances come up, the chemistry between these longtime friends creates endless comedic moments. Watching the trio embark on a road trip together turns the show into a constant stream of laughter.

📅 Trailers of the Week

Spider-Noir Releases Official Trailer

On April 26, the series Spider-Noir released official trailers in both black-and-white and color versions. The show premieres on May 27 on Prime Video. Starring Nicolas Cage, the story follows an aging, down-on-his-luck private detective in 1930s New York who also happens to be the city’s only superhero, forced to confront the ghosts of his past life. Source

New Trailer for House of the Dragon Season 3

On April 27, HBO released a new trailer for House of the Dragon Season 3, officially set to premiere on June 21. Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Steve Toussaint, and Rhys Ifans return as an even more brutal war approaches. The promise of “an empire that cannot be destroyed” arrives alongside bloodshed and devastating loss. Source

Ted Lasso Season 4 Debuts First Trailer

On April 28, Ted Lasso Season 4 released its first trailer and announced an August 5 premiere on Apple TV+. Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein, and Jeremy Swift reprise their roles as Ted Lasso returns to Richmond to face his greatest challenge yet: coaching a second-division women’s football team. Source

First Trailer Revealed for The Sinner Who Never Existed

On April 28, the first trailer for The Sinner Who Never Existed was unveiled. The film stars Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett, directed by Michael Showalter, who previously collaborated with Hathaway on The Idea of You. Written by Nick Antosca and adapted from a suspense romance novel by Colleen Hoover, the film is scheduled for North American release on October 2.

📽 Film & TV News Weekly

First Poster Revealed for Stuart Fails to Save the Universe

On April 27, the first poster for Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, a spin-off of The Big Bang Theory, was released alongside its premiere window announcement. The series will debut on HBO Max this July. The story centers on comic book store owner Stuart Bloom, once again played by Kevin Sussman. Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn, and John Ross Bowie also return. The project is created by Big Bang Theory creators Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady, and Zak Penn.

Mortal Kombat 2 Releases China-Exclusive Poster

On April 28, the R-rated action film Mortal Kombat 2 released a China-exclusive poster and trailer ahead of its May 8 release. Karl Urban stars as Johnny Cage, while Adeline Rudolph plays Kitana and Martyn Ford portrays Shao Kahn. Returning cast members include Ludi Lin, Mehcad Brooks, Jessica McNamee, and Hiroyuki Sanada, with Simon McQuoid once again directing.

Supergirl Confirmed for Mainland China Release

On April 29, the new DC film Supergirl was officially confirmed for release in mainland China, accompanied by a trailer and poster. The release date has yet to be announced. Directed by Craig Gillespie, the film stars Milly Alcock as Supergirl and Jason Momoa as Lobo, alongside Eve Ridley, Matthias Schoenaerts, Emily Beecham, and David Krumholtz. The story promises an interstellar adventure intertwined with revenge and justice. Source

Masters of the Universe Confirmed for Mainland China Release

On April 30, the film Masters of the Universe was officially confirmed for release in mainland China, accompanied by a trailer and poster. The release date remains unannounced. Directed by Travis Knight and starring Nicholas Galitzine and Jared Leto, the story follows Adam, who has been living an ordinary office-worker life on Earth before finally returning to Eternia, only to discover his homeland shattered under Skeletor’s rule. Source

Jaws Set for Mainland China Release on May 15

On April 30, Jaws, the classic thriller directed by Steven Spielberg, was officially scheduled for its first-ever theatrical release in mainland China on May 15, nearly 50 years after the film’s original debut. After a series of shark attacks throws the resort town of Amity Island into panic, Police Chief Brody, fisherman Quint, and marine biologist Hooper head out to sea for a deadly confrontation. Source

Memento Set for Mainland China Release on May 29

On April 29, Memento released a China release trailer and poster, confirming a mainland China theatrical release on May 29, including IMAX and CINITY formats. Directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Joe Pantoliano, the film follows a man suffering from memory loss as he pursues revenge through fragmented clues hidden within his memories. Source

Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island Reveals Main Visual

On April 27, the animated film Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island released its main visual ahead of its July 24 premiere in Japan. Directed by Kei Oikawa and produced by Cypic, the film adapts a story originally posted on X in 2023 by creator nagano. After receiving a mysterious invitation, the adorable protagonists head to an island training camp — only to discover unexpected surprises awaiting them there. Source

🍿 May Day Holiday Theatrical Releases

Cold War 1994

Directed by Leung Lok-man, starring Daniel Wu, Terrance Lau, Wu Kang-ren, and Tse Kwan-ho, with special appearances by Chow Yun-fat, Aaron Kwok, Tony Leung Ka-fai, and Louis Koo. Premieres May 1.

In 2017, Lee Man-bun suddenly disappears, while Tsai Yuen-kei is assassinated in the United Kingdom. In response, Lau Kit-fai seeks assistance from Barrister Sean Au-yeung, uncovering a mysterious archive dating back to 1994. On the eve of Hong Kong’s handover, as the Special Branch prepares for dissolution, a wealthy businessman’s kidnapping case sparks a hidden power struggle within the police force between the righteous and passionate Lee Man-bun and the cold, ambitious Tsai Yuen-kei. British authorities, the police, tycoons, and the underworld become entangled in a dangerous game of power, setting the stage for the Cold War crisis decades later.

A Letter to Grandma

Directed by Lan Hongchun (Take Me to Meet My Mom), starring Li Sitong, Wang Yantong, Wu Shaoqing, and Zheng Runqi. Premieres April 30.

Chaoshan grandmother Ye Shurou has long lived a quiet and peaceful life in her old age. Her grandson Xiaowei, burdened by debt, secretly travels to Thailand in search of his rumored billionaire grandfather Zheng Musheng. But Xiaowei returns with shocking news for the entire family: Grandpa passed away long ago, and the person who had been exchanging affectionate letters with Grandma all these years was actually a complete stranger. As Xiaowei continues investigating, a hidden love story buried for half a century resurfaces and strikes directly at Grandma’s heart.

The Ward 10 Squad

Directed by Chen Sicheng, written by Chen Sicheng, Tan Liying, and Liu Shou, starring Jiang Long, Qi Xi, Yang Chaoyue, Wang Zichuan, Zhang Chi, Cao Bingkun, Huang Yi, and Ye Quanxi, with special appearances by Ni Dahong, Cai Ming, Tian Yu, Ding Jiali, and Cheng Taishen. Premieres May 1.

Room 10 at the end of the hospital corridor is a special place. Although all its occupants are critically ill patients, laughter and lively commotion fill the room every day. The story begins on the day Zhang Xiaobing survives a failed suicide attempt by jumping from a building…

The Vanished

Written and directed by Cheng Weihao, starring Ryan Zheng and Liu Haocun, with a special appearance by Roy Chiu, alongside Li Chen and Jiang Yan. Premieres May 1.

Adapted from the Douban Reading serialized novel Sea Anemone, the story follows Tang Yu after his son mysteriously disappears inside a stairwell. In a neighboring apartment building, a young woman living alone is assaulted in her sleep, while a gambling-addicted tenant named Yan Wu appears covered in blood, fabricating lies to conceal a corpse.

The Devil Wears Prada 2

Returning cast members include Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, Tracie Thoms, Tibor Feldman, and director David Frankel, with the screenplay once again written by Aline Brosh McKenna. Premieres April 30.

Fashion magazine Runway faces an unprecedented survival crisis as Miranda and Andy reunite once more. The hierarchy of the fashion world is about to be reshuffled — former assistant Emily has risen to become an executive at a luxury conglomerate, while Andy has grown into a formidable professional in her own right.

Once a Thief

The 4K restored version of Once a Thief is scheduled for its first-ever mainland China theatrical release on May 3, 35 years after the film’s original debut. Directed by John Woo and starring Chow Yun-fat, Leslie Cheung, and Cherie Chung, the story follows orphaned thieves Joe, Jim, and Cherie, who are raised by their adoptive father to become master international thieves while navigating loyalty, romance, and danger.

Front Teeth

Directed and written by Li Xin, starring Zhang Yu and Chen Haoyu, alongside Zhou Zhengjie and Zhang Benyu, with special appearances by Lian Lian, Wang Hao, Guo Yue, Guo Yiqian, Renke, and Mao Tao. Premieres May 1.

Li Weiyang is involved in a motorcycle accident that causes his girlfriend Shen Qing to lose two front teeth. Though he has no money, he is determined to get her the best replacement teeth possible. To raise the money, he becomes entangled in negotiations and conflicts with the driver responsible for the accident and the insurance company. The once modest but peaceful lives of both victim and perpetrator are shattered by this sudden incident.

SP-Life