What to Watch This Week: 8 New Movies and TV Shows Worth Watching

☕️ TL;DR

Recent highlights: [US] Miracle Man, [Animation] A Diary from Another Land, [Film] National Treasure, [KR] How Do You Translate Love?, [JP] The Toyotomi Brothers!, [Film] Extreme Judgment, [UK] The Enforced Thief, [Documentary] Traditional Chinese Medicine Across the Seas

Several notable trailers: the first trailer for Ghost in the Shell: THE GHOST IN THE SHELL, a new trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, a new trailer for Supergirl, the first trailer for Daredevil: Reborn Season 2, and a new trailer for Doraemon: New Nobita’s Undersea Devil Rock Castle

Several film and TV updates: Dragon Ball Super: Galactic Patrol Arc officially greenlit; The Los Angeles Heist confirmed for release in China; How to Make a Fortune unveils a new poster; The Deer and the Cauldron 2 set for a mainland China re-release; Kill Bill scheduled for a theatrical re-release in Hong Kong

[US Series] Miracle Man

Keywords: Action / Sci-Fi / Fantasy / Adventure
Also known as: Wonder Man
Runtime: approx. 30 minutes per episode × 8 episodes; Douban link

Marvel’s take on Behind the Scenes.

@潘誉晗: Simon Williams is an unknown actor who takes acting very seriously. He studies every small role in detail and often proactively offers better ideas. But in the eyes of the crew, this only slows down the production. One day, renowned director Von Kovak decides to remake Miracle Man. Upon hearing the news, Simon immediately auditions—because his love for acting began in childhood, when he watched the film Miracle Man. He dreams of one day portraying a superhero on screen. What no one knows is that he himself actually possesses superpowers.

Marvel’s Miracle Man, released all at once at the start of the year, is genuinely different from previous Marvel series. It’s not really about superheroes, nor does it feature flashy visual effects or grand narratives. Instead, it’s a story about two actors who simply want to make good films. One is Simon, the protagonist; the other is Trevor (who takes on the role of the “Mandarin”). Both are highly skilled performers, yet they’ve been stuck on the fringes of the industry due to a lack of resources and opportunities.

Abandoning the traditional superhero formula, the series leans heavily on dialogue-driven scenes, portraying the workplace anxiety of two struggling actors who recognize and appreciate each other’s talent. There’s very little action, but it’s surprisingly moving.

[Animation] A Diary from Another Land

Keywords: Manga adaptation / Slice of life / Healing
Also known as: Another Country Diary / Ikoku Nikki / Journal with Witch
Runtime: 24 minutes per episode × 13 episodes, updated every Sunday
Where to watch: Bahamut Anime Crazy; Douban link

When you feel sadness, it’s okay to be sad—fully.

@SHY: Makio Takashiro, a reclusive novelist, suddenly learns that her older sister Misato and her husband have died in a car accident. At the funeral, Makio meets her 15-year-old niece, Asa Tagumi. Unable to tolerate the way relatives treat the girl as a burden, Makio takes her home. Living under the same roof, the two begin an awkward journey of cohabitation.

Readers of the original manga might feel its tone would suit a live-action adaptation better. Yet this seemingly thankless anime turns out to be far more compelling than the film starring Yui Aragaki. Produced by Shuka, the studio behind Natsume’s Book of Friends, and directed by first-time director Miyuki Oshiro, the series blends the strengths of live-action sensibility and animation. Through the orchestration of layered imagery, diary lines dissolve into boundless deserts, and emotions are rendered with remarkable subtlety—never overtly manipulative, yet quietly stirring ripples in the viewer’s heart.

Unlike the common trope of grief expressed through emotional shutdown, the sorrow here is understated. Makio’s decision to take in Asa is not about assuming the role of a “mother,” but about respecting her as an equal individual. Two people carrying different forms of loneliness cautiously find their way forward. With the companionship of each other and their friends, they reconcile with past memories and arrive at inner peace. This foreign diary of life feels like a cup of warming comfort, savored in the biting cold of winter.

[Film] Kokuho

Keywords: Novel Adaptation / Drama
Also known as: Kokuho
Runtime: 174 minutes; Douban link

Even after leaving the stage, one must not disappoint the world.

@SHY: Born the son of a yakuza, Kikuyo loses everything through the cruel twists of fate and seeks refuge under the tutelage of renowned kabuki actor Hanai Hanjirō, training alongside Hanjirō’s only son, Shunsuke. Similar yet fundamentally different in circumstance, the two endure trials of skill and society alike. Through cycles of loss and gain, a sweeping life drama gradually unfolds.

As the highest-grossing live-action film in Japanese box office history, Kokuho inevitably invites comparisons to works of a similar vein, such as Farewell My Concubine and Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū, while still standing firmly on its own. What must one go through to truly deserve the title of a “Living National Treasure”? With a carefully structured rise and fall, the film explores the tension between talent and lineage. Two mirror-like figures act out a tangle of destiny, where the tides of history and individual ascent and decline are tightly interwoven, creating remarkable dramatic intensity.

To tell the story of life behind the scenes, surface spectacle alone is not enough. Grounded in meticulous costume, makeup, and production design, the film builds breathtaking stage settings. Fully committed performances and vocal delivery convey a restrained, classical Japanese aesthetic. Even viewers unfamiliar with kabuki can feel its depth of tradition and enduring allure, making its nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at this year’s Academy Awards well deserved. The seamless fusion of narrative and form elevates Kokuho into a film that balances both commercial appeal and artistic achievement, leaving countless audiences utterly captivated.

[K-Drama] Can This Love Be Translated?

Keywords: Drama / Romance
Also known as: Can This Love Be Translated?
Runtime: approx. 60 minutes per episode × 12 episodes
Where to watch: Netflix; Douban link

Can the essence of love really be translated through language?

@潘誉晗: A tragic fall leaves actress Cha Moo-hee in a coma while she’s wrapping up a TV drama shoot. One year later, she awakens to find her life completely transformed. Once an unknown performer, Cha Moo-hee has become one of the hottest global stars, thanks to the breakout success of the film Dolami, which she completed just before losing consciousness. The film’s “villainous woman” role catapults her to fame—but also traps her in a typecast image. Determined to break free, she joins a travel-themed dating reality show. As the program shoots across different countries, the production hires a multilingual interpreter—who turns out to be Joo Ho-jin, the very interpreter with whom Cha Moo-hee shared an unresolved connection a year earlier.

A romance between a top-tier celebrity and a highly skilled interpreter gains an added layer of poetic beauty as it unfolds amid shifting landscapes and countries. But if this were merely a romantic comedy about love, it wouldn’t have earned such acclaim. What truly sets the series apart is its bold premise: after the accident, Cha Moo-hee develops a darker, split personality. Through this alter ego’s actions, long-buried wounds from her family of origin—hidden beneath her bright, cheerful public persona—are gradually revealed and, over time, gently healed.

[J-Drama] The Toyotomi Brothers!

Keywords: Drama / Biography / History
Also known as: Toyotomi Kyōdai!
Runtime: approx. 45 minutes per episode (the extended premiere runs 58 minutes) × 43 episodes; Douban link

Behind every successful “monkey,” there’s an exceptional man!

@潘誉晗: With his older brother Tōkichirō away seeking his fortune, young Koichirō from Nakamura in Owari becomes the only male in the household. In his mind, the most important thing is simply finding work so the women in the family can eat well and live comfortably. One day, Tōkichirō returns, claiming he’s made a small name for himself and is now serving under Oda Nobunaga. He urges Koichirō to follow him and make something of himself in the wider world. But Koichirō only wants to stay close to home, living a quiet, peaceful life by the fields.

NHK’s 65th Taiga drama returns once again to the Sengoku period, centering on the story of the Toyotomi brothers—Toyotomi Hidenaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The series tells how these two brothers, born into poverty, created a miraculous rise against the odds. As Hideyoshi’s younger brother, Hidenaga is the supportive figure who often remains in the shadows. In contrast to the calculating and ambitious Hideyoshi, the sharp-minded Hidenaga is sincere and pragmatic. It is precisely this complementary dynamic that makes the brothers such a perfectly matched partnership as they travel far and wide.

Screenwriter Hiroyuki Yatsu, known for works like Hanzawa Naoki, excels at fast-paced workplace dramas. As a result, the series maintains a brisk rhythm throughout, complemented by an impressive and energetic score.

[Film] Mercy

Keywords: Sci-Fi / Thriller / Action
Also known as: Mercy
Runtime: 100 minutes
Where to watch: Now playing in theaters; Douban link

Facts are not the end of an investigation, but its beginning.

@SHY: Los Angeles detective Chris Raven wakes up from a hangover to find himself strapped into an electric chair in a courtroom, facing execution for the murder of his wife, Nicole. From surveillance footage to bloodstains at the scene, all the evidence points to Chris. With no memory of the crime, can he clear his name and catch the real killer within the 90-minute deadline imposed by the AI judge Maddox?

There’s no shortage of protagonists who are wrongly framed, but far fewer are arrested on the spot with no chance to run. Confined to a chair for the entire film, Chris is quite literally a “death-row chair detective.” For a slim chance at survival, he must sift through massive amounts of data to uncover subtle clues—yet every spark of hope often leads to a dead end, or even deepens suspicion against him. The looming 90-minute countdown runs almost in real time with the film’s duration, while first-person camerawork immerses the audience in relentless tension.

As the producer of the Searching franchise, director Timur Bekmambetov has a keen understanding of technological progress. The film’s big-data surveillance network is grounded in real-world prototypes, and its UX design carries a hint of visionOS flair. These realistic details lend credibility to this near-future trial. By contrast, the action sequence meant to serve as the climax feels comparatively weaker. Personally, I think the film would be rated even higher if it leaned more fully into its immersive investigative focus. Still, taken as a whole, it remains a solid and well-crafted commercial thriller.

[UK Series] Steal

Keywords: Drama / Crime
Also known as: Steal
Runtime: approx. 42 minutes per episode × 6 episodes
Where to watch: Prime Video; Douban link

“We picked you because you’re the worst person in the entire company.”

@潘誉晗: It starts as just another ordinary day at the Lochmere Pension Fund—until a group of armed assailants storm in. Calm and methodical, they take only a few minutes to gather everyone together and cut off all external communications. They then coerce Zara and Luke, who have system access, along with shareholders who hold signing authority, and successfully transfer £4 billion—money belonging to ordinary people’s pensions. The police soon launch an investigation and quickly turn their suspicions toward Zara and Luke. After all, the robbers’ methods were far too professional and efficient for there not to be an inside accomplice.

As one of the first crime thrillers of 2026, this financial heist centered on public pension funds is both exhilarating and gripping. Sophie Turner’s Zara initially appears in the first episode as a minor employee forced into the situation, but as the story unfolds in episode two, her true role in the case is revealed. What begins as a high-energy heist quickly grows more complex, packed with twists that make it hard to predict where things will go next. In its pursuit of the truth behind the robbery, the series also exposes the darker side of the financial system and critiques the ways the powerful exploit tax loopholes, giving the show a layer of real social relevance beyond its thrills.

[Documentary] The Healing Path

Keywords: Documentary
Also known as: The Healing Path
Runtime: approx. 28 minutes per episode × 12 episodes
Where to watch: Youku Video; Douban link

Traditional Chinese medicine is profound and far-reaching.

@潘誉晗: Last November, Phoenix Television launched a documentary with a fresh perspective titled The Healing Path. Each episode pairs a Phoenix TV host with a special guest, following the development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at home, its spread overseas, and its broader impact. Starting from Hong Kong and Macau, the team travels to 12 different countries and regions to explore how TCM is “going global” in the modern era.

With each episode running under half an hour, the documentary is made with genuine care and presents the appeal of TCM culture from multiple angles. A clinic downstairs with a martial arts troupe on the top floor; when Macau feels too small, crossing over to Hengqin to discuss cooperation with the government; working with foreign designers to make herbal medicine shops more appealing to modern audiences; keeping prices unchanged across five generations because the building is owned outright…

As a visual medium, film brings traditional Chinese medicine—something many people take for granted in daily life—closer and into sharper focus. By following the crew’s journey, we not only see the dedication of practitioners committed to preserving TCM traditions, but also their efforts to help the culture grow and adapt, and ultimately, the contributions TCM continues to make to the wider world.

[Film] The Wasteland
@SHY: In the distant future, 280 years after a ceasefire agreement that divided humans and their creations, an investigation team descends into an underground world where strange anomalies have occurred—only to be drawn into an unexpected battle. A prequel to Headless recommended four years ago, this distinctive stop-motion animated film is once again crafted almost single-handedly by director Takahide Hori, who wears many hats. With experience accumulated over time, the settings here are more refined and grotesque, and the story more playful. One can’t help but hope a sequel will further expand this world.

[Film] Temporary Family
@利兹与青鸟: Down-on-his-luck American actor Philip arrives in Tokyo and, by chance, joins a rental-family agency, taking on temporary roles as clients’ family members or friends to fulfill requests. There’s a girl seeking a fake marriage to gain freedom, a mother trying to transfer her child to a private school—everyone has their own unspoken troubles. As Philip helps others through a series of small adventures, he gradually heals himself. Tender, sincere emotions flow throughout the film, quietly revealing various social issues in Japan, while moments of humor slip in to draw knowing smiles.

[Film] Franz
@利兹与青鸟: A biographical film about Czech writer Franz Kafka, told through a fragmented narrative that moves between Kafka’s real life and the worlds of his fiction. Family, work, friends, and achievements are brought to the fore, interwoven with fourth-wall-breaking interviews and Kafka’s inner psychological visions. The compositions are meticulous, mirroring Kafka’s literary style, and together collage a portrait of his life. Watching this film is even more rewarding if you’re already familiar with Kafka’s life and works.

[Film] The Fake Genius
@Sholmes: In 1970s Rome, Tony, a young man dreaming of becoming an artist, ventures into the city with his paintbrush—only to discover that his talent is worth more on the black market. From copying for others to forging masterpieces, he becomes entangled with the mafia and those in power, eventually rising as Italy’s most legendary art forger and getting swept into the country’s darkest prime minister assassination case. Shot in classic noir style, the film dissects the boundary between art and deception with sharp pacing and a brooding tone—both a personal descent and a reflection of an era’s absurdity and greed.

[J-Drama] Gimbap and Onigiri: Two People in Love, Similar Yet Different
@潘誉晗: On this day, Korean exchange student Park Lin steps into a small eatery called “Tami.” Though it’s already closed, Hase, who works there, still makes her an onigiri. Simple as it is, the rice ball tastes wonderful to Park Lin, who is overwhelmed by academic and life pressures. Their encounter sparks a touching cross-border romance. This Japan–Korea co-produced sweet love story is visually fresh and gentle, using food to convey emotion and affection—warm, soothing, and heartfelt.

[US Series] Ordinary Women
@潘誉晗: During the Cold War, two CIA agents die under mysterious circumstances. To uncover the truth behind their deaths, their wives, Bea and Twila, volunteer to return to the Soviet Union to investigate. The KGB is meticulous—but to them, Bea and Twila are just ordinary women. Though set against a backdrop of espionage, the series unfolds from a female perspective, resulting in a lighter, more playful tone, with a strong retro atmosphere.

[Reality Show] Antarctic Chefs
@潘誉晗: To provide meals for South Korean researchers stationed in Antarctica, a team made up of Baek Jong-won, Lim Soo-hyang, Chae Jong-hyeop, and SUHO travels to King George Island. Beyond the comfort food that warms body and soul amid ice and snow, a standout moment comes when the Sejong Station seeks help from China’s Great Wall Station due to a shortage of ingredients. In addition to plentiful snacks, the Chinese researchers’ remarkable talent for growing vegetables achieves “vegetable freedom” even in Antarctica. Even at the South Pole, eating well still matters.

📅 This Week’s New Trailers

Ghost in the Shell: THE GHOST IN THE SHELL — First Trailer

On January 30, the TV anime Ghost in the Shell: THE GHOST IN THE SHELL released its first trailer and confirmed a July premiere. Directed by Shoma Kimura, written by Tow Ubukata, with character design and chief animation direction by Shuhei Handa, music by Taisei Iwasaki, and produced by Science SARU, the series will, for the first time, faithfully adapt Masamune Shirow’s original manga. Source

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie — New Trailer

On January 25, the animated film The Super Mario Galaxy Movie released a new trailer and is set to open in North America on April 1. Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, and Jack Black return as voice actors, with Brie Larson joining as Rosalina and Ben Safdie voicing Bowser Jr. A new galaxy, new companions—Yoshi joins the adventure. Source

Supergirl — New Trailer

On January 24, DC’s new film Supergirl released a new trailer and is scheduled for a June 26 release in North America. Directed by Craig Gillespie, the film stars Milly Alcock as Supergirl, Jason Momoa as Lobo, with Eve Ridley, Matthias Schoenaerts, Emily Beecham, and Will Coben also appearing. The film is adapted from the highly acclaimed comic Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Source

Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 — First Trailer

On January 27, Marvel’s series Daredevil: Born Again unveiled the first trailer for Season 2, set to premiere on Disney+ on March 24. Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Deborah Ann Woll, Ayelet Zurer, Margarita Levieva, and Krysten Ritter star. As Kingpin’s influence continues to grow, Jessica Jones makes her return. Source

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

On January 28, the new Doraemon theatrical film Doraemon: New Nobita’s Undersea Devil Rock Castle released a 4D trailer. The film is set to premiere in Japan on February 27 and will also launch a 4D version—marking the first time the franchise has tried the 4D format.

Invincible Season 4 – Official Trailer
As the world continues to recover from a global catastrophe, Mark is consumed by guilt. While doing everything he can to protect his home and the people he loves, he comes face to face with a powerful new threat—one capable of permanently altering humanity’s fate. Premieres March 18 on Prime Video. Source

Star Wars Animated Series Maul: Shadow Lord – Trailer
Set after the Clone Wars, Maul plots to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire. There, he encounters a disillusioned Jedi apprentice—perhaps the ally he needs on his path of revenge. Premieres April 6 on Disney+. Source

BBC Series Lord of the Flies – Official Trailer
Directed by Marc Munden (The Sympathizer) and written by Jack Thorne (The Virtues), this adaptation of William Golding’s classic novel follows a group of boys stranded on a deserted island. As humanity’s darker instincts emerge, paradise turns into a battleground. Premieres February 8. Source

J-Drama Kujo no Taizai – Trailer Released
Starring Yuya Yagira and Hokuto Matsumura, and directed by Hiroyasu Doi, Takeyoshi Yamamoto, and Hiroshi Adachi, the series premieres April 2 on Netflix. Adapted from the manga of the same name, it follows the morally dubious defense attorney Kujo Kanato and elite young prosecutor Karasuma Shinji, as they confront sharp clashes between law and morality, each guided by their own sense of justice.

📽 Weekly Film & TV News

Dragon Ball Super: Galactic Patrol Arc Announced
On January 25, the official Dragon Ball franchise released a special video celebrating its 40th anniversary, announcing a new animated project titled Dragon Ball Super: Galactic Patrol Arc, along with a teaser visual. Further details will be revealed later. At the same time, an enhanced version of Dragon Ball Super titled Dragon Ball Super: Beerus released its “Super Launch” video, confirming the addition of new footage and a reconstructed storyline. It is scheduled to air starting in fall 2026. Source

The Los Angeles Heist Confirmed for China Release
On January 26, the film The Los Angeles Heist was officially confirmed for release in mainland China, accompanied by a trailer and poster. The release date has yet to be announced. Directed by Bart Layton and starring Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, and Halle Berry, the film brings together a rule-bound master thief, a down-on-his-luck executive, and a detective trapped in a desperate situation—three very different lives drawn into a shocking crime. Source

How to Make a Fortune Unveils New Poster
On January 27, How to Make a Fortune, starring Glen Powell and Margaret Qualley, released a new poster. The film is directed and written by John Patton Ford (Emily the Criminal), and also stars Jessica Henwick, Ed Harris, Topher Grace, Bill Camp, and Zach Woods. It opens in North America on February 20, followed by a UK release on March 13.

Royal Tramp II Sets Mainland China Re-Release Date
On January 27, the 4K restored version of Royal Tramp II was officially dated for re-release, making its mainland China big-screen debut on February 7. Originally released in 1992, the film was written and directed by Wong Jing and stars Stephen Chow, Chingmy Yau, Brigitte Lin, and Michelle Reis, with appearances by Natalis Chan, Damian Lau, Deric Wan, Tony Leung Siu-hung, Sandra Ng, Fennie Yuen, Vivian Chen, and Paul Chun.

Kill Bill to Be Re-Released in Hong Kong
On November 29, Quentin Tarantino’s classic Kill Bill was confirmed for a theatrical re-release in Hong Kong on March 7. Volumes 1 and 2 will be screened together as a single feature with a total runtime of 275 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission, and will feature an additional seven minutes of previously unseen footage.

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