Foreign Perspectives @ForeignPers

NEW: In my latest, I review Spider-Man: Brand New Day. While it can't escape all the MCU tropes, this is the kind of film adaptation of the character I've always wanted. It also calls back to the earnest humanism of Sam Raimi. Enjoyed it immensely. foreignperspectives.net/p/spider-man-b…

NEW: I've hit 100 Substack posts and I'm now writing a book! Slated for late 2026, this compilation of newly edited essays will cover all things related to life and travel in Japan. Read the announcement and important updates in my latest column: foreignperspectives.net/p/100-substack…

NEW: In my latest column, I discuss why Obsession gives me hope for the future of Gen Z and cinema. Curry Barker's feature film debut is a promising sign that young people aren't just hungry for good films, they're also capable of making them. foreignperspectives.net/p/obsession-gi…

NEW: In my latest column, I give my thoughts on Sony ending production of physical PlayStation discs. I'm only scratching the surface, but the future looks bleak for consumer ownership of games. We've reached the end of an era. It was a good run. foreignperspectives.net/p/a-farewell-t…

Be sure to subscribe to Foreign Perspectives and follow @ForeignPers to get the latest updates on my writing. While there will always be free columns, I’ll soon be transitioning back to paid content as well. Thanks for your support 🙏 foreignperspectives.net

This is my 97th piece published on my Substack! 98 and 99 will be a two-part column about me leaving academia. 100 will be a brief retrospective and where I’ll officially announce a book of collected essays on Japan I hope to get out later this year. Stay tuned!

Oliver Jia (オリバー・ジア) @OliverJia1014

2 months ago

NEW: Spider-Noir is the best incarnation of Spider-Man in years. It works beautifully as both a tribute to film noir and the comic book history of the web-slinger. Nicolas Cage's fantastic performance sells it all. Read my column on the series here: foreignperspectives.net/p/spider-noir-…

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NEW: Spider-Noir is the best incarnation of Spider-Man in years. It works beautifully as both a tribute to film noir and the comic book history of the web-slinger. Nicolas Cage's fantastic performance sells it all. Read my column on the series here: foreignperspectives.net/p/spider-noir-…

Does Lupin III have a timeline? In this lengthy piece for the fan site Lupin Central, I wrote about how Monkey Punch’s long-running franchise has evolved over the decades. Like James Bond, it’s meant to be something you can jump in at from any point. lupincentral.com/home/does-the-…

John T. Downey was a CIA officer imprisoned in China for over 20 years after a botched espionage mission left him in the hands of the communists. His story of the longest-held POW in American history is often forgotten. My piece from 2023 for NK News: archive.is/EZ6ji

Apologies for the lack of posts here. May and June have been busy as I’m in the process of establishing my business, so there has been little time for Substack pieces. Future ones are planned though, and I hope to use this account to also repost old pieces from over the years.

My latest on the difficulty of turning Mario into a movie. “Despite having a reputation for years as one of the worst films of all time, what’s mindblowing about 1993’s Super Mario Bros. is that it’s actually watchable and quite entertaining.” foreignperspectives.net/p/why-adapting…

The above piece is exclusively for paid subscribers of Foreign Perspectives. Currently running a 20% off sale, so take advantage today! Your support is greatly appreciated 🙏 foreignperspectives.net/subscribe?coup…

NEW: In my latest piece, I ponder the question of why it's so difficult to make a Mario movie. Sticking too closely to the games tends to result in a narratively thin plot, but being too radically creative alienates fans. Can there be a balance? foreignperspectives.net/p/why-adapting…

The above piece is free for all readers of Foreign Perspectives. If you enjoy my work, consider a paid subscription to receive exclusive articles. Your support is greatly appreciated🙏 foreignperspectives.net/spring2026

NEW: Short travelogue piece for your Sunday. I went to the Kyoto Aquarium and Umekoji Park this weekend with my wife. It was one of our first date spots six years ago, and this week marks our wedding anniversary. It was a fun, but reflective afternoon. foreignperspectives.net/p/the-kyoto-aq…

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Avatar: The Last Airbender was a special show made at the right time. Despite current plans to expand the franchise into more sequels, the original was lightning in a bottle. foreignperspectives.net/p/avatar-the-l…

Exit 8 is unexpectedly one of the best film adaptations of a video game, being both true to the source material and compelling on its own. “Director Genki Kawamura wisely chooses to focus on the inner psychology of his characters.” foreignperspectives.net/p/exit-8-is-un…

Currently running a 20% off Welcome Back Spring Sale on paid subscriptions to my Substack, Foreign Perspectives! This is the best way you can support my writing and I’m grateful for every subscriber! Become part of my readership today! foreignperspectives.net/spring2026

My latest on Rental Family: "Rental Family isn’t attempting to make preachy or deeply profound statements, which is probably why I found myself enjoying it so much. It is first and foremost a humanist story in the vein of old-fashioned tearjerkers." foreignperspectives.net/p/rental-famil…