Disability studies and Asian cinema : still better off without disability.

Oasis (2002) and Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (2003) are two 21st century independent Asian films that have won multiple awards at international levels for their treatment and portrayal of disability. Many critics have applauded the films for helping one “look at the assumptions and prejudices of the society around us in a completely new light” and engaging “intriguing characters who defy stereotypes. This paper examines these esteemed films in order to determine where recent independent Asian cinema is situated within the film and disability discourse. Based on many a glowing review such as the two quoted above, one might take for granted that the two independent Asian films have done something different, have managed to improve on, or added to the discussion of film and disability studies. However, despite the emphasis on providing sympathetic portrayals of people with disabilities, these films return to a particular doctrine which – while championing disability as difference – keeps going back to the question of ‘how life could have been better without the disability’. Why does this happen despite contrary intentions? This paper examines a third award winning independent Asian film Late Bloomer (2008) in order to answer that question.Bachelor of Art