Summary
Exploring the extravagant nightlife of some of Asia’s biggest cities, this documentary series is one big trip.
Netflix docuseries Midnight Asia: Eat · Dance · Dream season 1 was released on the streaming service on January 20, 2022.
There has been a sore in films and series from Asia on Netflix recently, including the K-pop music documentary Blackpink: Light Up the Sky; Naomi Osaka, the sports miniseries about the Japanese tennis icon; and regional true crime favorites The Raincoat Killer: Chasing a Predator in Korea and of course, Squid Game. So, it’s no surprise that now we are now being blessed with a documentary that showcases the wonderful areas of Asia and what their nightlife has to offer
The documentary series Midnight Asia: Eat · Dance · Dream will entertain, educate, and even tempt you to plan a trip to Asia soon. I know I want to go after watching this series. There are 6 episodes, all under 45 minutes, which showcase a different part of Asia: Manila, Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, and Mumbai.
In each episode, we’re given a look into the culture and lifestyles in which people live. Each area has a similar theme of breaking the boring 9-5 life (in some areas their working day is a lot longer, sometimes 14+ hours a day) by having an exuberant nightlife. A life where they can truly express themselves and live their fanaticism, but at night. It is as if it is two completely different parts of the day. Made my life seem very mundane. Although it is sad to think they need such extravagance to look forward to each evening to be able to live. Is there really a balance here?
This show doesn’t have a host, the focus is on the stories and lives of locals, showcasing the nightlife and what they think of Asia. This is quite refreshing as it feels more organic and not script-driven or having the conversation lead in a certain way; the characters are able to share their own stories in their own way. What is positive is their love for their country and culture how proud they are to have built their livelihood and how it is thriving.
In Tokyo, we meet an 85-year-old DJ, who works daily as a chef and then DJ’s from 1 am. Not only is this incredibly impressive, but it’s also quite inspiring.
Then in Seoul, we’re introduced to a rock band, a new-age K-Pop band, and a quirky, elderly couple who run one of the city’s famous fried chicken stands.
In episode 5 we get to see Taipei, Taiwan and in there, there is a giant nightlife market, which has been going for over 30 years, where food and drinks are available, including a famous oyster egg omelet. I must say there are a lot of questionable dishes featured, especially for a vegetarian like myself, but so many I would love to try.
Each episode is as interesting as the next, although there are very similar features and stories to each city, they are wonderful and unique in their own way.
With bright neon lights, fun, quirky antics, and a whole lot of food, this documentary is a whirlwind. If you’ve got itchy feet and are thinking of traveling to Asia soon, I would highly recommend watching this documentary as a sort of guide. If you’re wanting to watch something educational with a hint of weird and funky, this is your documentary. Now I’m off to book a holiday in Asia.
What did you think of Netflix docuseries Midnight Asia: Eat · Dance · Dream season 1? Comment below.
