Foreign Perspectives with Oliver Jia

I Fought Academia and Academia Won

I gave it the old college try, but I ended up dropping out of my international relations doctoral course after nearly five years.

Aug 24 • Oliver Jia

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Take-Two's CEO Wants You to Own Nothing and Be Happy

Strauss Zelnick, the man in charge of Grand Theft Auto VI's parent company, is proposing a dark future for consumers.

Aug 16 • Oliver Jia

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'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' Brings Spidey Back to Basics

Despite the inevitable MCU tropes, this is an excellent live-action take on the web-head.

Aug 8 • Oliver Jia

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100 Substack Posts Later, I'm Writing a Book!

Important announcements and a thank you to all those who made Foreign Perspectives possible.

Aug 1 • Oliver Jia

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July 2026

'Obsession' Gives Me Hope for Gen Z Cinema

I thought the future of film was doomed, but the kids are alright after all.

Jul 27 • Oliver Jia

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A Farewell to Physical Games

Sony's decision to end production of PlayStation 5 discs in 2028 will have horrible consequences.

Jul 5 • Oliver Jia

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June 2026

'Spider-Noir' is The Best Spider-Man in Years

Nicolas Cage plays it Bogart in this gorgeous tribute to film noir and the web-slinger.

Jun 26 • Oliver Jia

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April 2026

Why Adapting Mario Into Film Is So Difficult

The gamiest of video games doesn’t make for the most cinematic of movies.

Apr 28 • Oliver Jia

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The Kyoto Aquarium and Pensive Reminiscences

Remembering the past and contemplating the future.

Apr 19 • Oliver Jia

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'Rental Family' Gets Japan Right

I was completely wrong about this moving drama starring Brendan Fraser.

Apr 6 • Oliver Jia

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March 2026

'The Sound of Music' Sings Strong Over 60 Years On

Or how I learned to stop worrying and love my favorite things.

Mar 10 • Oliver Jia

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February 2026

'Exit 8' is Unexpectedly One of the Best Video Game Movies

This is not an exit.

Feb 21 • Oliver Jia

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