In a year when the South Korean thriller “Squid Game” became a global phenomenon, Obama’s list is a faithful reflection of the world that has come closer, thanks to the streaming services Netflix and Amazon Prime. A Japanese film based on Haruki Murakami’s short story, one documentary exploring the Harlem Cultural Festival in the 60s, another based on a man’s quest to find his beloved pig – Obama’s favorites list reflects the diversity.

“Since these are works that I actually listened to, watched or read, I’m sure I missed things of interest. So if you have your own recommendations to share, I’ll add them to the pile of books and movies I hope to catch up on during the holidays! He tweeted.

Speaking about his selection of films, Obama said each of these films told a powerful story, and he hoped everyone enjoyed them as much as he did.

“Drive My Car”, a Japanese film directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, is based on a short story of the same name as Haruki Murakami. The short story is part of Murakami’s anthology, “Men Without Women”. The film revolves around a man who, after the death of his wife, develops a bond with a 20-year-old girl who becomes his driver.

‘Summer of Soul’, directed by Questlove, is a documentary hailed as a concert film. The film is essentially a closer look at the Harlem Cultural Festival, 1969. Investigators try to find the reason why the festival fades into obscurity despite a roster of legends like Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson, The 5th Dimension, etc.

Obama’s list also includes Steven Spielberg’s American Musical, “West Side Story” in third place. The film is based on an original 1957 Broadway production that was inspired by the tragedy Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. The 2021 adaptation stars Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler.

“The Power of the Dog”, the Western drama by filmmaker Jane Campion, is based on a novel by Thomas Savage. The film released in September was then named one of the best films of 2021 by the American Film Institute, won seven 79th Golden Globe nominations, 10 27th Critics’ Choice Awards nominations.

Michael Sarnoski’s “Pig” is the fifth best film on the former President’s list of favorites for 2021. The American drama stars Nicolas Cage as the protagonist Rob whose beloved pig hunting for truffles is stolen.

The list also includes other films such as’ Passing ‘,’ The Card Counter ‘,’ Judas and the Black Messiah ‘,’ The Worst Person in the World ‘,’ Old Henry ‘,’ The Last Duel ‘and’ The Tragedy ‘of Macbeth’.