Ryan Ho Kilpatrick 何松濤
@ryanhk.blue
Freelance writer/editor/translator | Last seen managing the China Media Project | Before that: TaiwanPlus, The Washington Post, Hong Kong Free Press, TIME, dpa
📍 Hong Kong / Hualien
📍 Hong Kong / Hualien
#33: Another World
Totally blown away by this Hong Kong animated film. The story is steeped in Buddhism and Eastern philosophy but explores universal concepts of grief, resentment, and strength. It plumbs the depths of human darkness but somehow remains optimistic. It’s also beautifully hand-drawn.
Totally blown away by this Hong Kong animated film. The story is steeped in Buddhism and Eastern philosophy but explores universal concepts of grief, resentment, and strength. It plumbs the depths of human darkness but somehow remains optimistic. It’s also beautifully hand-drawn.
November 19, 2025 at 10:12 AM
#33: Another World
Totally blown away by this Hong Kong animated film. The story is steeped in Buddhism and Eastern philosophy but explores universal concepts of grief, resentment, and strength. It plumbs the depths of human darkness but somehow remains optimistic. It’s also beautifully hand-drawn.
Totally blown away by this Hong Kong animated film. The story is steeped in Buddhism and Eastern philosophy but explores universal concepts of grief, resentment, and strength. It plumbs the depths of human darkness but somehow remains optimistic. It’s also beautifully hand-drawn.
#35: 《台灣的海洋歷史文化》(Oceanic Cultures & History of Taiwan) by 戴寶村
Despite the constant reminders that Taiwan is surrounded by water, this book is unfortunately quite dry in its writing. While it’s not too interested in compelling storytelling, though, it does provide lots of interesting facts and leads
Despite the constant reminders that Taiwan is surrounded by water, this book is unfortunately quite dry in its writing. While it’s not too interested in compelling storytelling, though, it does provide lots of interesting facts and leads
November 10, 2025 at 12:42 AM
#35: 《台灣的海洋歷史文化》(Oceanic Cultures & History of Taiwan) by 戴寶村
Despite the constant reminders that Taiwan is surrounded by water, this book is unfortunately quite dry in its writing. While it’s not too interested in compelling storytelling, though, it does provide lots of interesting facts and leads
Despite the constant reminders that Taiwan is surrounded by water, this book is unfortunately quite dry in its writing. While it’s not too interested in compelling storytelling, though, it does provide lots of interesting facts and leads
#32: Weapons
A refreshingly original horror movie that explores how grief and addiction can destroy a person, a family, and a whole community. The thoroughly unhinged (and uncomfortably funny) final act brought the story to an end I didn’t expect but definitely appreciated.
A refreshingly original horror movie that explores how grief and addiction can destroy a person, a family, and a whole community. The thoroughly unhinged (and uncomfortably funny) final act brought the story to an end I didn’t expect but definitely appreciated.
November 9, 2025 at 11:51 AM
#32: Weapons
A refreshingly original horror movie that explores how grief and addiction can destroy a person, a family, and a whole community. The thoroughly unhinged (and uncomfortably funny) final act brought the story to an end I didn’t expect but definitely appreciated.
A refreshingly original horror movie that explores how grief and addiction can destroy a person, a family, and a whole community. The thoroughly unhinged (and uncomfortably funny) final act brought the story to an end I didn’t expect but definitely appreciated.
There’s a cha chaan teng in HK that’s famous for its mayo double dogs. I love them but Americans I’ve tried taking there were unimpressed and seemingly offended by the idea of a semisweet hotdog 🤷
October 29, 2025 at 2:12 AM
There’s a cha chaan teng in HK that’s famous for its mayo double dogs. I love them but Americans I’ve tried taking there were unimpressed and seemingly offended by the idea of a semisweet hotdog 🤷
IG’s favourite new thing to advertise to me is apparently AI-generated cozy Ghibli zombie apocalypse van life games featuring vesicles with the most nonsensical layouts imaginable.
October 27, 2025 at 4:10 AM
IG’s favourite new thing to advertise to me is apparently AI-generated cozy Ghibli zombie apocalypse van life games featuring vesicles with the most nonsensical layouts imaginable.
#34: The Great Port Cities of Asia by Kennie Ting
A whirlwind tour of 80 ancient and contemporary ports across the continent, there’s not too much time to linger on any. While chapters on places I know well were flawed, I enjoyed its explorations of less familiar shores like the Indian Ocean world.
A whirlwind tour of 80 ancient and contemporary ports across the continent, there’s not too much time to linger on any. While chapters on places I know well were flawed, I enjoyed its explorations of less familiar shores like the Indian Ocean world.
October 22, 2025 at 12:06 AM
#34: The Great Port Cities of Asia by Kennie Ting
A whirlwind tour of 80 ancient and contemporary ports across the continent, there’s not too much time to linger on any. While chapters on places I know well were flawed, I enjoyed its explorations of less familiar shores like the Indian Ocean world.
A whirlwind tour of 80 ancient and contemporary ports across the continent, there’s not too much time to linger on any. While chapters on places I know well were flawed, I enjoyed its explorations of less familiar shores like the Indian Ocean world.
#31: Chief of War S1
This historical epic depicts Kamehameha's rise and the unification of Hawaiʻi from an indigenous perspective. The writing is sometimes weak, but bringing this story to mainstream audiences worldwide for the first time is an incredible undertaking, and I am very much here for it
This historical epic depicts Kamehameha's rise and the unification of Hawaiʻi from an indigenous perspective. The writing is sometimes weak, but bringing this story to mainstream audiences worldwide for the first time is an incredible undertaking, and I am very much here for it
October 21, 2025 at 11:47 AM
#31: Chief of War S1
This historical epic depicts Kamehameha's rise and the unification of Hawaiʻi from an indigenous perspective. The writing is sometimes weak, but bringing this story to mainstream audiences worldwide for the first time is an incredible undertaking, and I am very much here for it
This historical epic depicts Kamehameha's rise and the unification of Hawaiʻi from an indigenous perspective. The writing is sometimes weak, but bringing this story to mainstream audiences worldwide for the first time is an incredible undertaking, and I am very much here for it
The article itself is much better than the headline. This is the only section I found particularly objectionable ⬇️
Lai and the DPP are not only open to dialogue but repeatedly seek it. It is the PRC side that refuses to engage. The KMT is more open to accomodation, to "dialogue" on the PRC's terms.
Lai and the DPP are not only open to dialogue but repeatedly seek it. It is the PRC side that refuses to engage. The KMT is more open to accomodation, to "dialogue" on the PRC's terms.
October 21, 2025 at 6:52 AM
The article itself is much better than the headline. This is the only section I found particularly objectionable ⬇️
Lai and the DPP are not only open to dialogue but repeatedly seek it. It is the PRC side that refuses to engage. The KMT is more open to accomodation, to "dialogue" on the PRC's terms.
Lai and the DPP are not only open to dialogue but repeatedly seek it. It is the PRC side that refuses to engage. The KMT is more open to accomodation, to "dialogue" on the PRC's terms.
#33: The Blue Machine by Helen Czerski
An engaging primer on the history of oceanography, The Blue Machine eschews the predictable wonders-of-the-deep focus on charismatic megafauna. Water itself is the protagonist of this story, although it’s also pepped with human interest and lyrical interludes.
An engaging primer on the history of oceanography, The Blue Machine eschews the predictable wonders-of-the-deep focus on charismatic megafauna. Water itself is the protagonist of this story, although it’s also pepped with human interest and lyrical interludes.
October 17, 2025 at 2:35 PM
#33: The Blue Machine by Helen Czerski
An engaging primer on the history of oceanography, The Blue Machine eschews the predictable wonders-of-the-deep focus on charismatic megafauna. Water itself is the protagonist of this story, although it’s also pepped with human interest and lyrical interludes.
An engaging primer on the history of oceanography, The Blue Machine eschews the predictable wonders-of-the-deep focus on charismatic megafauna. Water itself is the protagonist of this story, although it’s also pepped with human interest and lyrical interludes.
#30: Sakamoto Days S1
In a time of Spy x Family, Dandadan, and others, Sakamoto Days isn't the premier wholesome action-comedy anime out there. But it's still a very delightful watch, with a cast of likable — if not quite yet lovable — characters and its own special brand of high-stakes slapstick.
In a time of Spy x Family, Dandadan, and others, Sakamoto Days isn't the premier wholesome action-comedy anime out there. But it's still a very delightful watch, with a cast of likable — if not quite yet lovable — characters and its own special brand of high-stakes slapstick.
October 12, 2025 at 12:29 AM
#30: Sakamoto Days S1
In a time of Spy x Family, Dandadan, and others, Sakamoto Days isn't the premier wholesome action-comedy anime out there. But it's still a very delightful watch, with a cast of likable — if not quite yet lovable — characters and its own special brand of high-stakes slapstick.
In a time of Spy x Family, Dandadan, and others, Sakamoto Days isn't the premier wholesome action-comedy anime out there. But it's still a very delightful watch, with a cast of likable — if not quite yet lovable — characters and its own special brand of high-stakes slapstick.
#29: Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
An appropriately bombastic adaptation of the Bomb Girl Arc. After the hours-long flashback-fest that was Infinity Castle, Chainsaw's unrelenting fast pace was a nice change — gorgeous artwork and animation, plus a banger soundtrack and excellent sound design.
An appropriately bombastic adaptation of the Bomb Girl Arc. After the hours-long flashback-fest that was Infinity Castle, Chainsaw's unrelenting fast pace was a nice change — gorgeous artwork and animation, plus a banger soundtrack and excellent sound design.
October 12, 2025 at 12:13 AM
#29: Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
An appropriately bombastic adaptation of the Bomb Girl Arc. After the hours-long flashback-fest that was Infinity Castle, Chainsaw's unrelenting fast pace was a nice change — gorgeous artwork and animation, plus a banger soundtrack and excellent sound design.
An appropriately bombastic adaptation of the Bomb Girl Arc. After the hours-long flashback-fest that was Infinity Castle, Chainsaw's unrelenting fast pace was a nice change — gorgeous artwork and animation, plus a banger soundtrack and excellent sound design.
#32: The Sea and Civilisation by Lincoln Paine
Encyclopaedic in scope but not in tone, Paine’s maritime history of the world can feel overwhelming. My own interest (and ability to keep up) depended on the region and time explored, but the author’s engaging writing and diligent research never waned.
Encyclopaedic in scope but not in tone, Paine’s maritime history of the world can feel overwhelming. My own interest (and ability to keep up) depended on the region and time explored, but the author’s engaging writing and diligent research never waned.
October 1, 2025 at 4:46 AM
#32: The Sea and Civilisation by Lincoln Paine
Encyclopaedic in scope but not in tone, Paine’s maritime history of the world can feel overwhelming. My own interest (and ability to keep up) depended on the region and time explored, but the author’s engaging writing and diligent research never waned.
Encyclopaedic in scope but not in tone, Paine’s maritime history of the world can feel overwhelming. My own interest (and ability to keep up) depended on the region and time explored, but the author’s engaging writing and diligent research never waned.
Don’t usually have a problem with “anti-government” but it could be misleading here. We don’t have to wonder what drove the protests — they had 5 clear demands.
You could say HK’s housing is symptomatic of the system they opposed but this is just a wire piece. “Pro-democracy” might’ve been clearer.
You could say HK’s housing is symptomatic of the system they opposed but this is just a wire piece. “Pro-democracy” might’ve been clearer.
September 28, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Don’t usually have a problem with “anti-government” but it could be misleading here. We don’t have to wonder what drove the protests — they had 5 clear demands.
You could say HK’s housing is symptomatic of the system they opposed but this is just a wire piece. “Pro-democracy” might’ve been clearer.
You could say HK’s housing is symptomatic of the system they opposed but this is just a wire piece. “Pro-democracy” might’ve been clearer.
#28: Dandadan S2
Season 2 felt even more unpredictable and fun than the first. Genre-fluid as ever, Dandadan nails every comedic beat, every gorgeously animated fight scene, every heartfelt moment of character growth, and all the charming slice-of-life drama in between. Tried not to binge but oops.
Season 2 felt even more unpredictable and fun than the first. Genre-fluid as ever, Dandadan nails every comedic beat, every gorgeously animated fight scene, every heartfelt moment of character growth, and all the charming slice-of-life drama in between. Tried not to binge but oops.
September 24, 2025 at 5:23 AM
#28: Dandadan S2
Season 2 felt even more unpredictable and fun than the first. Genre-fluid as ever, Dandadan nails every comedic beat, every gorgeously animated fight scene, every heartfelt moment of character growth, and all the charming slice-of-life drama in between. Tried not to binge but oops.
Season 2 felt even more unpredictable and fun than the first. Genre-fluid as ever, Dandadan nails every comedic beat, every gorgeously animated fight scene, every heartfelt moment of character growth, and all the charming slice-of-life drama in between. Tried not to binge but oops.
Just realised allpoetry.com now has AI "analysis" at the bottom of every poem and the insights are mindblowing
September 23, 2025 at 6:37 AM
Just realised allpoetry.com now has AI "analysis" at the bottom of every poem and the insights are mindblowing
#31: Is a River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane
A lovingly, ecstatically written combination of reportage from countries where rivers that have been declared legal persons, personal reflections from riverine journeys, and riparian prose poetry. The answer to the titular question is a resounding "yes."
A lovingly, ecstatically written combination of reportage from countries where rivers that have been declared legal persons, personal reflections from riverine journeys, and riparian prose poetry. The answer to the titular question is a resounding "yes."
September 4, 2025 at 9:07 AM
#31: Is a River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane
A lovingly, ecstatically written combination of reportage from countries where rivers that have been declared legal persons, personal reflections from riverine journeys, and riparian prose poetry. The answer to the titular question is a resounding "yes."
A lovingly, ecstatically written combination of reportage from countries where rivers that have been declared legal persons, personal reflections from riverine journeys, and riparian prose poetry. The answer to the titular question is a resounding "yes."
#27: Barakamon
A much-needed pick-me-up amidst the psychic pain of Takopi, Barakamon follows a calligraphy prodigy who gets exiled to a remote island after hitting a critic. There, he learns to appreciate the power of nature, community, and childlike exuberance, and to develop a style all his own.
A much-needed pick-me-up amidst the psychic pain of Takopi, Barakamon follows a calligraphy prodigy who gets exiled to a remote island after hitting a critic. There, he learns to appreciate the power of nature, community, and childlike exuberance, and to develop a style all his own.
September 1, 2025 at 7:02 AM
#27: Barakamon
A much-needed pick-me-up amidst the psychic pain of Takopi, Barakamon follows a calligraphy prodigy who gets exiled to a remote island after hitting a critic. There, he learns to appreciate the power of nature, community, and childlike exuberance, and to develop a style all his own.
A much-needed pick-me-up amidst the psychic pain of Takopi, Barakamon follows a calligraphy prodigy who gets exiled to a remote island after hitting a critic. There, he learns to appreciate the power of nature, community, and childlike exuberance, and to develop a style all his own.
#26: Takopi’s Original Sin
Takopi saw Made in Abyss and decided it could be both cuter and darker. It’s the story of an alien from Planet Happy who comes to Earth to spread happiness, only to meet some very troubled kids and realise that happiness is complicated for humans. Rough but deeply moving.
Takopi saw Made in Abyss and decided it could be both cuter and darker. It’s the story of an alien from Planet Happy who comes to Earth to spread happiness, only to meet some very troubled kids and realise that happiness is complicated for humans. Rough but deeply moving.
September 1, 2025 at 6:50 AM
#26: Takopi’s Original Sin
Takopi saw Made in Abyss and decided it could be both cuter and darker. It’s the story of an alien from Planet Happy who comes to Earth to spread happiness, only to meet some very troubled kids and realise that happiness is complicated for humans. Rough but deeply moving.
Takopi saw Made in Abyss and decided it could be both cuter and darker. It’s the story of an alien from Planet Happy who comes to Earth to spread happiness, only to meet some very troubled kids and realise that happiness is complicated for humans. Rough but deeply moving.
Not a member either but also remember hearing the same. I did just realise, though, that fully one-third of the “Save the FCC” movement — the only members named in SCMP’s reporting — were former SCMP staff. Seems like an odd thing not to disclose.
September 1, 2025 at 6:36 AM
Not a member either but also remember hearing the same. I did just realise, though, that fully one-third of the “Save the FCC” movement — the only members named in SCMP’s reporting — were former SCMP staff. Seems like an odd thing not to disclose.
I was recently reminded of the backlash in early 2019 against the Foreign Correspondents’ Club introducing a long-overdue sexual harassment policy and wowsers — it was offensively stupid at the time but so much worse now after all the actual threats to free speech and journalists in Hong Kong since.
September 1, 2025 at 5:22 AM
I was recently reminded of the backlash in early 2019 against the Foreign Correspondents’ Club introducing a long-overdue sexual harassment policy and wowsers — it was offensively stupid at the time but so much worse now after all the actual threats to free speech and journalists in Hong Kong since.
Wake up babe new reason to hate Jackie Chan just dropped
August 29, 2025 at 6:57 AM
Wake up babe new reason to hate Jackie Chan just dropped
#30: Aloha Betrayed by Noenoe K Silva
A powerful rebuke to imperial historiography, Aloha Betrayed covers the lead-up to the annexation of Hawaiʻi through Hawaiian-language sources. In so doing, Silva reveals a long tradition of resistance to US colonialism and dispels the myth of native passivity.
A powerful rebuke to imperial historiography, Aloha Betrayed covers the lead-up to the annexation of Hawaiʻi through Hawaiian-language sources. In so doing, Silva reveals a long tradition of resistance to US colonialism and dispels the myth of native passivity.
August 26, 2025 at 10:49 PM
#30: Aloha Betrayed by Noenoe K Silva
A powerful rebuke to imperial historiography, Aloha Betrayed covers the lead-up to the annexation of Hawaiʻi through Hawaiian-language sources. In so doing, Silva reveals a long tradition of resistance to US colonialism and dispels the myth of native passivity.
A powerful rebuke to imperial historiography, Aloha Betrayed covers the lead-up to the annexation of Hawaiʻi through Hawaiian-language sources. In so doing, Silva reveals a long tradition of resistance to US colonialism and dispels the myth of native passivity.
#29: Ice Ghosts by Paul Watson
At first, I expected this to be another account of the lost Franklin Expedition — which, as a Franklinophile, I’m into. Instead, it did something more interesting: foregrounding the afterlives of the voyage and highlighting Inuit contributions to the ships’ discovery.
At first, I expected this to be another account of the lost Franklin Expedition — which, as a Franklinophile, I’m into. Instead, it did something more interesting: foregrounding the afterlives of the voyage and highlighting Inuit contributions to the ships’ discovery.
August 23, 2025 at 1:12 PM
#29: Ice Ghosts by Paul Watson
At first, I expected this to be another account of the lost Franklin Expedition — which, as a Franklinophile, I’m into. Instead, it did something more interesting: foregrounding the afterlives of the voyage and highlighting Inuit contributions to the ships’ discovery.
At first, I expected this to be another account of the lost Franklin Expedition — which, as a Franklinophile, I’m into. Instead, it did something more interesting: foregrounding the afterlives of the voyage and highlighting Inuit contributions to the ships’ discovery.
#28: Water Borne by Dan Rubinstein
This book covered a lot of ground — literally and figuratively. It’s part travelogue of the author’s SUP journey, part reportage on interviews conducted along the way, part meditation on “blue spaces” and access to them. Sometimes too much, but often interesting.
This book covered a lot of ground — literally and figuratively. It’s part travelogue of the author’s SUP journey, part reportage on interviews conducted along the way, part meditation on “blue spaces” and access to them. Sometimes too much, but often interesting.
August 18, 2025 at 1:54 PM
#28: Water Borne by Dan Rubinstein
This book covered a lot of ground — literally and figuratively. It’s part travelogue of the author’s SUP journey, part reportage on interviews conducted along the way, part meditation on “blue spaces” and access to them. Sometimes too much, but often interesting.
This book covered a lot of ground — literally and figuratively. It’s part travelogue of the author’s SUP journey, part reportage on interviews conducted along the way, part meditation on “blue spaces” and access to them. Sometimes too much, but often interesting.