Billy Chen

Billy Chen’s got his fingerprints all over some seriously talked-about films lately. First up, he took on Pinocchio (2022), which, honestly, was no small feat given how many versions of that wooden boy have been done to death. But Billy? He brought something a little fresh—a vibe that wasn’t just “let’s make another puppet come to life,” but more like digging into what it actually means to want to be real, to struggle with identity and choices. Not gonna lie, a couple of those scenes hit harder than I expected. Then there’s Young Woman and the Sea (2024). If you’re even remotely into stories about guts and grit, this one’s for you. It follows a young woman (duh) who’s basically not taking “no” for an answer as she tries to become the first to swim across the English Channel. Billy, either as director or a key player, really leaned into the emotional side—like, you can practically feel the saltwater and exhaustion just oozing off the screen. There’s tension, there’s hope, there’s that stubborn determination that makes you wanna stand up and cheer. And don’t sleep on Paddington in Peru (2024). Yeah, it’s got the cute bear (who doesn’t love Paddington?), but Chen didn’t just phone it in—he actually made the story pop. It’s got adventure, family feels, and just enough chaos to keep you grinning. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just tagging along with your niece, it’s got a little something for everyone. All in all, Billy Chen’s got range for days, and these films are proof.