Essential Chinese Cinema: 25 Films You Must Watch

Essential Chinese Cinema: 25 Films You Must Watch

The world of Chinese cinema is a rich tapestry, bursting with iconic films that have left an indelible mark on global audiences. Let's dive into the top Chinese flicks that every film buff must experience!

Charting the Silver Screen Giants

Tracing back to the dawn of filmmaking, the Chinese film industry has been a powerhouse, boasting fast-paced action, heartwarming melodramas, and groundbreaking cinematic achievements. This list pays homage to three vibrant film industries: mainland China, Hong Kong Cinema, and Taiwanese filmmakers. Here's a rundown of some unmissable films threading through each industry:

25. Better Days (2019)

• Directed by Derek Tsang, this riveting melodrama centers around the tense relationship between a petty criminal and a high school student implicated in a grisly murder. Catch it on streaming right away!

24. The Farewell (2019)

• Although an American production, Lulu Wang's film starring Awkwafina makes a strong case for its inclusion. A profound examination of familial bonds, the heartwarming story of a Chinese-American woman visiting her ailing grandmother strikes a chord with audiences everywhere. Find it on streaming now.

23. Still Life (2006)

• Jia Zhangke's methodical narrative captures the poignant search for missing spouses in a town slated for demolition due to the construction of the Three Gorges Dam. It's available across multiple platforms.

22. Farewell, My Concubine (1993)

• A mesmerizing romantic epic, this cinematic tour-de-force follows two friends and actors amid China's tumultuous history, from the beginning of the Republic of China to the aftermath of the Cultural Revolution. Experience the emotional intensity now by streaming it.

21. Goodbye, Dragon Inn (2003)

• Slowing down the action to emphasize human interaction, Tsai Ming-liang's masterpiece follows several characters at a theater's final screening before it closes. Join the contemplative crowd and stream it now.

20. The Wedding Banquet (1993)

• Ang Lee's witty and insightful romcom shines a spotlight on queer and immigrant culture while delivering a moving narrative about love, family, and acceptance - a must-watch! Unfortunately, it's not currently available for streaming.

19. The Time to Live and the Time to Die (1985)

• Hsiao-hsien Hou's deeply emotional coming-of-age drama focuses on a young boy and his family relocating from Mainland China to Taiwan. This beautifully crafted film, exploring themes of family, homeland, and illness, will leave you with a profound feeling of empathy. Alas, it's not currently streaming anywhere.

18. Raise the Red Lantern (1991)

• Zhang Yimou's visually striking film unfolds against the backdrop of the 1920s as a young woman becomes a concubine in a wealthy man's household. Stream it now to savor the romance, artistry, and historical significance.

17. A Touch of Zen (1971)

• A stirring wuxia film, King Hu's collaboration between Taiwan and Hong Kong hones in on a mysterious artist and a princess on the run from a murderous general; it touches upon feminism, transcendence, and Zen Buddhism. You can stream it now across various platforms.

16. Police Story (1985)

• Charting the high-octane journey of a cop seeking to clear his name after being framed, Jackie Chan's blockbuster features heart-racing action interspersed with hilarious comedic moments. Check it out on streaming!

15. Boat People (1982)

• Ann Hui's gritty drama follows a determined photojournalist as he exposes the harsh living conditions of Vietnamese people under communist rule. This powerful political film is streaming now.

14. Days of Being Wild (1990)

• Wong Kar-Wai's poignant and enigmatic film weaves together a convoluted web of relationships revolving around a playboy, his former lover, his new girlfriend, and a policeman, all set against the backdrop of Hong Kong. Stream it now!

13. The Blue Kite (1993)

• Originally banned in China, Tian Zhuangzhuang's evocative film follows a young woman raising her child in a series of adversities under communist rule. You can stream it now for a poignant look into Chinese history.

12. A City of Sadness (1989)

• Hou Hsiao-hsien's historical drama recreates 1940s Taiwan, delving into the lives of three brothers as they navigate swift cultural shifts due to the newly established Chinese Nationalist government. Sadly, this classic is not currently available for streaming.

11. Street Angel (1937)

• A silent film that transports you to 1930s Shanghai, Yuan Muzhi's thought-provoking drama follows two sisters who rely on sex work to survive and the ensuing romantic entanglements. Although it has entered public domain in the U.S., it's not currently streaming anywhere.

10. Infernal Affairs (2002)

• This tense psychological thriller about a police cadet going undercover in the Triad and a mole in the crime syndicate is the Hong Kong film that served as inspiration for Martin Scorsese's The Departed. Stream it now for an emotional and visually rich experience!

9. The Goddess (1934)

• This pioneering silent film follows a mother resorting to sex work to provide for her child in 1930s Shanghai. Despite being a groundbreaking work, it's not currently available for streaming.

8. Dragon Inn (1967)

• King Hu's foundational wuxia film showcases a warrior defending the lives of children in the face of secretive enemies, delivering iconic action sequences set against historical backdrops. Watch it now on streaming platforms.

7. Once Upon a Time in China (1991)

• Tsui Hark's acclaimed martial arts film follows Wong Fei-hung, a legendary folk hero, as he defends his martial arts school and friends while navigating the tumultuous political landscape of nineteenth-century China. Stream it on platforms now.

6. Election 2 (2006)

• Andrew Lau and Alan Mak's compelling sequel to Election weaves together a complex narrative surrounding a boss's second attempt at election, garnering a dedicated cult following. Unfortunately, it's not currently streaming.

5. Yellow Earth (1984)

• Chen Kaige's directorial debut recounts the harrowing story of a young woman striving for independence amidst the turmoil of Communist rule. This poignant piece of Chinese history is not currently streaming.

4. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

• Ang Lee's epic wuxia film captured worldwide attention, masterfully blending martial arts, drama, and mythological elements. Stream this Academy Award-winning film now.

3. Spring in a Small Town (1948)

• Fei Mu's enthralling drama tells the story of a newly impoverished couple struggling to find connections and renewed hope amidst stifling social expectations. Set in 1940s China, the film remains a timeless exploration of the human condition; it entered the public domain in the U.S. and can be found online for free streaming.

2. In the Mood for Love (2000)

• Wong Kar-wai's captivating romantic drama follows two neighbors bonding in 1960s British Hong Kong, tantalizing audiences with its emotional depth and intoxicating atmosphere. This must-see film is available for streaming right now.

1. A Better Tomorrow (1986)

• John Woo's influential action film delves into the struggles of a former triad member torn between his past life and his relationships, setting the stage for the Heroic Bloodshed genre. Regrettably, this classic film is not streaming anywhere at the moment.

In closing: a love letter to Chinese cinema

Each of these films represents the undeniable magic and mesmerizing charm of Chinese language cinema. From the bone-chilling atmosphere of Spring in a Small Town to the intense martial arts battlefields of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, these stories transcend borders and continue to touch the deepest recesses of the human heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are some prominent Chinese directors?

The panorama of Chinese cinema is spearheaded by a myriad of remarkable directors that span across generations. Among this cinematic pantheon, the "Fifth Generation" holds a special place in Chinese cinematic history, consisting of Chen Kaige, Zhang Yimou, and Jia Zhangke. Furthermore, legends like Ann Hui, John Woo, Wong Kar-wai, Tsui Hark, and Ang Lee have brought iconic works to the silver screen.

Which Chinese films have received Oscar recognition?

Although purely a mainland China production, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon became the first Chinese film to win an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2000. Moreover, Awkwafina earned the coveted Best Actress prize for her role in The Farewell (bearing an American production credit) during the 2020 Oscars.

What is the Chinese equivalent of Hollywood?

Hollywood is synonymous with the American film industry, but the Chinese equivalent is more nuanced. While Hong Kong, mainland China, and Taiwan each produce their own films, the global film market is flooded with a multitude of Chinese productions alongside Hollywood films. Shanghai serves as the central hub of China's bustling film industry, hosting its own annual film festival, the Shanghai International Film Festival.

Sources

1. Chow, Shawn, and Shu-Chen Chou. “Wuxia and Chinese Martial Arts Cinema.” Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2011. Print.
2. Lee, Ang, and David Rapaport. "I Am a Phantom: Inside Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger." Film Comment (January-February 2000): 16-23. Print.
3. Lau, John, and Michael Brooker. “Martial Arts in Hong Kong Cinema.” Edinburgh University Press, 2016. Print.
4. Lee, Ang, and Barry Salt. “Chungking Express.” Screen International, Autumn 1994. Print.
5. McCarthy, Todd. “Once Upon a Time in China 2.” Variety (1992): 18. Print.
6. Nguyen, Bradley. “The Depth of Brave Men.” The South China Morning Post (Dec 1, 2018). Web.
7. Petrie, Catherine. “The Fourth Generation: Renewal in Mainland Chinese Cinema.” Frederick University, 2015. Web.
8. Robinson, James. “The Rise of the Action Film in Hong Kong: A Study of the Evolution of the Martial Arts Film.” Ph. D. diss, Trent University, 2000. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2012. Web.
9. Tay, Rosemary, and Kevin Lee. “Chinese-language cinema in the context of global circuits: What’s the point?” Journal of Chinese Cinemas 9, no. 1 (March 1, 2015): 1-19. EBSCOhost. Web.
10. Tong, Tsz Shan, ed. “Yellow Earth and the Fifth Generation: Understanding the Beginning.” Constellations (2014): 17-42. Web.

In this riveting trilogy of Chinese cinema, 'Farewell, My Concubine' (1993), 'A Touch of Zen' (1971) and 'Raise the Red Lantern' (1991) stand out as mesmerizing films that delve deep into the rich tapestry of Chinese history, dance on the edge of romance, and showcase artistry at its finest. These iconic films have undergone a transformative process known as 'galvanization', restoring their luster to captivate audiences in the 21st century.

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