Movies About China

From Kaige Chen, starring Leslie Cheung, Fengyi Zhang, Gong Li, You Ge
Rated R

Farewell My Concubine is a 1993 Chinese drama film directed by Kaige Chen. The film follows the story of two friends, Dieyi and Xiaolou, from childhood through their adulthood as stars in a Peking opera troupe. As their friendship and careers develop, the two men must confront the tumultuous events of the Chinese Cultural Revolution and the changing political and social environment. The film is a powerful story about loyalty, friendship and love, and their consequences in a changing world.

From Kar-Wai Wong, starring Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Maggie Cheung, Siu Ping-Lam, Tung Cho 'Joe' Cheung
Rated PG

In the Mood for Love is a romance drama set in 1960s Hong Kong. It tells the story of two people, Chow and Su, who live in the same apartment building and are each married to someone else. After discovering their spouses are having an affair, they develop a special bond and an intimate relationship starts to form. Throughout the film, Chow and Su explore the feelings they have for each other while trying to keep their growing relationship a secret. With its unique visual style, memorable characters, and poignant themes, In The Mood For Love is a timeless classic that captures the complexity of love and relationships.

From Kar-Wai Wong, starring Brigitte Lin, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Faye Wong
Rated PG-13

Chungking Express is a 1994 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Kar-Wai Wong. It tells two separate stories, both of which take place in the Chungking Mansions area of Hong Kong. In the first story, a heart-broken cop, played by Takeshi Kaneshiro, begins a brief relationship with a mysterious woman, who is a drug dealer, played by Brigitte Lin. In the second story, a different cop, played by Tony Leung, is coping with the breakup of his girlfriend, and he visits the same bar frequented by the characters in the first story. Both stories involve the characters discovering more about themselves and the world around them, as well as connecting with those around them in unexpected ways. The film is noted for its use of visuals, music, and themes such as loneliness, love, and urban alienation.

From Wilson Yip, starring Donnie Yen, Simon Yam, Siu-Wong Fan, Ka-Tung Lam
Rated R

Ip Man is a 2008 biographical martial arts film directed by Wilson Yip, based on the life of Yip Man, a grandmaster of the martial art Wing Chun and teacher of the legendary Bruce Lee. The film tells the story of Ip Man's struggles to provide for his family during the Japanese invasion of China in the 1930s and 1940s, his flight to Hong Kong after the Communist revolution in 1949, and his eventual establishment of his martial arts school and championing of Wing Chun. Along the way, Ip Man faces a number of challenges, including a duel with his rival, the Grandmaster of another martial art, and the harassment he and his family experience from the Japanese Army. The film stars Donnie Yen as Ip Man, with support from Simon Yam, Lynn Hung, and Hiroyuki Ikeuchi.

From Yimou Zhang, starring Jet Li, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Maggie Cheung, Ziyi Zhang
Rated PG-13

"Hero" is a 2002 Chinese martial arts film directed by Yimou Zhang. It stars Jet Li as a nameless warrior who is summoned by the King of Qin to help him unify China. With each step of his journey, the warrior reveals the story of how he single-handedly defeated three of the most powerful enemies of the King. He must face his own inner demons and the challenges of the King's most trusted advisors in order to save the country. The film is an exploration of the power of courage, loyalty, and self-sacrifice. Through the warrior's journey, the audience is taken on a historical journey and witness a spectacular fight between good and evil.

From Ang Lee, starring Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Ziyi Zhang, Chang Chen
Rated PG-13

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a martial arts epic set in 18th century China. The story follows the adventures of two warriors, Li Mu Bai and Yu Shu Lien, as they attempt to retrieve a stolen magical sword known as "Green Destiny." Along the way, they must face off against a mysterious masked warrior, as well as face their own inner demons. In the end, they discover that their greatest challenge has been within themselves all along. At the same time, the film touches on the power of love, loyalty, and friendship in the face of danger.

From Ang Lee, starring Sihung Lung, Kuei-Mei Yang, Yu-Wen Wang, Chien-Lien Wu
Rated Not Rated

Eat Drink Man Woman is a 1994 Taiwanese-American romantic comedy-drama film directed by Ang Lee, and starring Sihung Lung, Yu-Wen Wang, Chien-lien Wu, and Ah-Leh Gua. The film follows a retired Taiwanese chef, Mr. Chu (Lung) who prepares an elaborate weekly Sunday dinner for his three unmarried daughters. Each daughter has her own issues with love and relationships, and the weekend's meals provide an opportunity for them to discuss their troubles and connect as a family. As the film progresses, Mr. Chu is forced to confront his own feelings of loneliness and regret, while his daughters struggle with their own growing pains. The film is a charming and bittersweet story of family and relationships, exploring the complexities of cultural identity, gender roles, and the importance of tradition. With its beautiful visuals, and a captivating score, Eat Drink Man Woman is a heart-warming and touching film that will stay with audiences long after viewing.

From Yimou Zhang, starring Ziyi Zhang, Honglei Sun, Hao Zheng, Yulian Zhao
Rated G

The Road Home is a 1999 romantic drama film directed by Yimou Zhang and starring Zhang Ziyi. It tells the story of a young woman's journey of remembrance as she retraces the steps of her parents' courtship. The story is set in a rural Chinese village during the 1950s. The young woman, Zhao Di (Zhang Ziyi), returns home upon the death of her father, only to find that her mother has decided to keep her father's death a secret and has arranged for a traditional funeral procession to bring his body home. Zhao Di then embarks on a journey to recount her parent's love story to the villagers, in order to make her father's funeral procession a more meaningful experience. Along the way, she finds guidance from the people she encounters and learns about the power of love, family and tradition.

From Bernardo Bertolucci, starring John Lone, Joan Chen, Peter O'Toole, Ruocheng Ying
Rated PG-13

The Last Emperor is a biographical drama directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and starring John Lone. It chronicles the life of Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, from his ascent to the throne at the age of three in 1908 until his death in 1967. During his reign, Pu Yi’s life is shaped by the changing political landscape of 20th century China, from the collapse of the Qing dynasty, to the establishment of the Republic of China, to the rise of the People’s Republic of China under Mao Zedong. The film also explores the controversy surrounding his transition from emperor to commoner, as well as his internal struggle to reconcile his role in history. Ultimately, The Last Emperor is a powerful story about identity, loyalty, and the struggle for power in a country facing dramatic historical changes.

From Yimou Zhang, starring Minzhi Wei, Huike Zhang, Zhenda Tian, Enman Gao
Rated G

Not One Less is a 1999 Chinese drama directed by Yimou Zhang. The film follows the story of Wei Minzhi, a 13 year old girl from a rural village of China, who is sent to substitute for the village's teacher. Her assignment is to watch over the students of the school while the teacher is away for a month. Wei Minzhi is determined to fulfill her task and ensure that none of the students are lost or drop out of school. She faces many obstacles and challenges including poverty, lack of resources, and the reluctance of villagers to send their children to school. Despite the odds, Wei Minzhi perseveres and uses her determination and resourcefulness to ensure the students remain in school. In the end, she succeeds in having all of the students remain in school and in doing so, she proves the power of determination and hard work.

From Chuan Lu, starring Ye Liu, Wei Fan, Hideo Nakaizumi, Yuanyuan Gao
Rated R

City of Life and Death is an intense and thought provoking Chinese war drama set in 1937 during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The film centers on the Siege of Nanjing, in which the Japanese Imperial Army captured and killed an estimated 300,000 Chinese civilians and soldiers. The film follows several characters as they struggle with their own personal losses and the horror of war. It is a powerful and moving account of the atrocities of war, and a portrait of humanity in a desperate situation. Throughout the film, we witness the heroism of some, the cruelty of others, and the heartbreaking tragedy of the innocent victims.

From Kar-Wai Wong, starring Leon Lai, Michelle Reis, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Charlie Yeung
Rated Not Rated

Fallen Angels is a 1995 Hong Kong crime film directed by Kar-Wai Wong and starring Leon Lai, Michelle Reis, Takeshi Kaneshiro, and Charlie Yeung. The film follows the lives of two different characters—an assassin and a thief—who form an unlikely friendship as they go about their lives while living on the edge of society. The assassin, He Zhiwu, has been hired to carry out a contract killing but discovers his target is his old friend Ah Jong. Meanwhile, the thief, Wong Chi-Ming, is hired to steal from a jewelry store but discovers the store is owned by Ah Jong's wife. As the two men's stories become intertwined, they both find themselves in a precarious situation with no way out. Fallen Angels is an intense and stylishly filmed neo-noir drama that explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, and fate.

From Directors: Tony Bancroft, Barry Cook, starring Ming-Na Wen, Eddie Murphy, BD Wong, Miguel Ferrer
Rated G

Mulan (1998) is an animated musical adventure film directed by Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook. Based on the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, the film follows Mulan, a brave and independent young woman who disguises herself as a man and joins the Chinese army in place of her elderly father. As she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, Mulan must fight to protect her family and her country from an impending war. Accompanied by her dragon sidekick, Mushu, and her new friend Yao, Mulan rises to the challenge and proves that anyone can rise to greatness when faced with courage and determination.

From Lixin Fan, starring Changhua Zhang, Yang Zhang, Suqin Chen, Qin Zhang
Rated Not Rated

Last Train Home is a 2009 documentary film, directed by Lixin Fan, which follows the lives of a migrant worker family from rural China each year as they travel home for the Chinese New Year. The film follows the Zhangs, a family from the Sichuan Province, as they struggle to reconnect with their teenage daughter, who left home for the city to work in a factory. The film follows the family for three years, during which time the father is forced to quit his factory job and the mother takes on additional work in order to save money for the family. As the family's hardships and struggles to stay together become more apparent, we see the true cost of China's industrial revolution as it affects the Chinese people. Ultimately, Last Train Home is an intimate story about a family trying to break the cycle of poverty and keep their family together in the face of great odds.

From Ronny Yu, starring Jet Li, Li Sun, Yong Dong, Yun Qu
Rated PG-13

Fearless is a 2006 martial arts film directed by Ronny Yu and starring Jet Li as Huo Yuanjia, a legendary Chinese martial artist who lived from 1868 to 1910 and is the founder of the Jing Wu Sports Federation. The film follows the life of Huo Yuanjia, a man who, after a humiliating defeat in a fight, sets out to reclaim his honor and restore the spirit of martial arts in the country. Along the way, he must confront the corruption of the Japanese, the oppressive Chinese government, and his own inner demons. The film culminates in an epic fight between Huo Yuanjia and four Japanese fighters, with Huo emerging victorious and setting the stage for the rise of the Jing Wu Sports Federation. In the end, Huo Yuanjia's victory serves as a symbol of justice, courage, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

From Directors: Mark Osborne, John Stevenson, starring Jack Black, Ian McShane, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman
Rated PG

Kung Fu Panda is a 2008 computer-animated action comedy martial arts film directed by Mark Osborne and John Stevenson, produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Paramount Pictures. Set in ancient China, the film follows the story of Po, a clumsy panda, who is chosen to join the legendary Furious Five in studying and mastering the art of kung fu in order to protect the Valley of Peace from the evil snow leopard Tai Lung. Guided by Master Shifu, Po embarks on an epic journey of self-discovery, becoming an unlikely hero in the process and fulfilling his destiny as the legendary Dragon Warrior. Along the way, he learns the true value of friendship, family, and courage. The film features the voices of Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, Jackie Chan, and David Cross.

From Yang Zhang, starring Jiayi Du, Zheng Fang, Bing He, Wu Jiang
Rated PG-13

Shower is a 1999 Chinese drama film directed by Yang Zhang. It tells the story of an elderly father and his two adult sons, who have come together to run a public bathhouse in Beijing. The eldest son, who is married and has a daughter, is content with their life near the bathhouse and is determined to keep it running. The youngest son, however, is passionate about style and dreams of making their bathhouse more modern. As the two brothers clash over the future of the bathhouse, the father must try to reconcile them before it is too late. In the end, the father and his sons find love and hope in each other, as well as a way to keep their bathhouse alive.

From Ang Lee, starring Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Tang Wei, Joan Chen, Leehom Wang
Rated NC-17

Lust, Caution is a 2007 Chinese-language spy thriller directed by Ang Lee. Set in Shanghai and Hong Kong in the 1940s, the story follows a group of students who decide to assassinate a high-ranking special agent of the Imperial Japanese Army. Wong Chia Chi (Tang Wei) is recruited by her schoolmate Kuang Yu Min (Lee-Hom Wang) to join a secret revolutionary organization. Together they devise a plan to seduce and kill Mr. Yee (Tony Leung Chiu Wai), a Chinese collaborator working for the Japanese. As the plan unfolds, Wong Chia Chi finds herself increasingly attracted to her target, and must struggle to reconcile her feelings with her mission. Meanwhile, Mr. Yee, who is aware of the group’s intentions, continues to play along for his own mysterious purposes. The film is a suspenseful exploration of the delicate balance between love and duty, in which one wrong move could mean life or death.

From Yimou Zhang, starring Ziyi Zhang, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau, Dandan Song
Rated PG-13

House of Flying Daggers is a 2004 romantic wuxia directed by Yimou Zhang. The story follows two police officers, Leo and Jin, who are tasked with apprehending a leader of the House of Flying Daggers, a secret organization that is rebelling against the Tang Dynasty. In the process, Leo and Jin develop a romance with a blind dancer named Mei, who is hiding a secret. As Jin and Leo attempt to help Mei, they must battle their own feelings and the House of Flying Daggers in a thrilling and action packed adventure. In the end, they discover the truth about Mei's identity and her mission, and must make a difficult choice between duty and love.

From Wilson Yip, starring Donnie Yen, Xiaoming Huang, Sammo Kam-Bo Hung, Lynn Xiong
Rated R

Ip Man 2 is a martial arts biopic film directed by Wilson Yip and starring Donnie Yen. It is a sequel to the 2008 film Ip Man. Set in 1950s Hong Kong, the film follows martial arts master Ip Man as he attempts to establish a school to propagate his style of martial arts, Wing Chun, while facing discrimination from the local martial arts community. The film features a showdown between Ip Man and a British boxer named Twister, pitting Wing Chun against Western boxing. Ip Man is also challenged by another kung fu master, Hung Chun-nam. At the same time, Ip Man is forced to defend Wing Chun against those who wish to exploit it. In the end, Ip Man overcomes his adversaries and successfully establishes his martial arts school.

From Yung Chang, starring Jerry Bo Yu Chen, Campbell Ping He, Cindy Shui Yu
Rated Not Rated

Up The Yangtze is a 2007 Canadian documentary film directed by Yung Chang. It follows the story of a teenage girl, Chen Bo Yu, and her family as they are uprooted from their rural home in Sichuan Province to make way for the Three Gorges Dam. The film examines the ongoing dramatic social changes taking place in modern China, as it undergoes rapid modernization and industrialization. As the family members struggle with the implications of their displacement, Chen Bo Yu reluctantly joins a tour boat that ferries Western tourists up the Yangtze River, hoping to make enough money to support herself and her family. Through Chen Bo Yu's experiences, the documentary offers a unique perspective on the human impact of China's vast and rapid transformation.

From John Curran, starring Naomi Watts, Edward Norton, Liev Schreiber, Catherine An
Rated PG-13

From Kar-Wai Wong, starring Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Ziyi Zhang, Faye Wong, Gong Li
Rated R

From Bruce Beresford, starring Chi Cao, Bruce Greenwood, Kyle MacLachlan, Penne Hackforth-Jones
Rated PG

From John Woo, starring Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Fengyi Zhang, Chang Chen
Rated R