Top Chinese Movies

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 romantic drama directed by Kar-Wai Wong. Set in 1960s Hong Kong, the film follows the story of Chow Mo-wan and Su Li-zhen, two neighbors whose spouses are having an affair. Despite their longing for each other, they decide to remain faithful to their spouses and instead form a deep emotional bond with one another. As they grow closer, they discover the truth about their spouses' infidelity and must grapple with their feelings of betrayal, longing, and regret. With stunning cinematography and a hauntingly beautiful score, In the Mood for Love is an emotional exploration of the consequences of unrequited love.

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

Farewell My Concubine is set in the 1920s in Beijing and tells the story of two performers of the Peking Opera, Cheng Dieyi (Leslie Cheung) and Duan Xiaolou (Zhang Fengyi). Dieyi is a sensitive, artistic soul who plays female roles and Xiaolou is a brash, outgoing performer who plays the male roles. Throughout their life together, the two share a deep bond which is tested as their careers take them along different paths. As China undergoes tumultuous changes, their love is challenged by their tumultuous relationship with each other, their country, and the larger forces at play in their lives. The film follows their struggles to maintain their bond and stay true to themselves amidst a turbulent time in China.

From Edward Yang, starring Nien-Jen Wu, Elaine Jin, Issei Ogata, Kelly Lee
Rated Not Rated

Yi Yi, directed by Edward Yang, is an award-winning Taiwanese drama that follows the Jian family as they navigate a series of life events and their complex relationships with each other. The film follows their personal journeys of growth, joy, sorrow and redemption. It begins with the Jian family patriarch, NJ, attending his ex-girlfriend’s wedding and struggling to find true happiness in his own life. Meanwhile, the eldest daughter, Ting-Ting, grapples with the pressures of growing up. Her brother, Yang-Yang, is captivated by a mysterious girl he meets at school. NJ's younger daughter, 8-year-old Sherry, deals with her parents’ divorce and her mother’s battle with cancer. As the story progresses, we follow the family’s struggles and triumphs, and they come to realize the importance of living in the present and treasuring each moment.

From Directors: Andrew Lau, Alan Mak, starring Andy Lau, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Anthony Chau-Sang Wong, Eric Tsang
Rated R

Infernal Affairs (2002) is a Hong Kong crime thriller film directed by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak. The film follows a police officer and a gangster who are secretly working undercover for the respective sides. They both attempt to uncover each other's identities while navigating the dangerous underworld of Hong Kong. The film was a major box office success and spawned two sequels. It has been praised for its intense action sequences, gripping story, and excellent performances from the cast. It is widely considered to be one of the best films of its genre and has become a cult classic in the years since its release.

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

Ip Man is a 2008 Hong Kong biographical martial arts film based on the life of Ip Man, a grandmaster of the martial art Wing Chun and teacher of Bruce Lee. Directed by Wilson Yip, the film stars Donnie Yen in the lead role, and features fight choreography by Sammo Hung. The film follows Ip Man's life as he struggles to keep his family financially afloat while living in Foshan, China during the Sino-Japanese War. When the city falls to the Japanese, Ip Man is forced to accept an offer to teach Wing Chun to the Japanese occupiers in exchange for his family's safety. After facing humiliation and prejudice, Ip Man resists, but is eventually persuaded to accept the offer. Through his teachings, Ip Man gains the respect of his students and the local Chinese population. Ip Man is eventually challenged by the Great Master and prevailing martial arts champion, General Miura. In the end, Ip Man defeats Miura in a fight and earns his respect. The film ends with Ip Man's life after the war, as he is reunited with his family and travels to Hong Kong, where he would later teach Bruce Lee.

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

Chungking Express is a 1994 Hong Kong romantic drama film directed by Kar-Wai Wong. The story follows two separate love stories set in the city of Hong Kong. The first story follows a police officer, Chow, who is dealing with the recent breakup with his girlfriend and spends his days eating in the same restaurant. The second story follows a mysterious woman, known only as the "Woman in the Blonde Wig", who is trying to get over her own failed relationship and befriends a young drug smuggler. Both stories are intertwined throughout the film, as Chow's story begins to mirror the woman's story. In the end, both Chow and the woman find solace and closure in their respective relationships.

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

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a 2000 Chinese-language martial arts fantasy film directed by Ang Lee. The story takes place in a mythical version of 19th century Qing-dynasty China and follows the characters of Li Mu Bai, an accomplished martial artist, and Yu Shu Lien, a female warrior, as they attempt to retrieve a stolen sword, the Green Destiny. Along the way, they come across a mysterious masked thief and a devious desert warlord. With the help of a mysterious old monk, Li and Yu ultimately confront and battle their adversaries in a series of thrilling sword duels. Meanwhile, Li and Yu's relationship is complicated by Li's unrequited love for Yu, who is in love with a married man. The film is a unique blend of martial arts and romantic melodrama, with stunning cinematography that captures the beauty of both nature and human movement.

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

Hero is an epic martial arts action movie directed by Yimou Zhang in 2002. The story is set in the Qin Dynasty of ancient China, where a nameless warrior (Jet Li) arrives in the royal court of the King (Chen Daoming) to tell him a story of how he killed three of the king's most dreaded enemies. The warrior reveals that he was once a loyal servant of the King's chief rival, the Warlord (Chang Chen), and that he had turned against him in order to protect the kingdom from destruction. As the warrior tells the King his story, the audience also learns of the various paths of revenge and loyalty that the warrior has taken to achieve his goal. In the end, the warrior is granted the title of “Hero” by the King, and the viewer is left to ponder the meaning of such an honor in an ancient time.

From John Woo, starring Chow Yun-Fat, Danny Lee, Sally Yeh, Kong Chu
Rated R

The Killer is a 1989 Hong Kong action thriller film directed by John Woo and starring Chow Yun-fat as the titular assassin. The story follows an honorable professional hit-man who accidentally blinds a young singer during a shootout and subsequently takes on an assignment to make up for it. In the process of doing so, he must fend off the relentless onslaught of a seemingly unstoppable police detective. The film features spectacularly choreographed gunfights and high-octane car chases, bringing an unprecedented level of action to Hong Kong cinema. The Killer also stands as a prime example of the Hong Kong action genre, influencing future filmmakers and action sequences.

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

"The Road Home" is a 1999 Chinese romantic drama film written and directed by Yimou Zhang. It stars Ziyi Zhang as Zhao Di, a young woman who returns home to a rural Chinese village after her father’s death. Only to discover that her father's will states that he wishes to be buried in the village, Zhao Di must make a difficult journey to retrieve her father’s body. Along the way, she meets an older man, Luo Yusheng (played by Sun Honglei), who helps her complete her journey. During their travels together, the two fall in love, and in the process, Zhao Di discovers the true meaning of home. The film is a heart-warming story of love and family.

From Stephen Chow, starring Stephen Chow, Wah Yuen, Qiu Yuen, Siu-Lung Leung
Rated R

Kung Fu Hustle is a 2004 Hong Kong-Chinese martial arts action comedy film written, co-produced, and directed by Stephen Chow. It tells the story of a hapless wannabe gangster who aspires to become a member of the notorious "Axe Gang" in 1930s China. He soon finds himself caught up in a power struggle between the Axe Gang and the eccentric inhabitants of a nearby slum, who have been specially trained in the art of kung fu. The film blends elements of comedy, action, and kung fu, and features a variety of classic martial arts stars, such as Yuen Wah and Yuen Qiu. It has been widely acclaimed for its fight choreography, visual style, and humor, and has gone on to become one of the highest grossing films of all time.

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

Not One Less is a 1999 Chinese drama film directed by Yimou Zhang and starring Wei Minzhi. The film follows the story of 13-year-old student Zhang Huike who is sent to a small rural village in Gansu province to substitute teach for a month while the school’s regular teacher is away. Huike’s main task is to make sure none of the students drop out of school before the end of the month, however one of the students does manage to run away to the city to find work. Unwilling to let one of the students go, Huike takes it upon herself to find the student and bring him back, despite her limited resources and naivety. Over the course of her search, she learns the value of persistence and the importance of education.

From Robert Clouse, starring Bruce Lee, John Saxon, Jim Kelly, Ahna Capri
Rated R

Enter the Dragon is a 1973 martial arts action film directed by Robert Clouse and starring Bruce Lee. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest martial arts films ever made. The plot follows Lee as he is recruited by a law enforcement agency to infiltrate a martial arts tournament hosted by the criminal Han. Lee must face the various combatants in the tournament while also trying to uncover the criminal activities of Han. Along the way, he forms an alliance with his fellow martial artists Roper and Williams, and finds himself becoming a target of Han’s henchmen. The film is filled with thrilling fight sequences and inspiring messages of self-empowerment. Through his martial arts skills and determination, Lee is able to overcome the odds and defeat Han. Enter the Dragon is considered to be a classic of the martial arts genre, and is credited with popularizing the genre in the West.

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

Fearless is a 2006 martial arts drama film directed by Ronny Yu that tells the story of martial arts master Huo Yuanjia and his journey of self-discovery. In the late 19th century, Huo Yuanjia (Jet Li) is a prominent Chinese martial artist in Tianjin. Despite his fame, Huo struggles with personal demons and a troubled family life. After a series of events, Huo travels to Japan to challenge four of the strongest fighters in the country, and in the process learns the importance of humility and respect. Along the way, Huo must face his own personal demons and confront his own inner strength. He eventually finds the courage and strength to overcome his inner turmoil and fight for what he believes in. Fearless is a powerful exploration of personal courage, self-sacrifice, and the power of the human spirit.

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

Lust, Caution is a 2007 espionage thriller directed by Ang Lee and set in 1940s Shanghai and Hong Kong during the Japanese occupation. The film stars Tony Leung and Tang Wei as two lovers who conspire to assassinate an important Japanese collaborator during World War II. The story follows a young university student named Wong Chia Chi (Tang Wei) who joins an underground acting troupe. She is tasked by the troupe's leader, Mr. Yee (Tony Leung), to seduce and lure the collaborator, Mr. Yee's former university classmate, Mr. Yee, into a trap. Chia Chi and Mr. Yee's relationship quickly develops into a passionate affair as they move closer to their goal of assassinating Mr. Yee's target. Along the way, the two are forced to confront the moral implications of their mission and the personal cost of their actions. Ultimately, the mission is unsuccessful, and the pair are forced to go their separate ways. Lust, Caution explores the complex relationship between Chia Chi and Mr. Yee, as well as the moral dilemmas caused by the conflict of war.

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

House of Flying Daggers is a 2004 Chinese martial arts film directed by Yimou Zhang. Set during the Tang Dynasty in ancient China, the story follows two police officers sent on a mission to investigate a rebellious group known as the House of Flying Daggers. Along the way, they meet a mysterious woman named Mei who may or may not be connected to the House of Flying Daggers. As their mission progresses, the two officers become involved in a forbidden romance with Mei, which leads to a final, nail-biting confrontation between the officers and the House of Flying Daggers. Spectacular action sequences and breathtaking cinematography make this a thrilling and visually stunning masterpiece of Chinese cinema.

From Yang Li, starring Yixiang Li, Baoqiang Wang, Shuangbao Wang, Jing Ai
Rated Unrated

Blind Shaft is a Chinese crime drama directed by Li Yang. It tells the story of two con men, Tang and Song, who travel around China scamming mine owners by posing as the relatives of miners who have died in mining accidents. When they meet a naive young man, Yuan, they decide to use him as a "mark" for their latest con. However, when their plan goes wrong and Yuan is killed, Tang and Song are forced to face the consequences of their actions. The film is a powerful look at the desperate poverty of rural China and the lengths some people will go to in order to make a living.

From Directors: Jackie Chan, Chi-Hwa Chen, starring Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung, Brigitte Lin, Yuen Chor
Rated PG-13

Police Story is a 1985 Hong Kong action film starring and directed by Jackie Chan. The film follows Chan as a Hong Kong police inspector who must clear his name after being framed for murder. As he attempts to uncover the truth, he battles criminals and corrupt officials. Along the way, he is aided by his partner May, who has a hidden agenda of her own. Filled with thrilling stunts and fight sequences, Police Story is an action-packed classic. The film won numerous awards and is considered to be one of Chan's best works.

From John Woo, starring Lung Ti, Leslie Cheung, Chow Yun-Fat, Emily Chu
Rated Not Rated

From Kaige Chen, starring Yun Tang, Peiqi Liu, Hong Chen, Zhiwen Wang
Rated PG

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

From Wei Lo, starring Bruce Lee, Nora Miao, James Tien, Maria Yi
Rated R

From Kaige Chen, starring Gong Li, Fengyi Zhang, Zhou Sun, Xiaohe Lü
Rated R

From Kar-Wai Wong, starring Brigitte Lin, Maggie Cheung, Leslie Cheung, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung
Rated R

From Directors: Peter Ho-Sun Chan, Wai-Man Yip, starring Jet Li, Andy Lau, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Jinglei Xu
Rated R