The Year of the Horse is coming, and for people celebrating all around the world, it’s a time of celebration, reunion, and tradition. As we gear up for the celebrations, many seek ways to enhance their festive experience. In addition to new clothes, food, decorations, and family gatherings, one of the perfect ways to celebrate Chinese New Year is by watching movies.
From arthouse gems and award-winning classics to kung fu chaos, here are some of the best Chinese movies to watch in celebration of the holiday.
Raise the Red Lantern (1991)
Directed by Zhang Yimou, “Raise the Red Lantern” chronicles a year in the life of Songlian (Gong Li), who, at the age of 19, was compelled to become a concubine for the emperor after the death of her father. She is forced into competition with the other girls, all vying for the sole attention of the emperor. The film delves into the roles of women and patriarchy in feudal China, with stunning performances and an intensity reminiscent of a true classic.
House of Flying Daggers (2004)
Also by director Zhang Yimou, “House of Flying Daggers” tells the story of a rescue mission between two deputies, Jin (Takeshi Kaneshiro) and Leo (Andy Lau), to save Mei (Zhang Ziyi), a blind woman held under captivity who is supposedly part of the ‘Flying Daggers’ clan. As the film progresses, what seems like a conventional play of run-and-hide after the plan works becomes a complex situation of double-crosses, loyalty and betrayal, love and tragedy.
Eat Drink Man Woman (1994)
“Eat Drink Man Woman” is a crowd-pleasing film about the pleasure of Chinese food in a Taipei setting. Mr. Chu (Sihung Lung), is an aging master chef who’s been losing some of his faculties, but still prepares elaborate dinners for his friends and his three grown daughters. Throughout the film, it showcases Mr. Chu’s cooking, showing every step in the process as he minces, smokes, fries, boils, blanches, rolls, rubs, and pinches the ingredients.
Mulan (1998)
Based on the story of Chinese legendary warrior Hua Mulan, the classic Disney film “Mulan” follows a young girl who disguises herself as a man and secretly joins the imperial army in her father’s place to spare him from going to war again. She excels as a warrior, is rewarded for her achievements, and earns the respect of the men. Epic and inspiring, Mulan is eventually recognised as a heroine who saved all of China.
Hero (2002)
The most expensive and highest grossing film China had ever made (at that time), Zhang Yimou’s “Hero” stars Jet Li as Nameless, and tells the story of how he manages to conquer three assassins who had attempted to end the life of the King of Qin. During this time period, the country was divided into seven kingdoms: Qin, Zhao, Han Wei, Yan, Chu and Qi. For years, the separate kingdoms fought ruthlessly for supremacy. The story unfolds through Nameless’ retelling of his encounters.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Set in 19th century Imperial China, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” depicts a young warrior, Master Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun Fat) and his adventures after stealing a famous sword. He decides to give up his weapon and has had enough of the warrior’s life. He then falls in love with fellow swordfighter and businesswoman Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh). When he donates the sword to their mutual friend, it’s stolen by a young woman in disguise, Jen Yu (Zhang Ziyi), who is the daughter of a powerful governor and slated to be in an arranged marriage.
Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
Set in 1940’s China, “Kung Fu Hustle” follows a young, bumbling gangster named Sing (Stephen Chow), who dreams of joining the notorious Axe Gang. Despite his lack of skill, he ends up in a conflict with the gang and the residents of a dilapidated neighbourhood, known as Pig Sty Alley. The film mixes slapstick comedy with outrageous action sequences, blending traditional kung fu with over-the-top special effects and exaggerated choreography.
