127 Essential Chinese Films
127 titles
- 101
DumplingsMovie · 2004 · 91m · HorrorAunt Mei's dumplings are legendary for their supposed ability to make people look younger, especially among middle-aged women. But when a declining actress becomes Mei's newest customer, she's determined to uncover the secret ingredient behind the dumplings' magic.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.7 - 102
Line Walker 2: Invisible SpyMovie · 2019 · 98m · Action, Crime, ThrillerA car crash ignites a conflict between the local police and a global terrorist group.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.8 - 103
An Elephant Sitting StillMovie · 2018 · 230m · DramaIn the northern Chinese city of Manzhouli, legend tells of an elephant that remains still, detached from everything around it. For the film's protagonists, Manzhouli represents a much-needed escape from their own struggles. The city becomes an all-consuming focus, a place they desperately hope will offer respite.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.7 - 104
Not One LessMovie · 1999 · 106m · DramaIn the peaceful village of Shu, a hidden enemy brings chaos and fear. The villagers turn to Zola, a legendary warrior known for his strength and skill, for help. He is joined by Jiro, a young man eager to learn from Zola's experience.
Together, they journey to defeat the enemy and discover the power of shadows. Their quest takes them through dangerous lands and encounters with mystical creatures, challenging their courage and beliefs. Zola teaches Jiro how to control a mysterious power within himself.
This story explores friendship, finding oneself, and the power of knowledge in the face of impossible challenges. Watch as Zola and Jiro persevere, confronting their fears to solve the mystery that could save them all.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 105
GodspeedMovie · 2016 · 111m · Drama, Crime, ComedyA Taiwanese drug mule's carefully planned smuggling operation is disrupted when he accidentally gets in a taxi with the wrong driver.IMDb 6.7TMDB 7.3 - 106
FearlessMovie · 2006 · 103m · Drama, ActionHaunted by personal tragedy, martial arts expert Huo Yuanjia returns to Tianjin. He is challenged to fight four foreign soldiers, a contest meant to defend China's honor.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.5 - 107
The God of CookeryMovie · 1996 · 95m · Comedy, Drama, FantasyThis is a compelling story about Chef Dimitri, formerly known as the "God of Cookery." Once celebrated for his exceptional cooking and strong personality, Dimitri lost his prestigious title due to his uncompromising nature. Seeking redemption, he begins a journey to regain his place at the top of the culinary world.
On his quest, Dimitri encounters rivals who test his skills and pride. As he navigates the competitive world of high-end cooking, he learns the importance of humility and teamwork. He also discovers talent in chefs others have overlooked, helping them improve while working together.
The film combines heartfelt drama with beautiful scenes of cooking, celebrating the art of gastronomy. It explores themes of self-discovery, mentorship, and striving for excellence, offering a satisfying mix of emotion and entertainment.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.2 - 108
Bodyguards and AssassinsMovie · 2009 · 139m · Drama, Action, HistoryIn 1905, revolutionary Sun Yat-Sen travels to Hong Kong to meet with members of the Tongmenghui and discuss plans to overthrow the Qing dynasty. However, upon learning of an assassination plot against him, they gather a team of protectors to safeguard him from attack.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.8 - 109
That Day, on the BeachMovie · 1983 · 166m · Drama, RomanceAfter thirteen years apart, two old friends reconnect. One, a successful concert pianist returning from international acclaim in Europe, is met by the other, who is starting a new business. The film follows their attempts to rebuild their friendship, as they adjust to the changes life has brought them. They share memories and consider what the future holds, all set against a backdrop of music and fresh starts. This moving story explores the lasting importance of friendship and its impact on our lives.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 110
Days of Being WildMovie · 1990 · 94m · Crime, Drama, RomanceYuddy, a charming playboy in Hong Kong, discovers the woman he believed to be his mother is not his biological mother. This revelation sparks an emotional journey as Yuddy seeks to understand his true origins.
His search for his real mother forces him to reconsider his relationships and his understanding of love and loyalty. The film follows Yuddy's transformation from a carefree playboy into a man who appreciates the bonds he has built.
Blending drama, mystery, and self-discovery, the story explores Yuddy's emotional world as he confronts his newfound knowledge and searches for answers, balancing humor and heartbreak.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3 - 111
Chasing the DragonMovie · 2017 · 128m · Action, Crime, ThrillerIn 1963, a Chinese immigrant illegally enters British-controlled Hong Kong and rises to become a powerful and ruthless drug lord.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.9 - 112
Made in Hong KongMovie · 1997 · 109m · Crime, DramaHong Kong, 1997. The film explores the lives of young people navigating love and death in a vibrant city. Moon, a cynical debt collector, meets Ping, a young woman with a terminal illness. He is drawn to her spirit and beauty, and they begin a relationship that offers hope amidst hardship. Their lives become connected to a stranger through a suicide note, highlighting the fragility of life and the unexpected ways people's paths can intersect. The story examines love, loss, and mortality against the backdrop of a changing society, offering a deeply resonant cinematic experience.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.5 - 113
Happy TogetherMovie · 1997 · 96m · Drama, RomanceTwo men from Hong Kong travel to Argentina hoping for peace and a fresh start. As they explore the country and settle into a new life, their relationship is tested, revealing underlying problems. The film contrasts the beautiful Argentine landscape with the couple's emotional struggles, exploring love, separation, and the difficulties faced by same-sex couples. Their journey reveals a complex mix of affection, loss, and strength as they search for belonging in an unfamiliar place. This film is a thoughtful look at relationships and the pursuit of happiness, suggesting that sometimes the unexpected paths we take reveal the most about ourselves and our bonds with others.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.6 - 114
Project GutenbergMovie · 2018 · 130m · Action, Crime, MysteryHong Kong police are pursuing a counterfeiting ring headed by a mysterious figure known as "Painter." The gang produces incredibly realistic fake currency, making it hard to tell fakes from the real thing. Their criminal activities span the globe, drawing significant police attention. To uncover "Painter's" identity, the police enlist a painter named Lee Man to help solve the case.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.1 - 115
A Brighter Summer DayMovie · 1991 · 237mSet in 1960s Taiwan, the film follows a young boy as he navigates the complexities of first love, the bonds of friendship, and the realities of injustice during his formative years.IMDb 8.2TMDB 8.3 - 116
The AdventurersMovie · 2017 · 108m · Action, Crime, AdventureA team of the world’s best thieves unites for an unprecedented heist. However, their carefully planned operation turns into a chase across Europe when a renowned French detective begins hunting them. To escape, the thieves must escalate their efforts.IMDb 5.6TMDB 6.0 - 117
Monkey King: Hero Is BackMovie · 2015 · 89m · Fantasy, Animation, ComedyOnce a powerful being who journeyed freely between Heaven and Earth, the Monkey King was imprisoned in an ice cage for angering the Gods. Five hundred years later, when monsters attack a village, a child flees into the mountains and accidentally breaks the curse holding the Monkey King captive. Guided by the child's kindness, the Monkey King helps save the village from the monsters.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.9 - 118
Gatao: The Last StrayMovie · 2021 · 120mAt a full moon celebration for Ren Ge's sister, Qing meets photographer Xiao Qi in the Beiguan district. They develop a romance, but ultimately their relationship is not able to last.IMDb 5.9TMDB 4.7 - 119
The Flowers of WarMovie · 2011 · 146m · Drama, History, WarIn 1937, during the Japanese invasion of Nanking, a Western man seeks shelter with a group of women in a church. Pretending to be a priest, he tries to guide them to safety.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4 - 120
Curse of the Golden FlowerMovie · 2006 · 114m · Action, Drama, FantasyIn the Tang dynasty, the emperor has married the princess of a neighboring province. She has given him two sons, and he has raised the elder to be his heir. With this, the emperor’s power over his kingdom, including the royal family, is absolute.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9 - 121
ShadowMovie · 2018 · 116m · Action, WarIn a kingdom governed by a young, impulsive king, the military commander possesses a secret: a shadow, a perfect look-alike who can deceive everyone, including the King. He must now employ this deception in a complex strategy to secure victory in a war the King is reluctant to fight.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 122
Monster HuntMovie · 2015 · 118m · Comedy, Fantasy, AdventureA group of young people who are monsters attempt to bridge the gap between the human world and their own.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.5 - 123
Lust, CautionMovie · 2007 · 158m · Action, Drama, RomanceIn World War II, a secret agent is tasked with a dangerous mission: gain the trust of a high-ranking official in the Japanese-controlled government of Shanghai, with the ultimate goal of assassinating him.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2 - 124
My People, My CountryMovie · 2019 · 154m · Drama, HistoryA collection of short films, each directed by a different filmmaker.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.7 - 125
Shaolin SoccerMovie · 2001 · 113m · Action, ComedyA young Shaolin monk reconnects with his disheartened fellow monks and they decide to start a soccer team, creatively applying their martial arts training to gain an edge.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 126
Last SunriseMovie · 2019 · 103mWhen the sun vanishes, plunging the world into darkness and disrupting a society dependent on solar power, a solitary astronomer and his cheerful neighbor are forced to flee the city in a desperate quest for light.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.9 - 127
Jiang ZiyaMovie · 2020 · 105m · Animation, Action, FantasyFollowing a devastating war, Commander Jiang Ziya is tasked with eliminating the Nine-tailed Fox Demon, who endangers humanity. He learns the demon's existence is tied to the soul of a young girl, forcing him to choose between fulfilling his duty and forging his own moral course.IMDb 6.6TMDB 7.3
