Best Chinese Movies Of The 21st Century (So Far), Ranked
Commercial factors have influenced cinema since China's liberal democracy and access to global markets in the late 1970s. Oriental Movie Metropolis and Hengdian World Studios are the largest film and drama production complex and the largest film studio in the world, respectively. China has the third largest film industry in terms of the number of feature films produced annually in 2010. China's film industry is booming and local productions are beginning to make an impact at the box office similar to big Hollywood films.
In terms of box office receipts, the country became the second largest market in the world in 2012. China's total ticket revenue in 2016 was RMB 45.71 billion ($6.58 billion). And in 2020, China overtook the United States to take the top spot in the global film market. According to Comscore (SCOR), the country, still the second largest film market, took in $3.1 billion at the box office in 2020, $1 billion more than the United States a year earlier.
So what are the characteristics of Chinese movies? GHJ says, "Compared to global audiences, Chinese audiences don't necessarily like action movies and visual effects." The business consultancy said that "when the majority of the audience is connected to the theme and the story, it is not surprising that they give it a high rating." That said, most people want an entertaining movie that offers them something new and unique. There are plenty of great Chinese movies out there, but here are our 21st century movies. The ranking of the best of the century (so far).
Blind Massage (2014)
Blind Massage is often cited as one of Lu Ye's best works. It is a drama about blind workers in a massage parlor in Nanjing. With a clear and simple plot, this Chinese film is extraordinary in its richness and coherence.
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Election (2005)
The Election is basically the story of two gang leaders competing for control of a Hong Kong triad society, as the title suggests. The film depicts the changing times of Hong Kong, rather than being a typical detective film. The selection stars Leung Ka-fai, Swet Lam and Louis Koo.
Longing for Love (2000)
Most people agree that In the Mood for Love is a timeless piece of art. It tells the story of a man and a woman (Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung), whose husbands are involved in a relationship and gradually become very close to each other. The narration seems simple, but director Wong Kar-wai makes it a unique work of art. The script, background music and cinematography work perfectly to enthrall the film.
Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
Kung Fu Hustle will offer a new experience to fans of martial arts movies. It contains references to various movies, cartoons, wuxia books and other sources that make it funny, as well as several retired actors known for their 1970s Hong Kong action films. Stephen Chao, who plays the lead, skillfully directs the film. Danny Chan, Yuen Wah and Yuen Qi round out the excellent cast.
Kylie Blues (2016)
The kind of movie she constantly thinks about and revisits is Kylie Blues . It tells the story of a doctor (Yongzhong Chen) who searches for his cousin in the countryside and comes into contact with his past and future selves. After watching this movie, you will be amazed by the impressive directorial debut of B Gun.
Night and Fog (2009)
Night and Fog , director Ann Hui's Hong Kong drama, is based on a 2004 murder in Tin Shui Wai. The film tells the story of a boy who kills his wife and children in flashbacks. One of the social problems in Hong Kong that the film highlights has to do with the recent influx of immigrants to the city.
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Spring Fever (2010)
Director Lu Yi's Spring Fever tells the story of three young people (Qin Hao, Chen Sicheng and Wu Wei) struggling with their romantic desires. Unlike Ye's previous films, this one is warm and thoughtful. In addition, the film won the best screenplay award at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, and was a must-see.
The Grandmaster (2013)
Wang Kar-wai is the director of the martial arts drama The Grandmaster . The film tells the story of Ip Man, a famous Wing Chun master who grew up in the film. The film also features excellent cinematography by Wong Kar-wei and was nominated for Best Costume Design and Best Cinematography at the 86th Academy Awards.
Still Life (2006)
The drama Still Life premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2006, and received the Golden Lion for best film. It tells the story of two men who meet in search of a wife in a small community. Like many of Jia Zhangke's films, it moves at a graceful but steady and moderate pace. Also, the film is shot so well that it will leave you reeling.
The Killer (2015)
Assassin 's Creed is set in ninth century China, during the final years of the Tang Dynasty. Starring renowned Chinese artists such as Shu Kui, Chang Chen, Zhou Yun and Satoshi Tsumabuki and a brilliant director by Hou Hsiao-hsien, the film tells the story of a woman who is entrusted with a dangerous mission. a figure . Although it is not an action packed movie as one would expect, The Assassin is still a masterpiece with great graphics that will leave you in awe.
Infernal Affairs (2002)
Infernal Affairs is a must watch crime thriller if you enjoy watching. It tells the story of a mole in the police department and an undercover mob agent and was directed by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak. Both aim to reveal the mole hidden within them in a race against time. The all-star cast of Andy Lau, Tony Leung, Anthony Wong and Eric Tsang makes for a terrific film.
Battle of Changjin Lake (2021)
The Battle of Changjin Lake is a Chinese military film depicting how Chinese forces overcome harsh weather conditions to win the Battle of Changjin Lake, also known as the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. Exhibition of the conflict between China and the United States from November 27 to December 24, 1950. With a budget of 200 million dollars, The Battle of Changjin Lake is the most expensive film made in China. The film earned $913 million at the international box office. According to Insider, the film did very well in its opening weekend, beating even the Venom sequel. With these numbers, it's no surprise that The Battle at Lake Changjin II , the sequel, was released on February 1, 2022.
Monster Hunt (2015)
Raman Hui made his directorial debut with the Chinese-Hong Kong 3D fantasy action comedy Monster Hunt . The film introduces Song Tianning, a nervous young mayor of the city who has a son for the Demon Queen, and Huo Xiaolan, an aspiring Demon Hunter. Together they embark on a mission to save the child from the evils of the human and demonic worlds. In 2018, Monster Hunt 2 was released in China.
Mermaid (2016)
Hans Christian Andersen 's The Little Mermaid , in which a mermaid falls in love with a man, was inspired by The Little Mermaid , but director Stephen Chow wanted to create a more contemporary version. The film tells the story of the mermaid Shan, who is tasked with killing Juan to complete her scheme, which puts the entire mermaid race at risk. However, they fall in love, which puts them in the crosshairs of a deadly secret organization.
Heroes (2002)
Hero is a martial arts film that became a box office hit when it released. The period of war, when China was divided into seven states, is mentioned in the historical context of the film. Assassins from the other Six Nations were sent to assassinate the Qing king in 227-221 AD, when the Qing Kingdom was preparing to unite the other Six Kingdoms. One of the most famous episodes is Jing Ke's attempt to assassinate King Qingo. An independent film with hero photography by Christopher Doyle and a musical score by Tan Dunn is for rent.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
One of director Ang Lee's best works is Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon . This is a great action movie that will take you on an exciting romantic adventure. We will also notice in this film that several sequences are shot symbolically and deliberately, and this is worth reviewing and rereading. The film is based on the 1941-1942 Chinese book series of the same name by Wang Dulu. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was a huge box office and critical success in 2001, winning over 40 awards and earning ten Academy Award nominations, a record for a non-English language film at the time. According to Deadline , a potential Crouching Tiger TV series is in the works from Hidden Dragon writer/producer Jason Ning .