8 Films You Can Watch this Chinese New Year
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World《富貴逼人》
Chinese New Year is less than a month away!
As you plan for another safe holiday at home, we’ve compiled a short list of 8 Chinese films (including classics, comedy gold, and some newer films) that we think you might enjoy.
1. Infernal Affairs《無間道》(2002)
Let's start with a classic. Hong Kongers at home and abroad can be proud of this well-plotted story of an undercover police officer and an undercover Triad gang member.
Fun fact: Hollywood filmmaker Martin Scorsese's remake of this film, The Departed , won the top prize at the Oscars in 2006.
2. It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World《富貴逼人》(1987)
Originally released on Chinese New Year's Eve over 30 years ago, this film stars the classic comedy duo Bill Tung and Lydia Sum as parents of a dysfunctional family that suddenly becomes rich through the lottery.
3. Weeds on Fire《點五步》(2016)
When was the last time you watched a locally produced, independent film? For sports lovers, this inspirational film depicts the first Hong Kong baseball team to win a league.
4. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
It's unlikely that you've missed this blockbuster, the first major Hollywood film to star an all-Asian cast in years. This critical and commerical success is a symbol of Asian representation in Hollywood, and the sequel of this book is set in Hong Kong.
5. A Better Tomorrow《英雄本色》(1986)
What does "Hong Kong cinema" represent? Part of the answer lays in this landmark film, which established the "heroic bloodshed" genre, as well as led to the breakout of superstar Chow Yun-fat. Not for the faint of heart, and better watched (with headphones) after the kids have gone to bed.
6. Ip Man《葉問》(2008)
This well received film drew widespread attention to the martial artist who was Bruce Lee's teacher. Featuring impressively choroegraphed sequences, it was nominated for 12 Hong Kong Film Awards.
7. An Autumn's Tale《秋天的童話》(1987)
Part of a "migration" trilogy by its director Mabel Cheung, this Hong Kong film is set in New York, and provides a look into the lives of some Hong Kongers abroad in the U.S. during that time.
8. Kung Fu Hustle《功夫》(2004)
Rounding off our list is a film guaranteed to get you laughing. A mix of martial arts, cartoon special effects, and traditional Chinese music, this Stephen Chow film was one of the most highest-grossing foreign-language films in the U.S. when it was released.