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Chinese language cinema

From Andy Lau to John Woo, from Jiang Wen to Tsai Ming-liang to Sylvia Chang, and from triads to kung fu to hopping vampires to costume epics, this is the place to go for features, interviews and reviews about Chinese-language movies from Hong Kong, Taiwan and mainland China.

last updated:

9 September, 2024

Chinese language cinema

The Hong Kong films released in 2024, ranked from worst to best

From We 12 to Papa, Fly Me to the Moon and The Last Dance, our ranking of the Hong Kong films that hit cinemas in the course of the year.

3 of John Woo’s lesser known action films, one so violent it was shelved

The 12 best Asian films of 2024, including The Last Dance

Review | The Prosecutor: Donnie Yen literally fights for justice in court drama

The Prosecutor offers great action from Donnie Yen but with its simplistic representation of justice, don’t expect a hard-hitting drama.

Review | Last Song for You: Natalie Hsu melts hearts in poignant fantasy romance

Natalie Hsu, helped by Ekin Cheng and Mirror’s Ian Chan, shines in this Hong Kong healing drama about memories, regret and lost love.

Stephen Chow’s ‘heroic’ makeover for Fight Back to School movies

Known for lowbrow comedies and playing the underdog, Chow was successfully recast as a suave hero, playing a cop undercover as a schoolboy.

5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong this weekend, Dec 13-15

Try truffle bread and a gong bath, see some selfie art, watch an award-winning, if tragic, film and more in Hong Kong this weekend.

Q&A | Why Papa’s stand-out actress Jo Koo has never had a manager

The veteran actress on working with Philip Yung and Sean Lau, learning about psychosis, and her debut in a 1998 Fruit Chan film.

How director Jia Zhangke captures China’s rise in his gritty films

Jia used footage filmed over 20 years – as well as unused footage from previous movies – to create his latest work, an ode to China’s rapid development.

Review | Haunting Call: Lin Min-chen sees ghosts in subpar Danny Pang horror

A live streamer steals a mobile phone that serves as an instrument of revenge for a ghost she befriends. Intriguing, but don’t expect scares.

Review | Daughter’s Daughter: Sylvia Chang anchors intricate women’s drama

Hou Hsiao-hsien acolyte Huang Xi’s second feature is an absorbing, skilfully crafted family drama anchored by Chang’s nuanced performance.

The Ip Man movies without Donnie Yen, including a Wong Kar-wai version

The Ip Man story has been explored in multiple films, from Wong Kar-wai’s The Grandmaster starring Tony Leung to one featuring Anthony Wong.

5 of the best films by Chinese auteur Jia Zhangke

Discover Jia’s cinematic brilliance over the years with 5 must-watch films, from his gritty debut Xiao Wu to the violent A Touch of Sin.

Hong Kong restaurant featured in Stephen Chow film draws crowds before closure

Hung Wan Cafe, the filming location of 1998 comedy The Lucky Guy, will close after Christmas following more than 40 years of operations.

10 snake-themed Chinese-language movies for coming Year of the Snake

From takes on the Legend of the White Snake to baffling tales of half-snake girls and soft-core erotica, 10 movies for the Year of the Snake.

5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong this weekend, December 6-8

A flea market for finding some quirky gifts, a pet market and a music festival are among the draws this weekend. Or you can try aerial yoga.

5 notable screen adaptations of Chiung Yao romance novels

More than 70 adaptations of the prolific Taiwanese romance author’s books were made for TV and cinema. Some made stars of their cast members.

Review | Papa: Lau Ching-wan shines in haunting true-crime family drama

Lau’s character experiences a maelstrom of emotions after his son kills his wife and daughter in Philip Yung’s sublime human drama.

How actor Lau Ching-wan added subtlety to his complex role in Papa

Lau talks about the nuances of playing a father whose wife and daughter are killed by his schizophrenic son in a film based on actual events.

The rise and fall of Hong Kong’s ‘middle class’ film studio

D&B films, started by watch retailer Dickson Poon, launched Michelle Yeoh’s action-movie career and was known for its ‘middle class values’.

5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong this weekend, November 29-December 1

Music lovers should head to Central, those looking to relax can check out a sound bath and foodies will love this afternoon tea this weekend.

3 things that helped make 1994’s Chungking Express a classic film

Wong Kar-wai film’s cinematography, soundtrack and use of Hong Kong locations for shooting produced a defining moment in Hong Kong cinema.

Review | Fresh Off Markham, second-rate comedy about Chinese immigrant experience

Despite interesting cultural observations in the first third, this comedy thriller is let down by poor writing and very stilted performances.

Review | An Abandoned Team, feel-good dog rescue drama led by Lawrence Cheng

Get ready for a corny but wholesome story about a cantankerous old man whose bond with a dog opens a door to more new connections.

How the Erotic Ghost Story films shocked and seduced Hong Kong

The trio of 1990s adult movies with Hong Kong sex symbols like Amy Yip and Japanese adult-video actresses like Kudo Hitomi were a huge hit.

Profile | Miriam Yeung’s career as singer and actress, and rupture with fans

Declaring herself a Chinese patriot at the height of anti-government protests in Hong Kong angered fans, but Yeung is back performing again.

Review | Blossoms Under Somewhere: Collar’s Marf Yau impresses in film debut

Cantopop star Marf Yau gives a charismatic performance in a dubious coming-of-age tale of two teenaged girls who sell their underwear online.

4 very different Hong Kong romance films from the 2000s to watch

From July Rhapsody with Jacky Cheung to Love in a Puff with Miriam Yeung and Andy Lau in Love on a Diet, these movies offered something new.