Chinese Cinema
Alice's collection of Chinese films is growing as the film industry there expands and begins to embrace an ever-increasing international audience. Films from China are often marked by great craft and attention to detail, and the stories are involved and often carry a political subtext. Though we have very little that is pre-1990, there is everything here from engaging personal stories to sweeping historical epics.
Pictured: Maggie Cheung in the stylized and breath-takingly beautiful 'Hero' from master craftsman Zhang Yimou.
House of Flying Daggers ( Blu-ray ) (2004)
7.6/10
Director: Zhang Yimou
Starring: Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau, Zhang Ziyi, Song Dandan
Zhang Ziyi, Takeshi Kaneshiro and Andy Lau star in this stunning blend of lyrical romance and eye-popping fight scenes. Mei is an exotic, beautiful bl... Read more
Ilo Ilo (2013)
7.3/10
In 90s Singapore, the friendship between Filipino nursemaid Teresa and her young charge Jiale makes waves in a family, while the Asian recession hits... Read more
Jasmine Women (2004)
Director: Yong Hou
Starring: Zhang Ziyi, Joan Chen, Wen Jiang, Liu Ye
Based on the well-regarded novel by Su Tong and starring Ziyi Zhang and Joan Chen, both in multiple roles, this is the story of three generations of C... Read more
Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons (2013)
6.8/10
Director: Stephen Chow
Starring: Shu Qi, Zhang Wen, Bo Huang, Show Luo, Shing-Cheung Lee, Bingqiang Chen, Sihan C...
This is a world plagued by demons, who cause its human inhabitants unspeakable suffering. Young demon hunter Xuan Zang, fearlessly guided by his belie... Read more
Ju Dou (1989)
7.7/10
Director: Zhang Yimou
Starring: Gong Li, Li Wei, Li Baotian, Zhang Li
This erotic drama follows the passion as a beautiful young bride is drawn to the handsome, strong nephew of her new husband. An exquisitely photograph... Read more
Last Train Home (2009)
7.7/10
Director: Lixin Fan
Offering a rare glimpse into little-seen aspects of Chinese society, this documentary looks at the annual migration of urban workers,130 million stron... Read more
Life Show (2002)
Director: Huo Jianqi
Starring: Tao Hong, Tao Zeru
Adapted from the acclaimed novel by Chi Li, this affecting character study centres on Lai Shuang Yang a young, single woman living in revolutionary Ch... Read more
Little Big Soldier (2010)
7/10
Director: Sheng Ding
Starring: Lee-Hom Wang, Jackie Chan
Warring states Liang and Wei collide in battle leaving only two men standing - an aging foot soldier (Jackie Chan) and the rival general (Lee-Hom Wang... Read more
Lust, Caution (2007)
7.6/10
Director: Ang Lee
Starring: Tony Leung (Chiu Wai), Wei Tang, Joan Chen
Ang Lee's sensual espionage drama is set in Japanese-occupied China in the late 1930s and concerns the transgressive affair between collaborating busi... Read more
Millennium Mambo (2001)
7/10
Director: Hou Hsiao-Hsien
Starring: Shu Qi, Jack Kao, Chun-hao Tuan, Yi-Hsuan Chen, Jun Takeuchi, Doze Niu
The first part of a planned series about life in modern Taipei, this intellectually challenging film begins with bar hostess Vicky (Shu Qi) imagining... Read more