新年快乐 A list of recommendations for a movie marathon this CNY!
恭喜发财! 年年有余! Happy Chinese New Year’s Eve! Although many of us have been anticipating going to visit our relatives this year, many have chosen not to in light of the current situation. But! That doesn’t mean there won’t still be the Chinese New Year spirit! Many of us remember going to our relatives’ houses and watching their television programmes, munching on snacks while our parents chat with our uncles and aunties. Here are a few Chinese movies that you might like to check out this Chinese New Year to bring back the memories of celebrating CNY the previous years!
Kung Fu Hustle
One of Hong Kong filmmaker and actor Stephen Chow’s most notable works, you’ve definitely seen this movie if you’re a big fan of kung-fu movies. Comical and filled with a bunch of laughable moments featuring many kung-fu moves, you’ll definitely laugh your hearts out with this movie! Spoiler: our favourite moments include the lion’s roar and buddha’s palm!
image by allmovie via. https://www.allmovie.com/movie/kung-fu-hustle-v314244
Shaolin Soccer
If you enjoy Kung Fu Hustle, get ready for another fan favourite; Shaolin Soccer! Shaolin Soccer, as its name says, features the universally loved sport, just with a shaolin twist. With this movie, you can definitely expect to be at the edge of your seat with the yin of it’s nicely executed sports comedy and the yang of romantic yet comedic moments!
image by imdb via. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0286112/
Red Cliff I & II
If you’ve learnt about the Three Kingdoms from Chinese Literature, this movie will bring it to life! Telling the story of a heart-gripping plot of the rivalry between infamous characters, Cao Cao and Liu Bei. You’ll definitely be gripping onto the ends of your seat with the intense battles and mind-blowing strategies involved in this movie!
image by valorous tv via. https://valoroustv.com/video/red-cliff/
Leap
For many other sports fans, the newly-released movie, Leap is definitely one to watch! Telling the tale of Chinese volleyball legend, Lang Ping, this movie is one that will definitely make you love your favourite sport more than you have ever! Watch the story of the rise of the volleyball team as you experience the emotions of the different players through their acting!
image by imdb via. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10670442/
CJ7
A movie that some might not have heard of, CJ7 is a film that was released in 2008, similar to Singapore’s own film, “I Not Stupid” (which we also recommend!) This is a film that we’re sure both kids and adults alike will relate to. Be it the stress of having to study hard and do well or to provide for your kid and give them the best, anyone can relate to any of the characters in this film! But, just a warning, get ready a box of tissues because this film is one that will get the waterworks flowing!
image by amazon via. https://www.amazon.com/CJ7-Jiao-Xu/dp/B001B4SYDE
Honorary Mention: The Karate Kid
Many would recognise Hollywood star, Will Smith. But did you know, this movie features his son, Jaden Smith as the protagonist? Mainly filled with english dialogue, this movie is easy on the eyes and the ears! Explore the deeply rooted culture of Kung Fu in China as you watch the progress of Dre (acted by Jaden Smith) as he slowly learns the techniques of Kung Fu. Don’t worry about this movie being boring, it features beloved Hong Kong martial arts actor, Jackie Chan!
image by John Argote Rodriguez via. https://medium.com/@JohnArgote1/the-karate-kid-2010-movie-review-6400b9e61f2f
And that concludes our list of movie recommendations for today! We hope that this list helps rekindle the joy and Chinese New Year spirit for you and your loved ones! Watch them as a movie marathon with your family or have a movie session on zoom with your extended family, it’s all up to you~
