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UCSD Chinese Cinema Web-based Learning Center

Recommended Films

Note: Unless otherwise indicated, all film titles listed below carry English subtitles and are available for purchase (see the list of distributors and stores in Resources). Geopolitical designations are based on the origins of directors rather than production companies. Consult Must-See Films for essential viewing.

1920s

  • Laborer's Love (Laogong zhi aiqing), aka Cheng the Fruit Seller (Zhiguo yuan), Zhang Shichuan, 1922, silent; print: China Film Archive (not for circulation or purchase)
1930s
  • Crossroads, aka Intersection (Shizi jietou), Shen Xiling, 1937; VHS: Nan Hai (no subtitles), print: Pacific Film Archive (not for circulation)
  • Plunder of Peach and Plum (Tao li jie), Ying Yunwei, 1934; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Song of China (Tianlun), Fei Mu, Luo Mingyou, 1935, silent; VHS: Facets
  • Street Angel (Malu tianshi), Yuan Muzhi, 1937; VHS: Nan Hai (no subtitles, but the translated film script available at), print: Pacific Film Archive (not for circulation)
  • Twin Stars of the Silver Screen (Yinhan shuangxing), Shi Dongshan, 1931; VCD: Pacific Direct
1940s
  • Crows and Sparrows (Wuya yu maque), Zheng Junli et al., 1949; VHS: Amazon, Fox Lorber, Nan Hai
  • Daughters of China (Zhonghua nüer), Ling Zifeng, 1949; VHS: Greg Lewis
  • Myriad of Lights (Wanjia denghou), Shen Fu, 1948; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Spring in a Small Town (Xiaocheng zhichun), Fei Mu, 1948; VHS: Nan Hai (no subtitles, but the translated film script available at
  • Spring River Flows East (Yijiang chunshui xiangdong liu), Cai Chusheng, Zheng Junli, 1947; VHS: Nan Hai (no subtitles), Pacific Film Archive (not for circulation)
  • Three Women (Liren xing), Chen Liting, 1949; VHS: Nan Hai
1950s: China
  • The City That Never Sleeps (Buye cheng), Tang Xiaodan, 1957; VHS: Greg Lewis
  • Five Golden Flowers (Wuduo jinhua), Wang Jiayi, 1959; VHS: Nan Hai
  • It's My Day Off (Jintian wo xiuxi), Lu Ren, 1959; VHS: Greg Lewis
  • The Lin Family Shop (Linjia puzi), Shui Hua, 1959; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Lin Tze-hsu (Lin Zexu), Zheng Junli, 1959; VHS: Nan Hai
  • New Year's Sacrifice (Zhufu), Sang Hu, 1957; VHS: Nan Hai
  • The Story of Liu Bao Village (Liubao de gushi), Wang Ping, 1957; VHS: Greg Lewis
  • This Life of Mine (Wo zhe yibeizi), Shi Hui, 1950; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Woman Basketball Player No. 5 (Nülan wuhao), Xie Jin, 1957; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Women of the Great Leap Forward (Wanzi qianhong zongshi chun), Shen Fu, 1959; VHS: Greg Lewis
1960s: China
  • Ashma (Ashima), Liu Qiong; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Early Spring in February (Zaochun eryue). Xie Tieli; 1963; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Naval Battle of 1894 (Jiawu fengyun), Lin Nong, 1962; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Red Detachment of Women (Hongse niangzi jun), Xie Jin, 1960; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Third Sister Liu (Liu sanjie), Su Li, 1960; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Stage Sisters (Wutai jiemei), Xie Jin, 1964; VHS: Nan Hai
1960s: Hong Kong
  • Come Drink With Me (Da zuixia), King Hu, 1966; VCD: Celestial
  • Hong Kong Nocturne (Xiangjiang huayue ye), Inoue Umetsugu, 1967; VCD: Celestial
  • One-Armed Swordsman (Dubi dao), Zhang Che, 1967; VHS: Tai Seng
1960s: Taiwan
1970s: China
  • Breaking with Old Ideas (Juelie), Li WeNan Haiua, 1975; VHS: Nan Hai
1970s: Hong Kong
  • Drunken Master (Zuiquan), Yuen Ho-ping, 1978; VHS: Tai Seng
  • The Warlord (Da junfa), Li Hanxiang, 1972; VCD: Celestial
1970s: Taiwan
  • A Boat in the Ocean (Wangyang zhongde yitiao chuan), Li Xing, 1978; VHS: Tai Seng
  • Execution in Autumn (Qiujue), Li Xing, 1971; VHS: Tai Seng
  • Home, Sweet Home (Jia zai Taibei), Bai Jingrui, 1970; VCD: CMPC, VHS: Tai Seng
  • Our Land, Our People (Wutu wumin), Li Xing, 1975; VHS: Tai Seng
  • Outside the Window (Chuanwai), Song Cunshou, 1973; VHS: Tai Seng
  • Raining in the Mountain (Kongshan lingyu), King Hu, 1979; VHS: Tai Seng
1980s: China
  • Army Nurse (Nüer lou), Hu Mei, 1985; VHS: Nan Hai
  • The Battle of Taierzhuang (Xuezhan Taierzhuang), Yang Guangyuan, Zai Junjie, 1986; VHS: Nan Hai
  • The Big Parade (Da yuebing); Chen Kaige, 1986; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Black Cannon Incident (Heipao shijian), Huang Jianxin, 1985; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Border Town (Biancheng), Ling Zifeng, 1984; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Country Couple (Xiangyin), Hu Bingliu, 1983: VHS: Nan Hai
  • Dislocation (Cuowei), Huang Jianxin, 1986; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Evening Bell (Wanzhong), Wu Ziniu, 1988; VHS: Nan Hai
  • A Girl from Hunan (Xiangnü Xiaoxiao), Xie Fei, 1985; VHS: Nan Hai
  • A Good Woman (Liangjia funü), Huang Jianzhong, 1985; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Hibiscus Town (Furong zhen), Xie Jin, 1986; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Horse Thief (Daoma zei), Tian Zhuangzhuang, 1986; VHS: Cheng&Tsui, Fox Lorber, Nan Hai
  • Ju Dou (Ju Dou), Zhang Yimou, 1989; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Neighbors (Linju), Zheng Dongtian, 1981; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Old Well (Laojing), Wu Tianming, 1987; VHS: Nan Hai
  • One and Eight (Yige he bage), Zhang Junzhao, 1984; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Red Sorghum (Hong gaoliang), Zhang Yimou, 1988; VHS: Facets, print: New Yorker
  • Sacrificed Youth (Qingchun ji), Zhang Nuanxin, 1985; VHS: Cheng&Tsui
  • San Mao Joins the Army (San Mao congjun ji), Zhang Jianya, 1992; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Savage Land (Yuanye), Ling Zi, 1981; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Sunset Street (Xizhao jie), Wang Haowei, 1983; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Swan Song (Juexiang), Zhang Zeming, 1985; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Transmigration, aka Samsara (Lunhui), Huang Jianxin, 1988; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Tribulations of a Young Master, The (Shaoye de monan), Wu Yigong, Zhang Jianya, 1987; VHS: Nan Hai
  • The Trouble Shooters (Wanzhu), Mi Jiashan, 1988; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Under the Bridge (Daqiao xiamian), Bai Chen, 1983; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Widow Village (Guafu cun), Wang Jin, 1988; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Woman Demon Human (Ren gui qing), Huang Shuqin, 1989; VHS: Nan Hai
  • Women's Story (Nüren de gushi), Peng Xiaolian, 1987; VHS: #
  • Yellow Earth (Huang tudi), Chen Kaige, 1984; VHS: Facets, Fox Lorber, Nan Hai, print: China Film Imports and Exports (LA)
1980s: Hong Kong
  • An Autmn's Tale (Qiutian de tonghua), Mabel Cheung, 1987; VHS: Tai Seng
  • A Better Tomorrow (Yingxiong bense), John Woo, 1986; VHS: Tai Seng
  • A Chinese Ghost Story (Qiannü youhun), Ching Siu Tung, 1987; VHS: Tai Seng
  • Full Moon in New York (San'ge nüren de gushi, aka Ren zai Niuyue), Stanley Kwan, 1989; VHS: Tai Seng
  • Homecoming (Sishui liunian), Yim Ho, 1984; VHS: Tai Seng.
  • The Killer (Diexue shuangxiong), John Woo, 1989; VHS: Tai Seng
  • Love in a Fallen City (Qingcheng zhilian), Ann Hui, 1984; VHS: Tai Seng
  • Painted Faces (Qi xiaofu), Eddie Fong, 1988; VHS: Tai Seng
  • Peking Opera Blues (Daoma dan), Tsui Hark, 1987; VHS: Tai Seng
  • Project A (A jihua), Jackie Chan, 1984; VHS: Tai Seng
  • The Reincarnation of Golden Lotus (Pan Jinlian zhi qianshi jinsheng), Clara Law, 1989; VHS: Amazon, Tai Seng
  • Rouge (Yanzhi kou), Stanley Kwan, 1987; DVD & VHS: Amazon
  • Security Unlimited (Modeng baobiao), Michael Hui, 1981; VHS: Tai Seng
1980s: Taiwan
  • Banana Paradise (Xiangjiao tiantang), Wang Tong, 1989; VHS: Tai Seng
  • China, My Native Land (Yuanxiang ren), Li Xing, 1980; VHS: Tai Seng
  • City of Sadness (Beiqing chengshi), Hou Hsiao-hsien, 1989; VHS: Amazon
  • Daughter of the Nile (Niluohe de nüer), Hou Hsiao-hsien, 1987; VHS: Tai Seng
  • Dust in the Wind (Lianlian fengchen), Hou Hsiao-hsien, 1987; #
  • Growing Up (Xiao Bi de gushi), Chen Kunhou, 1983; VHS: Tai Seng
  • Lao Mo's Second Spring (Lao Mo de di erge chuntian), Li Youning, 1984; VHS: Tai Seng
  • Osmanthus Alley (Guihua xiang), Chen Kun-hou, 1987; VHS: Tai Seng
  • Papa, Can You Hear Me Sing? (Da cuoche), Yu Kan-ping, 1983; VHS: Tai Seng
  • Rapeseed Woman (Youma caizi), Wan Jen, 1983; VHS: Tai Seng
  • Sandwich Man (Erzi de da wan'ou), Hou Hsiao-hsien et al., 1983; VHS: Tai Seng
  • Taipei Story (Qingmei zhuma), Edward Yang, 1985; #
  • Terrorizer (Kongbu fenzi), Edward Yang, 1986; VHS: Tai Seng
  • That Day on the Beach (Haitan de yitian), Edward Yang, 1983; VHS: Amazon, Tai Seng
  • A Time to Live and a Time to Die (Tongnian wangshi), Hou Hsiao-hsien, 1985; #
  • Two Sign-Painters (Liangge youqi qiang), Yu Kan-ping, 1989; VHS: Tai Seng 1990s: China
    • After Separation (Da saba), Xia Gang, 1992; VHS: Nan Hai
    • Be There or Be Square (Bujian busan), Feng Xiaogang, 1999;
    • Bloody Morning (Xuese qingchen), Li Shaohong, 1990; VHS: Nan
    • The Blue Kite (Lan fengzheng), Tian Zhuangzhuang, 1993; VHS: Kino, Laser: Facets
    • Blush (Hongfen), Li Shaohong, 1994; VHS: Amazon
    • Beijing Bastards (Beijing zazhong), Zhang Yuan, 1993; VHS: BFI
    • The Days (Dong Chun de rizi), Wang Xiaoshuai, 1993; VHS: BFI
    • East Palace, West Palace (Donggong xigong), Zhang Yuan, 1997; DVD: Amazon
    • The Emperor and the Assassin (Jingke ci Qinwang), Chen Kaige, 1998; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • The Emperor's Shadow (Qinsong), Zhou Xiaowen, 1996; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • Ermo (Ermo), Zhou Xiaowen, 1994; VHS subtitled or dubbed: Amazon
    • Farewell My Concubine (Bawang bieji), Chen Kaige, 1993; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • For Fun (Zhaole), Ning Ying, 1992; VHS: Nan Hai
    • Frozen (Jidu hanleng), Wang Xiaoshai, 1997; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • In the Heat of the Sun (Yangguang canlan de rizi), Jiang Wen, 1995; VCD: Pacific Direct
    • The King of Masks (Bianlian), Wu Tianming, 1995; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • Life on a String (Bianzou bianchang), Chen Kaige, 1991; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • A Mongolian Tale (Hei junma), Xie Fei, 1995; VHS: Nan Hai
    • The Opium War (Yapian zhanzheng), Xie Jin, 1997; VCD: Pacific Direct
    • Not One Less (Yige dou buneng shao), Zhang Yimou, 1999; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • Pickpocket (Xiao Wu), Jia Zhangke, 1998;
    • Red Cherry (Hong yingtao), Ye Daying, 1995; VCD: Pacific Direct
    • The Story of Qiu Ju (Qiu Ju da guansi), Zhang Yimou, 1992; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • Raise the Red Lantern (Dahong denglong gaogao gua), Zhang Yimou, 1991; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • Red Firecracker, Green Firecracker (Paoda shuangdeng), He Ping, 1994; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • Ripples Across Stagnant Water (Kuang). Ling Zifeng, 1991; VHS: Nan Hai
    • The Road Home (Wode fuqin muqin), Zhang Yimou, 1999; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • Seventeen Years (Guonian huijia), Zhang Yuan, 1999; print: Celluloid Dream
    • Shanghai Fever (Gufeng), Li Guoli, 1993; VHS: Nan Hai
    • Shanghai Triad (Yao a yao, yao dao waipo qiao), Zhang Yimou, 1995; VHS: Amazon
    • Shower (Xizao), Zhang Yang, 1999; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • The Swordsman in Double-Flag Town (Shuangqizhen daoke), He Ping, 1990; VHS: Nan Hai
    • The Story of Xinghua, aka Apricot Blossom (Xinghua sanyue tian), Yin Li, 1993; VHS: Nan Hai
    • Temptress Moon (Fengyue), Chen Kaige, 1995; VHS: Amazon
    • To Live (Huozhe), Zhang Yimou, 1994; VHS: Amazon
    • Women from the Lake of Scented Souls (Xianghun nü), Xie Fei, 1992; VHS: Nan Hai
    • Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl (Tianyu), Joan Chen, 1999; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    1990s: Hong Kong
    • Ashes of Time (Dongxie xidu), Wong Kar-Wai, 1994; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • Autumn Moon (Qiuyue), Clara Law, 1992; VHS: Amazon, Tai Seng
    • Centre Stage, aka Actress (Ruan Lingyu), Stanley Kwan, 1992; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • C'est la vie, mon chéri (Xin buliao qing), Derek Yee, 1993; VHS: Tai Seng
    • Chungking Express (Chongqing senlin), Wong Kar-Wai, 1994; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • Comrades, Almost a Love Story (Tian mimi), Peter Chan, 1996; VHS: Tai Seng
    • The Day the Sun Turned Cold (Tianguo nizi), Yim Ho, 1994; VHS: Kino
    • Days of Being Wild (A Fei zhengzhuan), Wong Kar-Wai, 1991; VHS: Tai Seng
    • Erotique, Clara Law et al., 1994; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • Fallen Angels (Duoluo tianshi), Wong Kar-Wai, 1995; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • Farewell, China (Aizai biexiang de jijie), Clara Law, 1990; VHS: Amazon
    • Fong Sai Yuk (Fang Shiyu), Corey Yuen, 1993; VHS: Tai Seng
    • Happy Together (Chunguang zhaxie), Wong Kar-Wai, 1997; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • He Ain't Heavy, He's My Father (Xin nanxiong nandi), Peter Chan, Lee Chi-gnai, 1993; VHS: Tai Seng
    • He's a Woman, She's a Man (Jinzhi yuye), Peter Chan, 1994; VHS: Tai Seng
    • Lee Rock (Wuyi tanzhang Lei Luo). Lawrence Ah Mon, 1991; VHS: Tai Seng
    • Little Chueng (Xilu Xiang), Fruit Chan, 1999;
    • The Longest Summer (Qunian yaNan Haiua tebie duo), Fruit Chan, 1998;
    • Made in Hong Kong (Xianggang zhizao), Fruit Chan, 1997;
    • The Mission (Qianghuo), Johnnie To, 1999;
    • Once Upon a Time in China (Huang Feihong), Tsui Hark, 1991; VHS: Tai Seng
    • Red Rose, White Rose (Hong meigui, bai meigui), Stanley Kwan, 1994; VHS: Tai Seng
    • Rumble in the Bronx (Hongfan qu), Stanley Tong, 1994; VHS: Tai Seng
    • Song of the Exile (Ketu qiuhen), Ann Hui, 1990; VHS: Kino
    • The Soong Sisters (Songjia san jiemei), Mabel Cheung, 10997; VHS: Tai Seng
    • Stage Door (Hudu men), Shu Kei, 1996; VHS: Tai Seng
    • Summer Snow (Nüren sishi), Ann Hui, 1994; VHS: Tai Seng
    • Swordsman III: The East Is Red (Fengyun zaiji), Ching Siu Tung, 1993; VHS: Tai Seng
    • The Temptation of a Monk (Youseng), Clara Law, 1993; VHS: Tai Seng
    1990s: Taiwan
    • A Brighter Summer Day (Gulingjie shaonian sharen shijian), Edward Yang, 1991; VHS: Tai Seng
    • Buddha Bless America (Taiping tianguo), Wu Nien-chen, 1996;
    • A Confucian Confusion (Duli shidai), Edward Yang, 1995;
    • Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Wohu canglong), Ang Lee, 1999; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • Eat Drink Man Woman (Yinshi nannü), Ang Lee, 1994; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • Five Girls and a Rope (Wuge nüzi yu yigen shengzi), Ye Hongwei, 1991; VHS: Tai Seng
    • Flowers of Shanghai (Haishang hua), Hou Hsiao-hsien, 1998; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • Goodbye, South, Goodbye (Nanguo zaijian, nanguo), Hou Hsiao-hsien, 1998; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • Good Men, Good Women (Haonan haonü), Hou Hsiao-hsien, 1995; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • The Hole (Dong), Tsai Ming-liang, 1998; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • Mahjong (Majiang), Edward Yang, 1998; #
    • The Personals (Zhenghun qishi), Chen Guofu, 1999; VCD: CMPC
    • The Puppet Master (Ximeng rensheng), Hou Hsiao-hsien, 1993; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • Pushing Hands (Tuishou), Ang Lee, 1991; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • Rebel of the Neon God (Qingshaonian nezha), Tsai Ming-liang, 1992; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • The River (Heliu, 1997; DVD: Amazon
    • Vive l'amour (Aiqing wansui), Tsai Ming-liang, 1994; DVD: Amazon
    • The Wedding Banquet (Xiyan), Ang Lee, 1992; VHS: Amazon
    2000s: China
    • Beijing Bicycle (Shiqisui de danche), Wang Xiaoshuai, 2001; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • Quitting (Zuotian), Zhang Yang, 2001; DVD: Amazon
    • Shadow Magic (Xiyang jing), Ann Hu, 2000; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    • The Suzhou River (Suzhou he), Lou Ye, 2000; DVD & VHS: Amazon
    2000s: Hong Kong
    • Lan Yu (Lan Yu), Stanley Kwan, 2001;
    • Shaolin Soccer (Shaolin zuqiu), Stephen Chiau, 2001;
    2000s: Taiwan
  • Hidden Whisper (Xiaobai wu jiyi), Vivian Chang, 2000; VCD: CMPC
  • What Time Is It There? (Ni na er jidian le), Tsai Ming-liang, 2001; DVD & VHS: Amazon
  • Yiyi, aka A One and a Two (Yiyi), Edward Yang, 2000; DVD & VHS: Amazon


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