Movies to Watch Before Going to China

1.Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 卧虎藏龙 (wò hǔ cáng lóng )

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000) is a world famous martial arts film, and is an obvious place to start with regards to Chinese films.It is still one of the most famous Chinese films, and has a good introduction to China’s Dynastic history, as well as martial arts influence.This film is especially recommended for those who enjoy martial arts, or those who are planning to visit some of China’s martial arts historical sights, for example Shaolin Temple in Luoyang, Henan, which is the home of kungfu.

2.Raise the Red Lantern 大红灯笼高高挂(dà hóng dēng lóng gāo gāo guà )

Raise the Red Lantern (1999) is a popular Zhang Yimou film directed by Zhang Yimou.that was consequently adapted into a ballet by China’s National Ballet. It is set in the 1920s, touching on China’s early modern history, set in the Warlord Era. The film tells the story of a young woman, Songlian, who becomes a concubine of one of the wealthy men of the Warlord Era.

3.Seven Years in Tibet西藏七年(xī zàng qī nián )

Especially interesting if you are going to to pass through Tibet during your time in China, Seven Years in Tibet (1997) stars Brad Pitt as a mountain climber who escaped to Tibet during WWII, who eventually ended up befriending the Dalai Lama in Lhasa.Based on the true story of Heinrich Harrer, it is a great introduction to Tibet’s unique culture, and will get you even more excited about your trip as the camera perfectly captures some of the beautiful scenery and natural landscapes that the region has to offer.

 

 

Editor:WY