You might think you need to understand Mandarin to appreciate Chinese cinema, but great storytelling transcends language barriers. In recent years, mainland China has produced films that have shattered box office records and captured hearts worldwide. These movies aren’t just local hits; they are cinematic achievements that explore universal themes of family, love, survival, and identity.
If you are looking to expand your film horizons beyond Hollywood, here are three outstanding recent films from mainland China that deserve a spot on your watchlist.
1. The Wandering Earth (2019)
Genre: Sci-Fi / Action
Director: Frant Gwo
The Story
Imagine a future where the sun is dying out, threatening to engulf our solar system. Instead of building spaceships to flee, humanity unites to build thousands of gigantic thrusters on Earth’s surface to propel the entire planet out of its orbit and into a new star system. Based on a novella by Liu Cixin (author of the acclaimed The Three-Body Problem), The Wandering Earth follows a group of astronauts and rescue workers fighting to save the planet from a catastrophic collision with Jupiter during its journey.
Why It’s Worth Watching
For decades, high-budget sci-fi blockbusters were almost exclusively the domain of Hollywood. The Wandering Earth changed that narrative overnight. It proved that Chinese filmmakers could deliver world-class visual effects and grand-scale storytelling.
The visuals are breathtaking. From the frozen, apocalyptic landscapes of a surface-level Beijing to the terrifying beauty of Jupiter looming in the sky, the film is a feast for the eyes. But what makes it truly unique is its collectivist approach to the “saving the world” trope. Unlike Western films that often rely on a single superhero or a lone genius, this story emphasizes collective sacrifice and global cooperation. It’s a refreshing take on the disaster genre that feels both grand and deeply human.
Cultural Impact: It is widely considered the film that launched a new era for Chinese science fiction, grossing nearly $700 million worldwide.
2. Better Days (2019)
Genre: Crime / Drama / Romance
Director: Derek Tsang
The Story
Set against the backdrop of the intensely competitive Gaokao (national college entrance exam), Better Days tells the story of Chen Nian, a high school student targeted by relentless bullying. Desperate for protection, she forms an unlikely alliance with Xiao Bei, a street thug with a tough exterior but a gentle heart. As the pressure of the exams mounts and the violence escalates, the two are drawn into a murder investigation that threatens to destroy their futures.
Why It’s Worth Watching
This isn’t your typical high school drama. Better Days is a raw, gritty, and emotional punch to the gut. It tackles difficult subjects like school bullying and societal pressure with unflinching honesty. The performances by Zhou Dongyu and Jackson Yee are nothing short of spectacular, conveying deep pain and resilience often without saying a word.
The cinematography is intimate and claustrophobic, pulling you right into the characters’ anxieties. It captures the suffocation of teenage life where every exam feels like life or death, and every act of cruelty feels permanent. Yet, at its core, it remains a tender story about finding hope and connection in the darkest of places.
Cultural Impact: The film sparked nationwide discussions in China about school bullying laws and mental health. It also received international acclaim, earning a nomination for Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards.
3. Hi, Mom (2021)
Genre: Comedy / Drama / Fantasy
Director: Jia Ling
The Story
After her mother is critically injured in a car accident, a grief-stricken daughter, Jia Xiaoling, finds herself transported back in time to 1981. She meets a younger version of her mother and decides to do everything in her power to make her mom’s life better—even if it means altering the course of history so that she herself might never be born.
Why It’s Worth Watching
While time travel is a common plot device, Hi, Mom uses it to explore the profound bond between mother and daughter. It starts as a hilarious comedy about 1980s factory life in China, full of nostalgia and slapstick humor. However, it slowly transforms into a deeply moving tribute to maternal love.
Director Jia Ling, a famous comedian in China, wrote the film as a tribute to her own mother who passed away when she was young. This personal touch permeates every scene. The film asks a question we all ponder eventually: “Did my mother have dreams before she had me?” It reminds us that our parents were once young, vibrant individuals with their own aspirations.
Cultural Impact: This film became a massive phenomenon, becoming the highest-grossing film by a female director at the time of its release. It resonated because its core message is universal: appreciate your loved ones while they are still here.
Why These Films Matter
These three movies offer more than just entertainment; they provide a window into contemporary Chinese culture.
- The Wandering Earth showcases China’s technological ambitions and its perspective on global cooperation.
- Better Days reveals the intense pressures faced by Chinese youth and the evolving conversation around mental health.
- Hi, Mom highlights the deep-rooted cultural value of filial piety and family connection, wrapped in modern storytelling.
Whether you are a sci-fi geek, a drama lover, or someone who just needs a good cry (and a laugh), these films are the perfect introduction to the vibrant world of Chinese cinema. So, turn on the subtitles, grab some popcorn, and get ready to be surprised.