Exposure to a language is key to comprehension, and in most cases, the earlier the better. Working with Chinese doesn’t always have to be as draining as a thick textbook on a long afternoon. In fact, something as simple as swapping out the family movie night choice from Frozen for the millionth time (Let it go, kids) to a Chinese pick can be enough to get those language juices flowing. Here are some of our recommendations.
For the little ones:
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Featuring the comedic stylings of Jack Black, Kung Fu Panda looks at the exploits of Po the panda as he follows his martial arts dream. Though this feel-good comedy could go a little deeper, it does successfully highlight various elements of Chinese culture such as fireworks, noodle dishes, and kung fu. Find a version dubbed in Mandarin with English subtitles for added difficulty.
Language: English
Rating: PG
Mulan (1998)
I’m sure you saw this one coming. Based on a traditional Chinese legend, this animated Disney film is set in the Han Dynasty, and sees our heroine Mulan disguise herself as a man to defeat the Huns. Cultural references include the shrine to the family’s ancestors, the style of dress, and the traditional gender roles commonplace in ancient China.
Language: English
Rating: G
The Karate Kid (2010)
This remake of the classic film focuses on Chinese kung fu rather than the Japanese karate of the original, and stars Chinese global superstar Jackie Chan as the kung fu teacher. It highlights the traditional practice of medicinal cupping, and uses famous sites including The Forbidden City, The Great Wall, and the Wudang Mountains.
Language: English
Rating: PG
Older audiences:
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 卧虎藏龙 (2000)
Directed by Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain, Life of Pi), Crouching Tiger became an international success, and continues to be one of the most famous films to come out of China worldwide. Set in the Qing Dynasty, this film combines drama, martial arts-fuelled action scenes, and some romance for the softies among us. It took away four Academy Awards in 2001, including Best Foreign Language Film.
Language: Mandarin
Rating: PG-13
Together/Together With You 和你在一起 (2002)
This heart-warming tale follows a 13-year old violin prodigy and his father as they move to Beijing from a small town to achieve the father’s dream that his son will become a famous violinist. This warm, family-friendly film gained success overseas as well as domestically, and highlights various elements of contemporary Chinese society, in particular, the phenomenon of moving to the city to chase success.
Language: Mandarin
Rating: PG
The Taking of Tiger Mountain 智取威虎山 （2014）
One of the more recent box office hits, this film focuses on the People’s Liberation Army and their conflict with a bandit gang, set during the Chinese Communist Revolution. Available in 3D, this heavily action-packed smash is sure to entertain all thrill-seekers, young and old.
Language: Mandarin
Rating: PG-13
Hero 英雄 (2002)
Directed by Zhang Yimou (Beijing Olympic ceremonies, To Live), Hero is set during China’s Warring States period, and follows a man called ‘nameless’, who takes on several assassins as they attempt to take the life of a powerful leader. Rich in color and content, this film received acclaim overseas, and is a helpful insight into China’s past.
Language: Mandarin
Rating: PG-13
Last Train Home 归途列车 （2009）
This documentary focuses on Chinese migrant workers from rural areas who travel to large cities to work. Over 130 million Chinese migrant workers travel back to their home villages for Chunjie every year; the largest human migration phenomenon in the world. Director Lixin Fan follows the Zhangs – a couple who have left their newborn daughter in their hometown to find work in Guangzhou, over the span of several years. Last Train Home is a heart-tugging insight into one of China’s most relevant social occurrences.
Language: Mandarin
Rating: PG
Photos: Courtesy of pixabay, Kung Fu Panda, Mulan, The Karate Kid, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Together, The Taking of Tiger Mountain, Hero, and Last Train Home.
