Chinese Cinema and Film Industry

Chinese cinema and film industry: Chinese movies and the film industry in China have grown a lot. China is now the biggest movie market in the world. Every year, about 800 new movies come out in China. Chinese movies have changed a lot over time.

They tell different stories and use new ideas. Sometimes, making movies in China is hard because of the rules. But Chinese filmmakers keep trying new things and making great movies. The future of Chinese movies looks bright with many exciting stories and new ideas to come.

Chinese cinema and film industry Overview

Aspect	Description
Film Production	China produces nearly 800 films annually, showcasing the vibrancy and scale of its film industry.
Revenue	The Chinese domestic film industry generated 30 billion yuan ($4.64 billion) in revenue in 2022.
Animation Industry	China’s animation industry, known for “donghua,” captivates audiences worldwide with its unique creations.
Challenges and Concerns	Despite its success, the Chinese cinema industry faces challenges like a lack of diversity and competition from imported films.

History of Chinese cinema and film industry

The history of Chinese cinema and the film industry is a journey marked by significant milestones, challenges, and cultural evolution.

From its early beginnings to its current global prominence, Chinese cinema has undergone various transformations, reflecting the social, political and cultural landscape of China.

Beginnings and Early Development

Chinese cinema traces its roots back to the late 19th century when motion pictures first arrived in China. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that the industry began to flourish, with the production of films like “Conquering Jun Mountain” in 1905 marking an important milestone.

Leftist Movement and Japanese Occupation

In the 1930s, the leftist movement reshaped China’s film industry, influencing major studios in Shanghai. Japan’s invasion in 1931 fueled anti-Japanese sentiment in films, aligning with leftist ideals.

The Second Golden Age and Early Communist Era

The post-1947 golden age emerged amid the Chinese Civil War, with three film industries thriving simultaneously. However, World War II and the Sino-Japanese War disrupted this prosperity.

Films of the Cultural Revolution

From 1966 to 1972, the Cultural Revolution stifled film production impacting politics and culture. Despite challenges, this period spurred changes that influenced modern Chinese cinema.

Rise of the Fifth and Sixth Generations

The fifth generation, post-1990, marked a return to domestic filmmaking. It was made up of film students who finished their studies in 1982.

The sixth generation challenged norms with unconventional films, like “Farewell My Concubine” (1993), initially banned but later acclaimed internationally.

Evolution of Chinese Cinema

The evolution of Chinese cinema spans over a century marked by significant developments and transformations that reflect the country’s social, cultural, and political landscape.

Early Beginnings

Chinese cinema traces its roots back to the late 19th century when motion pictures first arrived in China. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that the industry began to flourish with the production of the first Chinese-made film, “Conquering Jun Mountain,” in 1905.

Leftist Movement and Japanese Occupation

The 1930s saw a shift in Chinese filmmaking with the rise of the leftist movement, which brought about socially and politically charged films.

This period also coincided with Japan’s invasion of Manchuria in 1931, leading to anti-Japanese sentiments reflected in Chinese cinema.

Golden Age and Communist Era

The late 1940s marked the beginning of the second golden age of Chinese cinema, despite the challenges posed by the Chinese Civil War.

The Communist victory in 1949 ushered in a new era for Chinese cinema with the government playing a more significant role in film production and distribution.

Cultural Revolution

The Cultural Revolution from 1966 to 1972 had a profound impact on Chinese cinema, leading to strict censorship and ideological control.

Films produced during this period reflected the political ideologies of the time and underwent rigorous scrutiny by authorities.

Fifth and Sixth Generations

The post-1990 period saw the emergence of the fifth and sixth generations of Chinese filmmakers, characterized by their departure from traditional storytelling techniques.

Global Recognition and Commercial Success

In recent decades, Chinese cinema has gained international recognition, with films like “Farewell My Concubine” (1993) winning prestigious awards at international film festivals.

China’s film industry has also seen remarkable commercial success, with the country becoming the world’s largest film market in 2020 and 2021.

Challenges Faced by the Chinese Film Industry

• Despite its growth, the Chinese film industry faces some big challenges. One is the lack of diversity in the types of movies being made.

• For example, when Disney tried to have a Black lead in one of their movies in China, it didn’t go over well. This makes it tough for different kinds of people to see themselves represented in movies.

• Another challenge is the competition from movies made outside of China. Even though there are lots of great movies being made in China, big Hollywood movies still grab a lot of attention.

• China has rules about how many foreign movies can be shown each year, but these big international films are still a big draw for audiences.

• This competition between local and foreign films is shaping how the Chinese film industry grows and changes pushing it to come up with new ideas and appeal to a global audience.

Future of the Film Industry in China

• China is changing and opening up to foreign movie companies more than before. This means more money can flow into China’s film industry from outside.

• With this extra cash, Chinese filmmakers can team up with international partners to make even better movies.

• For instance, in 2014, China and the UK signed a special deal to work together on films.

• Also, big Chinese government-owned companies like China Film Co and Huaxia Film Distribution Co are putting more effort into top movies than ever.

• Even Hollywood giants want in on the action! They are joining forces with Chinese groups to create movies that blend Eastern and Western styles.

• In 2016, nearly 75 joint productions were showing how well-mixed teams can work together.

• Interest in Chinese movies is growing abroad too. Film festivals around the world showcase Chinese films, catching Hollywood’s attention.

• But it’s still tough for foreign movie companies to film in China due to certain rules.

• To promote diversity and inclusion, the Chinese film industry is working hard.

• They want films to feature people from all walks of life, reflecting real-world diversity. This not only fosters fairness but also sparks creativity leading to more success, even internationally.

List of Top 10 highest-earning Chinese Films of all time

Here is a list of the top 10 highest-earning Chinese films of all time:

Flim	Directed	Box Office Collection
Wolf Warrior 2	Wu Jing	$87411 million
The Wandering Earth	Frant Gwo	$565,916 million
Ne Zha	Jiaozi	$725 million
Detective Chinatown 2	Chen Sicheng	$544.1 million
Operation Red Sea	Dante Lam	$579.2 million
Hello, Mr. Billionaire	Fei Yan and Damo Peng	$579.2 million
The Mermaid	Stephen Chow	$569 million
Detective Chinatown 3	Chen Sicheng	$699 million
My People, My Country	Kaige Chen, Hu Guan , Hao Ning , Muye Wen , Zheng Xu , Xiaolu Xue and Yibai Zhang	$474.5 million
The Captain	Andrew Lau	$324,769 million

“Wolf Warrior 2” (2017)

Directed by Wu Jing, “Wolf Warrior 2” is an action film that follows the story of Leng Feng, a former Chinese special forces operative who becomes embroiled in a conflict in an African country.

Leng Feng takes it upon himself to protect Chinese nationals and locals from mercenaries and rebels.

“The Wandering Earth” (2019)

Directed by Frant Gwo, “The Wandering Earth” is a sci-fi epic set in a future where the Earth’s rotation has been halted to save it from an expanding sun.

To ensure humanity’s survival, giant thrusters are installed on the planet to propel it out of the solar system.

“The Wandering Earth” dazzled audiences with its groundbreaking visual effects and gripping storyline, earning over $565,916 million worldwide.

“Ne Zha” (2019)

Directed by Jiaozi, “Ne Zha” is an animated fantasy film based on the Chinese mythological figure Nezha, a deity known for his mischievous and rebellious nature.

The film reimagines Nezha’s origin story, depicting his journey to discover his true identity and destiny as a protector of humanity.

“Ne Zha” became a cultural phenomenon in China grossing over $725 million globally and becoming the highest-grossing animated film in China.

“Detective Chinatown 3” (2021)

Directed by Chen Sicheng, “Detective Chinatown 3” is a comedy-mystery film and the third instalment in the “Detective Chinatown” film series.

The story follows two detectives, Qin Feng and Tang Ren, as they investigate a murder case in Tokyo during the Chinese New Year holiday.

Filled with humour, suspense, and intricate plot twists, the film captivated audiences and became a box office sensation grossing over $699 million globally.

“Operation Red Sea” (2018)

Directed by Dante Lam, “Operation Red Sea” is an action-packed film inspired by real events involving the evacuation of Chinese nationals from Yemen during the Yemeni Civil War.

“Operation Red Sea” wowed audiences with its intense action sequences and realistic portrayal of military operations, earning over $579 million worldwide.

“Hello, Mr. Billionaire” (2018)

Directed by Fei Yan and Damo Peng, “Hello, Mr. Billionaire” is a comedy film that follows the story of a lazy and unemployed man who suddenly inherits a fortune from a distant relative. However, he must spend every penny within a month to inherit the full amount.

The film depicts the themes of wealth, greed, and the meaning of happiness, delivering laughs and heartwarming moments along the way. “Hello, Mr. Billionaire” earned over $579.2 million globally.

“The Mermaid” (2016)

Directed by Stephen Chow, “The Mermaid” is a fantasy romantic comedy that revolves around the unlikely romance between a mermaid and a businessman who is responsible for destroying her aquatic habitat.

As the businessman falls in love with the mermaid, he begins to question his actions and the impact of human greed on the environment.

“The Mermaid” enchanted audiences with its imaginative storytelling, quirky characters, and visual effects, grossing over $569 million worldwide.

“Monster Hunt” (2015)

Directed by Raman Hui, “Monster Hunt” is a fantasy action-comedy set in a world where humans coexist with monsters.

The film follows a young man who becomes embroiled in a quest to protect a pregnant monster queen from both humans and rival monster factions.

Filled with whimsical creatures, slapstick humour, and heartwarming moments, “Monster Hunt” charmed audiences and earned over $385 million at the global box office.

“My People, My Country” (2019)

Directed by various filmmakers, “My People, My Country” is an anthology film consisting of seven short stories that celebrate the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.

Each segment portrays significant moments in Chinese history, ranging from the founding of the nation to the country’s achievements in space exploration.

“My People, My Country” resonated with audiences with its patriotic themes, stellar cast, and emotional storytelling, earning over $474.5 million globally.

“The Captain” (2019)

Directed by Andrew Lau, “The Captain” is a disaster drama based on the real-life emergency landing of a Chinese passenger plane following a sudden decompression incident.

The film depicts the heroic efforts of the captain and crew to safely land the aircraft amidst extreme turbulence and chaos.

“The Captain” impressed audiences with its gripping storyline, intense performances, and realistic portrayal of aviation emergencies, grossing over $324,769 million worldwide.

List of Top 10 most famous films in China

Movie	Director	Box Office Collection
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon	Ang Lee	21.4 crores USD
Farewell My Concubine	Chen Kaige	61 lakhs USD
To Live	Zhang Yimou	–
Raise the Red Lantern	Zhang Yimou	$2,603,061 million
Hero	Zhang Yimou	17.74 crores USD
House of Flying Daggers	Zhang Yimou	9.29 crores USD
Not One Less	Zhang Yimou	US$1 billion
The Road Home	Zhang Yimou	67.8 lakhs USD
Aftershock	Feng Xiaogang	US$100 million
Mountains May Depart	Jia Zhangke	US$79,768

“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000)

Directed by Ang Lee, this martial arts epic is set in 19th-century Qing Dynasty China and follows the story of a legendary warrior, Li Mu Bai, who seeks to recover a stolen sword, the Green Destiny.

Along the way, he encounters Yu Shu Lien, a skilled female warrior, and they become entangled in a complex web of romance, honour, and betrayal.

“Farewell My Concubine” (1993)

Directed by Chen Kaige, this historical drama is set against the backdrop of China’s turbulent 20th century. It follows the lives of two Peking opera performers, Cheng Dieyi and Duan Xiaolou, whose deep bond is tested by political upheavals, personal sacrifices, and societal changes.

“To Live” (1994)

Directed by Zhang Yimou, this drama spans several decades in the lives of a Chinese family as they navigate the tumultuous events of the mid-20th century, including the Japanese invasion, the Chinese Civil War, and the Cultural Revolution.

“Raise the Red Lantern” (1991)

Directed by Zhang Yimou, this visually stunning drama is set in 1920s China and follows the story of Songlian, a young woman who becomes the fourth wife of a wealthy man. As she navigates the intricacies of the household and vies for her husband’s favour.

“Hero” (2002)

Directed by Zhang Yimou, this wuxia film is set during the Warring States period and follows the story of a nameless warrior who recounts his encounters with three assassins to the King of Qin.

“House of Flying Daggers” (2004)

Directed by Zhang Yimou, this romantic wuxia film is set in 859 AD during the declining Tang Dynasty. It follows the story of Jin, a police officer, who is tasked with capturing Mei, a member of the rebel group known as the House of Flying Daggers.

“Not One Less” (1999)

Directed by Zhang Yimou, this drama is set in a rural Chinese village and follows the story of Wei Minzhi, a 13-year-old substitute teacher, who is tasked with preventing one of her students from dropping out of school.

“The Road Home” (1999)

Directed by Zhang Yimou, this romantic drama is set in a rural Chinese village and follows the story of Zhao Di, a young woman who reminisces about her parents’ courtship and her mother’s enduring love for her father.

“Aftershock” (2010)

Directed by Feng Xiaogang, this disaster drama is set against the backdrop of the 1976 Tangshan earthquake, one of the deadliest earthquakes in recorded history.

The film follows the lives of a family torn apart by the disaster and their struggles to rebuild their lives amidst tragedy and loss.

“Mountains May Depart” (2015)

Directed by Jia Zhangke, this drama spans three decades and follows the lives of three characters – Tao, Jinsheng, and Liangzi – as they navigate the social and economic changes in contemporary China.

Conclusion

The Chinese film industry has changed a lot over time. It started small but has become the biggest film market globally.

Although it faces challenges like competition from foreign movies and a need for more diverse stories, Chinese cinema keeps growing and making an impact worldwide.

Related Links

1. National Cinema Day 2024

2. Top 10 – All-Time Best Hollywood Movies

3. Oscar Awards 2023 Winners: All Winners List

4. 69th National Film Fare Awards 2023 Winners List [Latest]

FAQs on Chinese cinema and film industry

What is the Chinese film industry called?

The Chinese film industry is commonly referred to as the Hengdian World Studios.

How many films does China produce annually?

China produces nearly 800 films every year.

Is China the biggest film market?

In 2023, China maintained its rank as the second-largest film market globally, indicating a consistent upward trend.

Who is the biggest movie star in China?

Wu Jing is the biggest movie star in China.

Which country has the most cinema screens?

China had the most cinema screens in the world.