Let's face it, we all know Chinese cinema is known for martial art films, Shaw Brothers in general...but let's not forget, that's just due to ignorance of man. Every country has great films, with Kekexili it's apparent China can make a great movie just as anyone else.
Does anybody know any great Chinese hidden gems? If so, please post them.
including modern Chinese cinema like Kekexili.
Blind shaft by Li Yang is a great modern chinese film (2004)
I think you are mistaken Hong Kong cinema with the cinema from Mainland China.
And you know, it's not the same. Hong Kong cinema is certainly well known for producing mostly kung-fu films. But the cinema from mainland China is as diverse as the cinema from any other country.
Some names?
What about the master Yimou Zhang? He may be better known by western audiences for his 3 or 4 Wire-Fu fables. BUT the truth is that his better works are powerful and touching dramas that doesn't feature people "flying".
I am talking about films like "Raise the Red Lantern", "The Road Home", "The Story of Qiu Ju", "Ju Dou", "To Live", "Not One Less", "Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles", etc.
Kaige Chen is another great filmmaker who doesn't shoots "martial art films". Instead of that his movies are wonderful portrayals on the human condition like "Farewell My Concubine", "King of the Children", "Together", etc.
Have you ever heard about Wong Kar Wai? He is another chinese filmmaker (Raised in Hong Kong) who has produced several masterpieces like "Chungking Express", "In the Mood For Love", "2046", "Happy Together", etc.
I'd name more chinese directors (and their most remarkable films). But I guess with the titles already mentioned is more than enough for a good start.
Enjoy!
Props! All great directors and films. I had the pleasure of meeting Chen Kaige at a screening of Together. Another great Chinese film is The King of Masks.
shareA Touch of Sin was also interesting. Though it's a collection of four different stories.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2852400/