Chinese cinema has undergone a remarkable evolution, transforming from modest silent productions in the early 20th century into a multifaceted industry with global impact. If you happen to learn Chinese online, films provide not only entertainment but also an invaluable cultural and linguistic resource. Watching cinema in its original language highlights the subtleties of dialogue, regional accents, and expressions that textbooks alone cannot convey.
The origins of Chinese cinema
Can be traced to Shanghai in the 1920s and 1930s, a period often regarded as the “Golden Age.” Studios like Mingxing and Lianhua produced films that blended old stories with modern visuals, reflecting a rapidly changing society. After 1949, the state controlled film production, using cinema both for art and for spreading ideology. During this period, socialist realist films dominated, emphasizing collective values and national unity.
A new era began in the late 20th century with the emergence of the so-called “Fifth Generation” filmmakers, including Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige. Their works, such as Raise the Red Lantern and Farewell My Concubine, drew international acclaim for their visual artistry and for addressing themes of history, tradition, and social change. In contrast, the “Sixth Generation” filmmakers of the 1990s and early 2000s adopted a more independent approach, producing realist narratives that often highlighted urban struggles and the challenges of rapid economic transformation.
In contemporary times, Chinese cinema demonstrates a dual identity: on one hand, blockbuster productions such as Wolf Warrior 2 and The Wandering Earth reflect the growing sophistication of domestic film markets and the demand for large-scale productions; on the other, independent cinema continues to thrive on the margins, exploring nuanced and socially reflective themes.
The pedagogical value of cinema
should not be underestimated. At GoEast Mandarin, where students can take courses in Shanghai or study online, films are sometimes incorporated into the learning process to deepen cultural comprehension. Students thereby gain a richer appreciation of how language operates in everyday and artistic forms. The inclusion of cinema in the classroom illustrates how language acquisition is strengthened when tied to authentic cultural artifacts. Ultimately, Chinese cinema reflects the transformations of the society it represents: from early narratives rooted in tradition, through state-directed propaganda, to contemporary, globally oriented productions.