Mainland China has as many outstanding movies to offer as Hong Kong, even though they are sometimes overshadowed by international releases. Many people might not even know that China has one of the biggest movie scenes, with the six generations of talented filmmakers. Thanks to them, Chinese film culture is growing bigger. And better! Here are six outstanding Chinese films that cover all the basic genres. Expect nothing short of outstanding performances and director talent.

Red Sorghum (1987)

This is a classic example from the Golden Age of the Chinese cinema. It portrays the life of a Chinese peasant girl, who is supposed to get married to a leprous man. The film shows common hardships, associated with the Japanese military intervention in the 1930s. Red Sorghum is a true classic, which embraces unique Chinese film and visual culture. Here, historic themes are always relevant and popular. The cinematography is very bright and full of contrasts, slowly shifting to darker tones as the plot develops or thickens. Some Chinese films do have the tendency to go quite violent: this is no exception. In this case, the horrors are represented by vivid or vibrant colors. Which will surely pop come out of the screen!

God of Gamblers (1989)

Another classic from the same era is the God of Gamblers. In the film, casino games form an important part of the story. One could even argue that they are one of its protagonists or main characters. Chow Yun-fat portrays a world-famous gambler Ko Chun so talented at playing different casino games that he is referred to as the “God of Gamblers”. At the same time, Ko Chun is supposed to play casino games across China. He then ends up meeting Tanaka, another fellow gambler in Tokyo. The players are convinced that Ko Chun, the main character, is actually a gambling god. They ask him to help take revenge against the demon gamblers, who drove Tanaka’s father to suicide. The two gamblers seem set on justice and try to defeat the so-called “demon gamblers” together.

In the Heat of the Sun (1994)

In the Heat of the Sun is a movie based on the 1991 novel by Wang Shuo, originally published under a different name, Wild Beast. Some might know it as a part of the Jiang Wen chronicles. The story follows a group of young boys living in Beijing, in the 1970s. As you can probably tell from the title, the film takes place in the summer heat. The boys spend their time spying on girls or fighting with other rival gangs. This is a very romanticized version of the 1970s Beijing, which also has a very raw touch to it. In the Heat of the Sun has since become a classic portrayal of what it was like to be a young boy in the Chinese capital, back in the day.

Tie Xi Qu: West of the Tracks (2003)

This is actually a great example of a quality art-house film. It will be hard to watch it in one sitting. Because it actually lasts for 9 hours! It is made up of three parts called Rust, Remnants and Rails. This is a documentary, which portrays the economic downfall of China’s densely populated regions. It shows the real challenges of people, who have been struggling financially for years. As the poorer parts of the country lag behind, the urban, metropolitan areas continue to develop at an incredible pace. The movie follows the railway tracks across some of the poorer neighborhoods. We get to hear these people tell their life stories, offering insight on what it is like to live in a place that is slowly falling apart.

Oxhide (2005)

Oxhide is one of the most important Chinese releases. Its director, Liu Jiayin was only 23 when she directed the movie. The film is unique in a very funny or original way. Because the director, and her parents, play a fictionalized version of themselves. They turn the documentary into fiction, as the family tries to keep their leather goods business alive. It is a revolutionary way to portray movies in a new, hyper-realistic manner. Anyone who enjoys original cinema, with a personal touch should definitely check it out!

A touch of Sin (2013)

Jia Zhangke is one of the most famous, and widely loved, Chinese directors. This release even won an award for original screenplay at Cannes! A touch of Sin shocked a lot of Zhangke’s loyal fans with just how innovative and different the final cut turned out to be. There are four story-lines happening at once, eventually tying in together in a violent crash.