The 10 Best Movies About Lunar New Year
As the Lunar New Year approaches it’s time to gather with loved ones and revisit some of the most notable pieces of media either inspired or taking place during the New Year celebration. The Lunar New Year, celebrated across Asia where Chinese diaspora communities live, marks the first day of the new year according to the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. It’s a time of renewal, hope, and cultural traditions. And what better way to honor this occasion than by watching movies that resonate with themes of love, laughter, and shared memories? On this list, we’re going to explore the 10 best movies about Lunar New Year so, why don’t you join us?
1. ‘Last Train Home’ (2009)
What it’s about: Every spring, China witnesses a mass migration as 130 million migrant workers return to their hometowns for the Chinese New Year, known as Chunyun, marking the world’s largest human movement. Director Lixin Fan follows the journey of one couple, the Zhangs, who have made this annual trek for nearly two decades. Leaving their village to work in a garment factory in Guangzhou, the Zhangs have sacrificed time with their daughter, Qin, who now hates their absence and wants more independence. Despite her parents’ wishes, Qin leaves school to seek discover her own path in life, focusing on the challenges faced by China’s rural families and their wishes for the younger generation.
Why you should watch it: This is more of a documentary than a movie, and why not start the list with something educational? ‘Last Train Home’ was so critically acclaimed that the movie was pronounced one of the most outstanding works from the 2010 Sundance festival.
2. ‘A Moment of Love’ (2013)
What’s it about: Ji Yaqing, on a business trip just before her wedding, encounters a young man at her hotel who is searching for an elderly woman based on letters from his late grandfather. They go on a journey through the countryside of China to find the woman mentioned in the letters. Along the way, they discover deeper meanings of love and experience personal growth.
Why you should watch it: ‘A Moment of Love’ doesn’t fully revolve around Lunar New Year but the events of the movie do take place during the celebration. This Chinese-Taiwanese production is one of the most wholesome romantic comedies inspired by Chinese culture you can find.
3. ‘Little Door Gods’ (2016)
What it’s about: In ancient times, humans would hang posters of Guardian spirits on their doors, seeking their help in times of need, but as time passed, reliance on these spirits somewhat lessened. In the present day, Raindrop and her mother arrive in a small town where their family has run a wonton soup shop for three generations, adorned with posters of Shen Tu and Yu Lei. When Raindrop’s grandmother passes away during their visit, ownership of the shop passes to her mother Luli. In a traditional ritual, they send their grandmother’s music box attached to a floating lantern to the spirit world as a farewell gesture.
Why you should watch it: Chinese animation is beautiful and ‘Little Door Gods’ is no exception. ‘Little Door Gods’ is a kids’ movie, but adults will greatly benefit from learning about Chinese mythological lore, who knows you might even recognize some Western stories in it.
4. ‘All’s Well, Ends Well’ (1997)
What it’s about: Kung, the youngest of three brothers, falls victim to a prank orchestrated by his siblings who fake a lottery win for his birthday. Blinded by greed, Kung loses significant amounts of money, leading to encounters with the Triad. Desperate to repay his debts, Kung resorts to pretending that he has a mental illness upon discovering the truth about the lottery.
Why you should watch it: ‘All’s Well, Ends Well’ takes place during the Lunar New Year and it’s one of the most notable Chinese movies in general. The movie is part of a franchise with several prior and subsequent installments.
5. ‘A Simple Life’ (2011)
What it’s about: Roger Leung, an unmarried film producer, cares for Chung Chun-to, a long-serving member of his staff who suffers a stroke upon his return home. Despite his efforts to find a good nursing home, he discovers one owned by a friend and moves Chung there. Visiting her regularly, Roger grows closer to Chung, prompting other family members to join in her care. Plans to renovate an apartment for her are stopped when Chung’s health worsens further, leading to Roger’s decision to allow her to pass away peacefully.
Why you should watch it: ‘A Simple Life’ takes place and was filmed during the Lunar New Year. This is a heartbreaking but wholesome movie with strong and pronounced family themes. Asian cultures are big on honoring older members of their society, and this is exactly what this movie is about.
6. ‘Us and Them’ (2018)
What it’s about: The story takes place through alternating past and present scenes, distinguishing between “us” and “them” and using color to denote the past and black and white for the present. Lin Jianqing and Fang Xiaoxiao meet during the Chunyun (Lunar New Year) period and form a bond, both looking for success in Beijing. Jianqing dreams of becoming a game-maker despite financial struggles, while Xiaoxiao leaves her boyfriend and moves in with Jianqing to pursue their dreams together. In the present, Jianqing and Xiaoxiao reunite during a Chunyun flight, reflecting on their past and taking another look at their relationship.
Why you should watch it: ‘Us and Them’ is a brilliant movie that was highly acclaimed in the West. The director of the movie, Liu, was praised as a genius storyteller with a brilliant way to discern the past from the present. This is not your classic love story, but it’s a great one nonetheless.
7. ‘The Thieves’ (2012)
What it’s about: Yenicall, a cat burglar, collaborates with three partners—Popie, Zampano, and Chewingum—to steal a rare artifact from Leesung Gallery by seducing its owner. However, they attract the attention of a detective and realize they must leave South Korea. They join a heist organized by Macau Park, a master thief, along with Pepsee, a safe-cracker recently released from prison. In Hong Kong, Chen, Jonny, and Andrew join the Chinese contingent, led by Macau Park, along with the addition of safe-cracker Julie to the team.
Why you should watch it: The events take place during Lunar New Year and some humorous situations are derived from the fact. ‘The Thieves’ is perhaps not the best Korean action movie, but it’s certainly entertaining enough that it landed on our list.
8. ‘Detective Chinatown 3’ (2021)
What it’s about: After their previous adventures, Tang Ren and Qin Feng travel to Tokyo to investigate another crime, setting the stage for a showdown between top detectives in Asia. Tang and Qin begin their investigation on a plane, where Tang discovers crucial evidence in the airplane bathroom. They meet the suspected murderer of a Don, who pleads not guilty. Tang uncovers additional evidence, including a needle prick on the victim’s body and a missing piece of glass from Don’s car.
Why you should watch it: This is the third installment in the ‘Detective Chinatown’ franchise and it takes place during Luna New Year. The movie was highly successful. The film achieved a staggering $163 million (RMB 1.05 billion) in its debut, marking the largest opening day in global history. This surpassed the previous record set by “Endgame” in North America, which grossed $157 million. The remarkable first-day earnings propelled weekend projections to reach as high as $400 million.
9. ‘The Promise’ (2005)
What it’s about: Qingcheng, a destitute girl, resorts to trickery to survive and steals from a boy before encountering the goddess Manshen, who offers her wealth and beauty in exchange for eternal loneliness. Qingcheng accepts and rises to become the King’s concubine. Meanwhile, General Guangming returns victorious from battle but is warned by Manshen of a plot against the King involving someone wearing his armor.
Why you should watch it: Directed by Chen Kaige, known for his visually stunning films, ‘The Promise’ is not an exception to this rule. It also gives you insights into Chinese folklore and myths. Besides, the characters’ arcs are amazing even without supernatural aspects.
10. ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022)
What it’s about: Evelyn Quan Wang, a middle-aged Chinese immigrant, runs a laundromat with her husband, Waymond, in the United States, where they eloped and had a daughter named Joy. Presently, their laundromat is under IRS audit, while Waymond attempts to get Evelyn’s attention by serving her divorce papers to address marital issues. The family faces additional tensions, including Evelyn’s strained relationship with Joy, who is grappling with depression and trying to make sense of her lesbian relationship with Becky. Amidst this, Waymond’s body becomes possessed by Alpha-Waymond, revealing the existence of parallel universes and “verse-jumping” technology developed by Alpha-Evelyn in an alternate reality.
Why you should watch it: I mean, ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ is not directly connected to the Lunar New Year but takes place during the festivities. You’ve probably heard about it and you’ve also probably heard that it’s one of the best sci-fi movies of the 21st century, with Michelle Yeoh being praised and the movie listed as her greatest performance. Definitely check it out.
Have a movie to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!