The Chinese Mirror

Chinese Film History Studies 2007

This is a bibliography of Chinese language film history studies published in 2007.  No claim is made for its being complete, and if further publications from that year are found later, this list will be updated. Titles of books and articles have been translated into English, and abstracts are provided for those I have been able to examine personally.  In addition to their Chinese titles, most Chinese film journals and magazines carry an English title, and that is what is used here.

Books

Ai, Yi.  Movie King of the Shanghai Bund:  Zhang Shankun.  Shanghai People's Press, 2007.  ISBN 978-7-20806-908-4.

--Biography of the producer and entrepreneur who almost single-handedly kept Chinese cinema alive through World War II, providing a means of livelihood to the many Chinese filmmakers stranded in occupied Shanghai.
*
Chinese Film:  an illustrated history (1905-2005).  Beijing:  China Communications University Press, 2007.  ISBN 978-7-81085-733-8.

--Richly illustrated pictorial history of Chinese film (mainland, HK and Taiwan), with accompanying text.  An outstanding reference work.
*
Di, Hui.  Hong Kong Movies:  biographies of Golden Elephant best actor and actress award winners. Shanghai Bookstore Press, 2007.  ISBN 978-7-80678-699-4.

--Profiles of the winners of these awards through the 25th HK awards.  Includes a complete list of nominees in these categories.
*
Jiao, Xiongping and Qu Guizhi.  Li Hanxiang:  pioneer of Taiwan film.  Taibei:  Yuesheng Cultural Press, 2007.  ISBN 978-9-57630-728-7.

--Biography of  writer/director Li Hanxiang, whose career spanned five decades.
*
Li, Daoxin.  History of Chinese Film Criticism, 1897-2000.  Beijing:  Beijing University Press, 2007.  ISBN 7301122470.
*
Liu, Guojun.  Shu Xiuwen.  Chongqing:  Chongqing Publishing House, 2007.  ISBN 978-7-53668-574-1.

--Biography of the outstanding actress (1915-1969), star of such classics as 《New and Old Shanghai》, 《New Year's Money》and 《A Spring River Flows East》, who perished in the Cultural Revolution.
*
Liu, Shu.  Alone and Out of Sight:  Zhou Xuan's private album.  Beijing:  Unity Press, 2007.  ISBN 978-7-80214-320-3.
*
_______.  Lonely Cold Star:  Shangguan Yunzhu.  Beijing:  Unity Press, 2007.  ISBN 978-7-80214-098-1.

--Biography of the popular actress (1922-1968), remembered for such classics as 《Long Live the Wife》, 《Myriad of Lights》,《A Spring River Flows East》and《Crows and Sparrows》, and who perished in the Cultural Revolution.
*
Shi, Man.  Li Lili:  a pictorial history of a Chinese star's life and movies from the 1930s to 1950s. Chongqing:  Chongqing Publishing House, 2007.   ISBN 978-7-53668-575-8.
*
Wang, Renmei and Xie Bo.  My Fame and Misfortune:  the memoirs of Wang Renmei.  Beijing:  Unity Press, 2007.  ISBN 978-7-80214-097-4.

--Posthumously published memoirs of the 1930s megastar (1914-1987).
*
Xie, Jin.  The Xie Jin Anthology:  caring.  Shanghai University Press, 2007.  ISBN 9787811180428.

--In-depth examination of three Xie Jin films which deal with people coping with natural limitations and other people's predjudices.  Includes many still photos from the movies, notes on their making, and commentaries from experts and film scholars.  The films discussed are: 《Youth》(1977), which deals with predjudice against the deaf;《Venus》(1992), which looks at the problems of the mentally retarded; and《The Old Man and the Dog》, which examines ageism.
*
Zhang, Wei.  Old Shanghai Cover Celebrities.  Shanghai Century Publishing, 2007.  ISBN 9787532623013.

--collected biographical articles  of 27 classic-era stars who were frequent film magazine cover subjects.
* 
__________, and Zhou Yuan.  Old Shanghai Covers.  Shanghai Dictionary Press, 2007.  ISBN 7532623017.

--collection of classical era movie magazine covers which featured stars.
*
Zhao, Weifang.  History of Hong Kong Movies, 1897-2006.  Beijing:  China Film Art Research Center, 2007.  ISBN 978-7-50435-300-9.
*
Zhong, Dafeng and Shu Xiaoming.  Chinese Film History.  Beijing:  China Radio and Television Press, 2007.  ISBN 978-7-50432-784-0.

--A survey of China's cinematic history, designed as a textbook for film studies courses. 
*
Zhou, Wei and Chang Jing.  Biography of Zhou Xuan.  Beijing:  Contemporary Economic Press, 2007.  ISBN 978-7-80221-340-1.

--Biography of the 1930s-40s megastar singer/actress (1920-1957).

China's Emerging Young Women Directors

    At Cannes this past spring, New Zealand director Jane Campion spoke out about the dearth of women in film directing, urging that more women combat the "old boys network" she blamed for the heavily male domination of the profession.  As she put it, women directors "represent half of the population and gave birth to the whole world."  Or, as Chairman Mao wrote, "women are holding up half the sky."  I have read that only 6% of film directors are women, but I don't know if that means worldwide, or just the US, or what.  Earlier this year, Entertainment Weekly published its list of the "25 Greatest Active Film Directors," but not one woman was included.
     Women directors are more common in China, though still outnumbered by men; and while in the past the most accessible route to that profession has been graduation from the directing department of Beijing Film Academy, both men and women directors are now gaining access via other means. Several young women directors are now emerging to join the established pool of veterans in the Chinese film industry, some from acting, some from other fields, but whatever the source, the following six bear watching. (It will probably be seven soon, as acting star Vicki Zhao Wei recently completed her coursework in the Master's program at BFA, and I'm sure her first studio effort will follow before long.)

    But until then, the following are emerging:  [click on any photo for larger image]

1.  Greatest reputation:  Xu Jinglei (徐静蕾).    

    Xu has the strongest reputation for directing accomplishment among this group.  Since making her screen acting debut in 1997's "Spicy Love Soup," the first of over 30 acting credits, Xu moved behind the camera in 2003 with "My Father and I," and has since then directed and/or written two more big screen productions, the most lauded being 2004's "Letter from an Unknown Woman," which she produced, directed and wrote, adapting her screenplay from the Austrian novel Brief einer Unbekannten by Stefan Zweig (1881-1942).    Critics have applauded her talent for directing the overall production, and not just herself (a problem often encountered by actors-turned-directors).   But while her films have been critically successful, none to date has matched that acclaim at the box office.  For her next film, due out next year, Xu reportedly will turn from artistic creations to something more commercial, so time will tell.

2.  Tops at the box office:  Jin Yimeng (金依萌) [left].

     Musician, cartoonist, and holder of a Master's degree in directing from Florida State University in the US, Jin Yimeng returned home to direct the romantic comedy "Sophie's Revenge," produced by and starring Zhang Ziyi.  "Sophie" dominated the Chinese box office for weeks following its August 14 release, doing over US$14.5 million in its first month.  Jin is also reported to have a laid-back, low-key personality, making her easy to work with.  But the big question mark is whether she can follow up her smash first effort with a second hit.  

3.  Most temperamental:  Yu Feihong (俞飞鸿) [right]. 

  Western filmgoers who saw 1993's examination of Chinese mother-daughter relationships, "The Joy Luck Club," may also recall Yu Feihong.  She played the younger Ying Ying, the movie's most tragic figure, a young mother so distraught by her abusive and philandering husband she accidentally drowns their baby boy.  Yu (who also uses the name Faye Yu) has turned to directing, and her first effort is "Eternal Beloved," a romantic, historical ghost story.  In addition to directing and acting the female lead, Yu also co-produced, and adapted the screenplay from a popular Chinese novel.  In an interview, Yu referred to herself as "schizophrenic," and admitted losing her temper on several occasions with her actors, both men and women. Whether this will affect her directing career or the willingness of others to work with her remains to be seen. 

 

4.  Youngest:  Yang Ziting (杨紫婷).

     Still in her 20s. Yang gained considerable attention by her promotional campaign for her first directing effort "Chungking Beauty."  She had a batch of sexy photos taken of herself on the set, in various brief costumes, then uploaded these to the internet.  The film hasn't been released yet, but she has already gained it considerable attention by her boldness and sex appeal. 

[left, Yang Ziting in about the only one of her publicity photos I can include here without triggering parental control software all over the planet]

 

5.  Most controversial:  Li Yu (李玉).  

    TV host-turned-film director Li has made many films, but her last effort "Pingguo" (苹果) [Apple aka Lost in Beijing] certainly drew attention, as it gained her and the film's producer a two-year suspension in China for supposedly pornographic content, plus exhibiting it uncut at the Berlin International Film Festival.  Although heavily cut for the Chinese market, it still hasn't been released there, dooming it as a money-maker despite having garnered several awards at various international festivals.  Li's next project is unannounced, but she has indicated in interviews she intends to continue pushing the censorial envelope. 

6.  Most literary:  Yin Lichuan (尹丽川). 

     Yin Lichuan came to movies from another art form -- literature.  One of China's most prolific young poets, she also published a best-selling collection of short stories in 2001 and a novel in 2002.  After studying at the ESEC film school in France, Yin returned to China to try her hand at directing, with 2007's "The Park." She flashed a bit of temper at one press event when she said the critics who dubbed her the "beautiful director" did so because they were "afraid of talented women." Yin made another film last year, but currently there is no news of forthcoming projects. 

 

Lunar New Year Releases

    In China, as in the U.S., holiday movie releases are eagerly anticipated by studios and filmgoers alike, but the holiday is Spring Festival -- Lunar New Year --  and the run-up to it.  The Year of the Ox is winding down, the Year of the Tiger is on the horizon, beginning February 14, relatively late this year. The last two holiday seasons saw the release of two very successful films from director Feng Xiaogang, the war drama "Assembly" and the romantic comedy "If You Are the One."  Although a new release from Feng is lacking this year, holiday audiences will still have a screen smorgasbord to feast on, with the chance to see Chinese A-list stars Jackie Chan, Chow Yun-Fat, Donnie Yen, Jay Chou, Leon Lai, Aaron Kwok, Vicki Zhao, Chen Kun and Andy Lau, plus new productions from top tier directors Zhang Yimou, Wang Jing, and the Pang brothers.  So it is no exaggeration to say this is the most powerful lineup in the history of New Year's releases.   Time will tell how successful these are, and when (if ever) they have theatrical release in the West, but here are the 10 most anticipated Chinese movies slated for holiday release.  (Release dates are for general release in China; some may have earlier limited release.)
    We will look more closely at each of these films and their makers in upcoming posts, including details on their filming and interviews with their makers from the Chinese entertainment media.

[Click on any poster for larger image]

1. Mulan
Chinese title:  "Hua Mulan"《花木兰》
Release date:  December 8.

Director:  Ma Jingle
Principal cast:  Vicki Zhao, Jaycee Chan, Chen Kun

What should work:   Work on "Mulan" began just after the 2009 Lunar New Year with director Ma Jingle putting together a strong team of talent to make this costume war movie.  The star of the team, the biggest draw, is Vicki Zhao, a major figure in Chinese film and TV over the past decade. For this film she changes her past image of a strong-willed girl to that of a famous Chinese heroine, Mulan, and those who have seen pre-release screenings say the contrast is simply amazing.  The movie has epic battle scenes and an underlying love story, ingredients for a major commercial success.

What might not:   A large-scale film, very large.  Chinese audiences have great expectations for their domestic productions, and those expectations are higher for a major production, especially one as hyped in the media as this one.  In addition, the Mulan legend is a very familiar one to Chinese, and making a satisfying adaptation presents a considerable challenge.

 

2.  Storm Warriors 2
Chinese title:  "Feng Yun 2"《风云2》
Release date:  December 10.

Directors:  Danny Pang, Oxide Pang 
Principal cast:  Aaron Kwok, Ekin Cheng, Charlene Choi, Nicholas Tse, Simon Yam, Tang Yan.  

What should work:  "The Storm Riders" set box office records in China 11 years ago, and its special effects opened a new page for Chinese language films.  Now we have the sequel, retitled in English as "Storm Warriors 2" and with the Pang brothers at the helm.  It has already created quite a stir of anticipation among fans of the original, and with Aaron Kwok and Ekin Cheng returning from the first entry, offers good star power.  Add to the cast Charlene Choi, Simon Yan, Nicholas Tse and Tang Yan, and it would seem "Storm Warriors 2" should be a can't miss.  (The producers must see it this way, as "Storm Warriors 3" is already in the works.)

What might not:   The packaging of "Storm Warriors 2" as a macho, Hong Kong-flavored martial arts epic may turn away some women viewers, and while Aaron Kwok and Ekin Cheng are already veteran stars, they have not proven to be box office dragons in the past. All filming was done on location in Thailand, resulting in some lingering customs clearance problems.  But final judgement will be made by Chinese audiences who have experienced super-scale Hollywood productions, and that could make it difficult to sell the million or so tickets needed for profitability.  

3.   A Simple Noodle Story  
Chinese title:  "Sanqiang Pai An Jing Qi" 《三枪拍案惊奇》
Release date: December TBA

Director: Zhang Yimou
Principal cast:  Xiao Shenyang, Yan Ni, Sun Honglei, Ni Dahong 

What should work:  Whether good or bad, in recent years any film directed by Zhang Yimou has had considerable domestic box-office appeal, and the producers have already boasted this Chinese remake of "Blood Simple" will bring in CNY400 million [US$58.5 million]. While some observers think this exaggerated, no one can ignore the box office potential of a Zhang movie. Couple that with the intricate twists and turns of the plot and TV favorite Xiao Shenyang making his big screen debut, it would seem breaking through the initial 100 million mark would be easy.

What might not:   Although "A Simple Noodle Story" has been set for Lunar New Year holiday release, the specific date is still undetermined, and so far there has not been a significant publicity campaign for it. This often indicates that producers have doubts about a film's staying power, so hold it back for later release, when the competition might be less formidable.  In addition, the film's lead actors, Xiao Shenyang, Sun Honglei, etc. have yet to prove their box-office appeal; only director Zhang has accomplished this, but without battle scenes or such international stars as Gong Li, Chow Yun-Fat, Zhang Ziyi and Jet Li, can even Zhang assure box office success?

4.  The Treasure Hunter   
Chinese title:  "Ci Ling"《刺陵》 
Release date: December 9

Director: Chu Yen-ping
Principal cast: Jay Chou, Lin Chi-ling, Chen Daoming, Eric Tsang 

What should work:  Jay Chou's presence:  this pop music megastar has a fan base that practically guarantees some box office for any movie in which he appears. Advance reports are that "Treasure Hunter"  is an "Indiana Jones"-type of action film, which combined with Jay's drawing power should be a guarantee of success. 

What might not:  Chou's films have always been regarded as cultural fast food, and Jay has all along been a singer, not an actor.  Reports are that "The Treasure Hunter" has some great special effects, but movies that rely on these often counter that strength by dumbing down the story to please audiences.

5.  Bodyguards and Assassins
Chinese title:  "Shiyue Wei Cheng"《十月围城》 
Release date: December 18

Director: Teddy Chen
Principal cast:  Donnie Yen, Leon Lai, Nicholas Tse, Wang Xue Qi, Fan Bingbing, Li Yuchun, Zhou Yun, Eric Tsang, Bateer 

What should work:  Even if you just take into consideration the film's all-star cast, it looks impressive on paper.  It relates a most critical date in the history of the Chinese revolution:  the 1905 plot to assassinate Sun Yat-Sen in Hong Kong before he could organize the Chinese revolution that overthrew the Manchu empire, and how people from various walks of life heroically laid down their own lives to protect him.  The setting of central Hong Kong has been reconstructed from scratch on a scale of 1:1, at the most generous financial outlay for a Chinese language film in recent years.

What might not:  Success or failure may rely on performances, especially from those who are relative screen newcomers.  Although indeed a cast of stars, not all are film stars, and some of those in the cast may be there because of their box office potential, and not necessarily because they were most suited to their role: two examples are ethnic Mongolian basketball star (and former US NBA player) Ba Te Er and Chinese pop singer Li Yuchun [aka Chris Lee].

6.  No Man's Land  
Chinese title"  "Wu Ren Qu" 《无人区》
Release date: December TBA

Director: Ning Hao 
Principal cast: Xu Zheng, Huang Bo, Yu Nan 

What should work:  Ning Hao's dark comedy "Crazy Stone" created a frenzy among young Chinese filmgoers, and his follow-up comedy "Silver Medalist" easily broke through the CNY100 million [US$14.5 million] threshold.  For the story line of his latest effort, Ning's first New Year's release deals with poaching in China's west, another in the growing trend of setting productions in that harsh region.  With its attractive subject matter and Ning Hao's past successes, "No Man's Land" should get its share of holiday box office.

What might not:  At present, Ning Hao has not done much publicity work for the film, so it's not known if he has continued his successful past narrative technique with this one.  (It certainly doesn't sound like a comedy.)  In addition, none of the cast are A-list although it does include Xu Zheng and Huang Bo from his earlier successes, as well as my personal favorite Yu Nan (as a pole dancer in a bar!).  These things in combination could put "No Man's Land" at a competitive disadvantage. 

7.  Confucius
Chinese title:  "Kongzi"《孔子》
Release date:  December TBA

Director: Hu Mei 
Principal cast: Chow Yun Fat, Zhou Xun, Ren Quan, Jian-Bin Chen

What should work:  Two obvious strengths:  first, superstar Chow Yun-Fat, whose name on an Asian marquee is a virtual box-office guarantee; second, this film is clearly aimed at the global market, and the character of Confucius should aid in worldwide marketing.  

What might not:  It's an art film, and art films rarely match critical acclaim with Chinese box-office strength.  From the award-winning (including the Golden Lion at Venice) "Still Life" and last year's literary masterpiece biopic of Mei Lanfang, "Forever Enthralled," we can foresee potential limited appeal.  If younger audiences were not attracted by a historical subject from the 1920s (Mei Lanfang), will they be drawn in by one from about 500BC?

8.  Future X-Cops  
Chinese title:  "Weilai Jingcha" 《未来警察》
Release date: January 2010

Director: Wong Jing 
Principal cast:  Andy Lau, Fan Bingbing, Xu Xi Yuan, Xu Jiao, Eric Tsang, Fan Shiu Wong 

What should work:  Wong Jing has a lengthy track record of commercial blockbusters, and for this one he spent CNY200 million [US$29 million] on building an amazing world of the future.  In addition to matinee idol Andy Lau, it has Fan Bingbing, Xu Xiyuan, Fan Shiu Wong and Eric Tsang -- a mixture of both familiar and newer stars.  By combining sci-fi + action + romance, it would seem to be exactly the type of escapist entertainment holiday audiences are seeking.

What might not:  It's a science fiction movie, and Hollywood blockbusters of this genre have set the standard by which Chinese audiences are likely to judge it.  Its one hope is to so captivate the audience they will appreciate it as a good domestic production, without consciously and continuously making comparisons.  However, if "Future X-Cops" turns out to be another "Forbidden City Cop 009," it is difficult to imagine it having much box-office success.

9.  Little Big Soldier  
Chinese title:  "Da Bing Xiao Jiang" 《大兵小将》
Release date: Spring 2010

Director: Ding Sheng
Principal cast:  Jackie Chan, Wang Lee-Hom 

What should work:  In 2008, the pairing of Jackie Chan and Jet Li in "The Forbidden" inspired the martial arts community, and while its plot was ordinary and at times incoherent, Chinese audiences flocked to see the rare site of these two kung fu icons fight.  In this Chinese New Year holiday period, Chan faces off with a new opponent, Chinese-American singer/actor Wong Lee Hom [aka Alexander Wang].  A costume film relating the dangerous adventures of an old soldier and the young general he has kidnapped should give the film limitless Chinese box-office appeal, as Chan's pictures usually have.

What might not:  The one disadvantage (and it's a very small one) is that it will be released fairly late in the spring holiday season, and many filmgoers may have expended their entertainment budgets by then. But if the movie matches the box-office performance of previous Chan New Year's movies, the only concern will be whether Chan's middle-aged character can still win a fight.

10.  14 Blades
Chinese title:  "Jin Yiwei" 《锦衣卫》
Release date:  February 4, 2010

Director:  Daniel Lee
Principal cast:  Donnie Yen, Vicki Zhao, Sammo Hung

What should work:  Strong leads and supporting cast, generous production budget, and simultaneous holiday release in China, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia, with HK one week later.  Set in the Ming dynasty, the Chinese title means "The Brocaded Guards," which refers to the elite imperial guard sworn to protect the Emperor and his family, and obey orders only from him.  They were called that because of the ornate embroidery they wore on their uniforms.  Pre-screening comments have praised the movie's entertainment value, and in granting its release certificate China's Video Film Board called it "one of the most enjoyable" of the New Year's releases. 

What might not:  As with all big-budget productions, results could fall short of expectations. Much of the advance publicity plays up the Yen-Zhao love story:  will they have the requisite on-screen chemistry?

 

 

Interview with Zhao Wei: whirling like a gyroscope

[Vicki Zhao Wei.  Click on image for full size]

[2009 has been a busy year for Vicki Zhao Wei (赵薇):  as the voice-over narrator for the following interview expressed it, she has been "whirling like a gyroscope."   In addition to working on her master's degree in directing from the Beijing Film Academy, Zhao Wei was recently appointed Vice-Chairperson of the China Film and Performing Arts Association, finished work on a 34-part TV miniseries in which she had the female lead, and her latest theatrical movie, the epic "Mulan," in which she plays the title role, will premiere on December 8.   She recently sat down for an interview with Hunan TV, mainland China's most entertainment-oriented television channel.  The following is a translation of that interview; the original Chinese transcript is at the station's website.  The interviewer was unidentified.  Notes in brackets, like this one, are the translator's comments, added as clarification and additional information for the reader.]  

My graduation project is a regular movie

Reporter:  You're now Mulan, as well as the female lead in "14 Blades."  Including your earlier roles as Sun Shangxiang [in Red Cliff] and Xiao Yanzi [in the 1998-99 TV miniseries, "My Fair Princess"], your characters have all been heroines; is this relevant to your own personality?
Zhao:   It's because I'm not good at playing "flower vase" [eye candy] roles!  In my view, the type of roles I have played are the type I jump at, they mean much to me personally, as they motivate me to create. If a role is that of a very docile, fragile woman, the sort who hides behind a man all day, to me that sort of role is not sufficiently worth doing.

Reporter:  Who do you believe has more [directing] heft, Zhang Yimou or Chen Kaige?
Zhao:  Zhang Yimou, because the Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies -- should someone like me even be answering that?  That must offend someone? 

Reporter:  Why don't you -- like a lot of other stars -- have your family living with you in Beijing?
Zhao:  My parents both have their own characters, more than I have, and they like living where they came from.  They came to Beijing, stayed for a week, and then left, saying "We're going home, we won't come again."  They just feel more comfortable in their own home.

Admission to graduate school shocked the whole family

Reporter:   What is life like not having your family with you?
Zhao:  I was very independent even in childhood.  When I was in first or second grade, Mom and Dad stopped making breakfast for me.  Many parents would feed their children eggs and milk for breakfast, even take them to school.  I never had that unless there was an exam the next day for advancing in grade; on those times my mother would get up and fix breakfast for me.

Reporter:  What was your family's reaction when you first decided to leave Anhui and go to Beijing for the university entrance exams?
Zhao:  When they knew that, they were very surprised, saying "that's great, we didn't know your ambitions were that high."  Their attitude regarding me has always been that I should do what I loved. Later, when I was admitted, they thought it was wonderful, but it came as a total surprise.  In the end, when I was admitted as a graduate student, my whole family was very shocked that I had suddenly turned them into a most scholarly family. 

Reporter:  If you had to choose between fame and fortune, which would it be?
Zhao:  Fortune!  One gets weary of just being "known," but who ever gets tired of making money?

Naiveté almost ruined me

Reporter:  Before you've seen [one of your] movies or TV series, how do you feel about it?
Zhao:  I feel I've acted my role quite well.  And now that I have greater depth of experience, when I look back on my past performances I also have to say I did very well.  When I look now at the original "Xiao Yanzi," I find it was indeed quite valuable, and I still think it was a good performance.

Reporter:  Other than acting, do you now consider things you have said or done in the past that were due to naiveté?
Zhao:  When I was just getting to be famous, I wasn't exactly a model of maturity, what I most liked to eat and drink, that is what I ate and drank.  I filled out my figure so much, that my lord!  I simply was so naive it almost ruined me.  For instance, if you asked me now what my favorite foods are, I might say tofu, green tea and the like, but if you had unexpectedly asked me back then to list five things, they would all be fattening, like dumplings, chocolate, beef...  Heavens, it's a wonder I'm not fat now. 

Chinese Language Movies Adapted From Foreign Literary Works Updated

    Our page listing these adaptations has been updated through 2006.  Later Chinese productions will be added as they come to my attention.  Given the radically altered political situation post-1949, most of the films listed prior to the 1980s are understandably Hong Kong or Taiwan productions.  Further updates will be announced here as a post.