The Foreign Film Challenge continues

Here's how it works. If you like foreign films, you may want to review this list. I am sorting through the newly-arranged (by language) foreign films and highlighting those that received a rating of 7 or better on imdb.com. So here I am continuing with the Chinese films. If you do have a chance to view any of them and you love them, please leave a comment and start a dialogue. Enjoy!


Good Bye, Dragon Inn (2003) Mandarin & Taiwanese
Bu san (original title)
In Taipei, a movie theater is closing, but not before one final film is shown -- "Dragon Inn," a 1967 action film that is the source of nostalgia for the moviegoers and employees in the old, decrepit and possibly haunted building. The eccentric projectionist and a crippled cashier along with two ghostly actors from the original film come to mourn the passing of an era.

Fallen Angels (1995) Cantonese

Do lok tin si (original title)

Set in contemporary Hong Kong, a disillusioned killer embarks on his last hit. He tries to overcome his affection for his cool, detached partner and sets out to find a surrogate. He crosses paths with a strange drifter and an amusing mute trying to get the world's attention in his own unconventional ways.

The Flowers of War (2011) Mandarin 

Jin ling shi san chai (original title)

A Westerner finds refuge with a group of women in a church during Japan's rape of Nanking in 1937. Posing as a priest, he attempts to lead the women to safety.

Happy Together (1997) Cantonese

Chun gwong cha sit (original title)

Yiu-Fai and Po-Wing arrive in Argentina from Hong Kong and take to the road for a holiday. Something is wrong and their relationship goes adrift. A disillusioned Yiu-Fai starts working at a tango bar to save up for his trip home. When a beaten and bruised Po-Wing reappears, Yiu-Fai is empathetic but is unable to enter a more intimate relationship.

Hero (2002) Mandarin

Ying xiong (original title)

In this visually arresting martial arts epic set in ancient China, an unnamed fighter is being honored for defeating three of the king's most dangerous enemies. When he recounts his battles with the assassins, the king begins to question some of the details. The king challenges the tales, interjecting his own take on these events.

House of Flying Daggers (2004) Mandarin

Shi mian mai fu (original title)

The Tang Dynasty is fighting to keep control over China, a battle they are losing to several rebel groups. One such group is the House of Flying Daggers, who steal from the wealthy and give to the poor. Two police deputies working with the government are ordered to investigate a young dancer who is rumored to be working with the House of Flying Daggers. But both men fall under her charms and decide to help her escape instead.

Ilo Ilo (2013) Mandarin

Set in Singapore during the 1997 financial crisis, this film chronicles the Lim family as they adjust to their newly arrived domestic helper, Teresa, who has come, like many others in search of a better life.