Mandarin-language films provide a window into Chinese culture, history, and society, offering valuable educational opportunities for students studying Chinese language and culture. These films are an excellent way to immerse students in Mandarin while sparking important discussions. Here’s a curated list of 7 Mandarin films ideal for libraries and classrooms:
To Live
To Live tells the story of a couple’s struggles through decades of political upheaval in China, spanning the Chinese Civil War, the Great Leap Forward, and the Cultural Revolution. The film focuses on the personal cost of these large-scale events, illustrating the resilience of the human spirit.
Why it’s good for classes and libraries: To Live is a powerful way to explore the social and political changes in 20th-century China. It offers a poignant and human-centered perspective on the country’s history, making it an invaluable resource for history and social studies classes. Its themes of resilience, family, and survival during political upheaval resonate deeply and provide rich material for discussion in high school and college classrooms.
Get your copy of To Live on DVD here.
A New Old Play
This drama brings traditional Chinese theater to life, focusing on a group of theater students working to revive and modernize an ancient play. The film is a meditation on Chinese culture and the tension between preserving traditional art forms and adapting them for a contemporary audience.
Why it’s good for classes and libraries: A New Old Play is an exceptional film for teaching students about Chinese traditional arts, theater, and cultural preservation. It’s a great resource for Mandarin learners as it introduces classical Chinese culture and language, while also addressing modern societal challenges. The themes of balancing tradition with innovation make it a fantastic discussion starter in classrooms focused on cultural studies and performing arts.
Read our full review of A New Old Play here.
Youth (Spring)
Youth (Spring) is a documentary that takes us into the lives of young garment workers in Zhili, China, a town near Shanghai that is a hub for the children's garment industry. The film documents their daily lives as they work in small factories sewing clothes. Over the course of five years, the documentary follows the relationships, challenges, and dreams of the young workers, offering a window into their world filled with tension, personal struggles, and moments of joy.
Why it’s good for classes and libraries: Youth (Spring) provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of young workers in China’s manufacturing industry. It’s a great film for discussing labor rights, the economics of global production, and the social dynamics of China’s working class. The documentary can spark discussions in social studies, economics, and ethics classes, especially regarding working conditions, youth culture, and the pressures faced by young people in modern China.
Get your copy of Youth (Spring) on DVD here.
So Long, My Son
This film tells the emotional and generational story of two families whose lives are forever altered by the events of China’s One-Child Policy. Spanning several decades, the film reflects on the changing roles of parents and children in contemporary China, as well as the societal impact of government policies.
Why it’s good for classes and libraries: So Long, My Son offers a profound exploration of family, loss, and societal transformation in China. It’s particularly useful for discussions about China’s One-Child Policy, social change, and the complex relationships between generations. The film’s slow, deliberate pacing makes it ideal for advanced students studying Chinese culture, history, and social issues.
Get your copy of So Long, My Son on DVD here.
Hidden Letters
Hidden Letters is a documentary that follows two young women: one living in China today, and the other uncovering the history of the Nüshu script, a secret writing system developed by women in rural China to communicate and resist patriarchal norms. This film blends personal stories with historical discovery, offering an intimate look at gender, language, and the struggle for women’s rights in China.
Why it’s good for classes and libraries: This documentary is a great tool for discussing gender equality, linguistic diversity, and the role of women in Chinese society. It also presents an opportunity to explore the hidden histories that often go unnoticed in mainstream narratives, making it perfect for history, gender studies, and social science courses.
Read our full review of Hidden Letters here.
Wolf Totem
Wolf Totem is a historical drama based on the novel by Jiang Rong, set during the Cultural Revolution. The story follows a young Beijing student who is sent to Inner Mongolia to teach the local herders and becomes deeply involved with the region’s wolves. The film explores themes of environmentalism, cultural clash, and the importance of preserving traditional ways of life.
Why it’s good for classes and libraries: Wolf Totem offers a unique perspective on the intersection of politics, environmentalism, and culture in China. The film’s stunning landscapes and its depiction of the clash between modern China and traditional Mongolian nomadic life make it an excellent resource for students studying Chinese history, ecology, and cultural diversity. It also provides material for discussions on the importance of conservation and the relationship between humans and nature.
Get your copy of Wolf Totem on DVD here.
Last Train Home
The Last Train Home is a documentary that follows a migrant family’s journey back to their rural hometown in China during the Chinese New Year, capturing the hardships of millions of migrant workers who leave their families in search of better economic opportunities. The film provides an intimate view of the emotional and physical toll of migration on Chinese families.
Why it’s good for classes and libraries: The Last Train Home is a compelling resource for discussions on economic migration, labor, and the social implications of rapid urbanization in China. It’s particularly useful for sociology, economics, and Chinese history courses, offering students a window into the lives of migrant workers, and provides insights into the intersection of family, work, and Chinese society in the 21st century.
Get your copy of The Last Train Home on DVD here.
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