Movies and Shows Similar to ‘Saturday Fiction’

Description: An epic historical drama that chronicles the life of China's last emperor, capturing the grandeur and tragedy of a bygone era. The film's opulent visuals and intimate portrayal of a man caught in the tides of history are compelling.

Fact: It was the first Western film granted permission to shoot in the Forbidden City. The film won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Description: A sweeping historical drama that intertwines personal and political turmoil, set against the backdrop of China's tumultuous 20th century. The film's emotional depth and exploration of identity and sacrifice are profound.

Fact: It was the first Chinese film to win the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The lead actors spent months training in Peking opera for their roles.

Description: A melancholic and visually lush romance set in 1960s Hong Kong, exploring themes of longing, restraint, and unspoken emotions. The film's slow pacing and emphasis on atmosphere create a deeply immersive experience.

Fact: The iconic cheongsam dresses worn by Maggie Cheung were all custom-made for the film, totaling over 20 different designs. The film was shot without a completed script, with much of the dialogue improvised.

Description: A visually arresting martial arts epic that uses color and symbolism to tell a layered story of honor and sacrifice. The film's stylized action and philosophical undertones are deeply resonant.

Fact: The film was the first Chinese-language movie to top the U.S. box office. Director Zhang Yimou used different color palettes for each segment of the story to reflect different perspectives.

Description: A visually spectacular martial arts romance that combines breathtaking action with a tragic love story. The film's vibrant colors and choreographed fight sequences are mesmerizing.

Fact: The bamboo forest fight scene took over a month to shoot and required intricate wirework. The film was shot in Ukraine due to its similar landscapes to ancient China.

Description: A visually stunning drama that delves into the secretive world of geishas, exploring themes of love, ambition, and cultural tradition. The film's exquisite cinematography and emotional narrative are deeply engaging.

Fact: The film's lead actress, Zhang Ziyi, had to learn Japanese for her role, as she is a native Mandarin speaker. The production recreated 1920s Kyoto in California due to filming restrictions in Japan.

Description: A lavish historical drama filled with political intrigue and familial betrayal, set in the opulent Tang Dynasty. The film's grand scale and intense emotional drama are captivating.

Fact: The film features over 10,000 extras in its climactic scene, making it one of the most expensive Chinese films ever made. The costumes were designed to reflect the extravagance of the Tang Dynasty, with some weighing over 40 pounds.

Description: A visually stunning martial arts film that blends historical drama with poetic storytelling, focusing on the life of a legendary martial artist. The film's meticulous attention to period detail and its exploration of personal and national identity resonate deeply.

Fact: The fight scenes were choreographed by Sammo Hung, a legendary figure in Hong Kong cinema. The film was shot over three years due to its intricate production design and fight sequences.

Description: A slow-burning wuxia film that emphasizes atmosphere and visual poetry over action, focusing on a female assassin's moral dilemmas. The film's minimalist storytelling and breathtaking cinematography are striking.

Fact: The film won the Best Director award at Cannes for Hou Hsiao-Hsien. It was shot on location in remote parts of China, with many scenes using only natural light.

Description: A lush and twist-filled psychological thriller set in 1930s Korea, blending romance, deception, and revenge. The film's intricate plot and sumptuous visuals create a captivating and immersive experience.

Fact: The film is based on the novel 'Fingersmith' by Sarah Waters, but transposes the story from Victorian England to colonial Korea. It features elaborate sets built to replicate Japanese-occupied Korea.