Dive into the rich tapestry of Chinese history with these ten films that bring to life the grandeur, the strategy, and the sheer spectacle of ancient Chinese warfare. From legendary heroes to epic sieges, these movies offer a window into the past, showcasing the valor and the drama of historical battles. Whether you're a history buff or just love a good war epic, this collection is a treasure trove of cinematic storytelling, now accessible with English dubbing for a broader audience.

The Emperor and the Assassin (1998)
Description: Set in the Warring States period, this film explores the assassination attempt on the King of Qin, who later becomes the first Emperor of China, and the political intrigue surrounding it.
Fact: The film was a major production with a reported budget of $15 million, making it one of the most expensive Chinese films of its time.


Red Cliff (2008)
Description: A two-part epic that dramatizes the Battle of Red Cliffs, one of the most famous battles in Chinese history, where the forces of the southern warlords united to defeat the northern warlord Cao Cao.
Fact: The film was shot in mainland China with a budget of $80 million, making it one of the most expensive films ever produced in Asia at the time.


The Warlords (2007)
Description: This film delves into the turbulent Taiping Rebellion, focusing on the complex relationships among three sworn brothers, highlighting the brutal realities of war and the quest for power.
Fact: The film was a box office hit in China and was nominated for 14 awards at the 27th Hong Kong Film Awards, winning 8, including Best Director.


The Battle at Lake Changjin (2021)
Description: This epic war film depicts the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War, showcasing the Chinese People's Volunteer Army's resistance against the United Nations forces.
Fact: It became the highest-grossing film of all time in China, surpassing even Hollywood blockbusters.


The Great Wall (2016)
Description: While not strictly historical, this film uses the backdrop of the Great Wall to tell a fantastical tale of a mercenary's encounter with an ancient Chinese army fighting mythical creatures.
Fact: It was the first English-language film directed by Zhang Yimou, known for his visually stunning films.


The Taking of Tiger Mountain (2014)
Description: Based on a true story from the Chinese Civil War, this film dramatizes the siege of a bandit stronghold by the People's Liberation Army.
Fact: The film was a major commercial success, grossing over $140 million at the Chinese box office.


The Battle of Jangsari (2019)
Description: Although primarily focused on the Korean War, this film includes significant Chinese involvement, depicting the battle where Chinese volunteers played a crucial role.
Fact: The film was a co-production between South Korea and China, highlighting the international cooperation in its production.


The Last Supper (2012)
Description: This film portrays the siege of Yangzhou during the Qing dynasty, focusing on the last stand of the Ming loyalists against the Manchu invaders.
Fact: The film was praised for its historical accuracy and the portrayal of the tragic events leading to the fall of Yangzhou.


The Crossing (2014)
Description: Set during the Chinese Civil War, this film follows the harrowing journey of Nationalist soldiers and civilians fleeing to Taiwan after the Communist victory.
Fact: The film was directed by John Woo, known for his action-packed movies, and features a star-studded cast.


The Founding of an Army (2017)
Description: This film chronicles the founding of the People's Liberation Army, focusing on the Nanchang Uprising in 1927, a pivotal event in the Chinese Communist Party's history.
Fact: It was released to coincide with the 90th anniversary of the founding of the PLA.
