. Breakup Buddies
Director: Ning Hao Stars: Huang Bo, Xu Zheng
Premiere: September 6, Toronto International Film Festival
Release: September 30 (Chinese mainland)
Box office: RMB 1.16 billion
In 120 minutes, director Ning Hao not only piles up many unexpected jokes, but also incorporates timely Chinese pop culture into the film, establishing himself as the greatest commercial director of Chinas younger generation.
. The Monkey King
Director: Pou-Soi Cheang
Stars: Donnie Yen, Chow Yun-fat, Aaron Kwok, Peter Ho Release: January 31 Box office: RMB 1.04 billion
Only a few chapters of the Chinese literary classic A Journey to the West were adapted to make this film. Generations of Chinese people grew up with the book. The film utilizes considerable digital technology, presenting new visual effects and a reconstruction of this classic story.
. Where Are We Going, Dad?
Directors: Xie Dikui and Lin Yan
Stars: Jimmy Lin, Guo Tao, Tian Liang
Release: January 31 Box office: RMB 696 million
Based on a popular reality show about the relationship between father and child, Where Are We Going, Dad? has proven a successful big-screen adaptation. It moves spectators to both laughter and tears, culminating in a resounding commercial success. Still, some criticized the film for being only an “extended and deluxe version of a TV show.”
. The Breakup Guru
Directors: Deng Chao and Yu Baimei
Stars: Deng Chao, Yang Mi
Release: June 27 Box office: RMB 666 million
Chinese actor Deng Chao and screenwriter Yu Baimei co-directed the film. They showcase their understanding of comedy and ability to spread “positive energy” in the drama, which was well received.
. The Continent
Director: Han Han
Stars: Feng Shaofeng, Bolin Chen, Wallace Chung, Wang Luodan, Yuan Quan
Release: July 24 Box office: RMB 630 million
The road trip comedy was written and directed by famous contemporary Chinese writer Han Han. The directorial debut of Han, The Continent exhibits strong personal style and is tremendously popular among Hans fans.
. Fleet of Time
Director: Zhang Yibai
Stars: Eddie Peng, Ni Ni, Zheng Kai, Wei Chen
Release: December 5 Box office: RMB 545 million
Adapted from a novel of the same time, some critics dubbed Fleet of Time the “Bible of the youthful days of the millennial generation.”The film not only recounts a story about the youth of hero Chen Xun, but also his generation.
. The Man from Macau
Director: Wong Jing
Stars: Chow Yun-fat, Nicholas Tse, Jing Tian
Release: January 31 Box office: RMB 525 million
The comedy crime caper is the fourth installment of the God of Gamblers series with Chow reprising his role as the titular protagonist 20 years after he first played the role in 1994. Some of Chows most representative work on the big screen, the classic Hong Kong God of Gamblers franchise has enjoyed enduring popularity over decades. The result is an authentic Hong Kong-style New Year movie portraying a “God of Gamblers” in a realistic modern world through a wellplotted story.
. Tiny Times
Director: Guo Jingming Stars: Yang Mi,
Ko Chen-tung, Amber Kuo, Chen Xuedong
Release: July 17 Box office: RMB 522 million
Already the third installment of the Tiny Times series, its proven to be a charm in terms of box office revenue. Director Guo Jingming, who authored the novel of the same name, again is right in tune with the mentality of his target audience and his films continue to enjoy great popularity among young fans.
. My Old Classmate
Director: Guo Fan
Stars: Zhou Dongyu, Lin Gengxin
Release: April 25 Box office: RMB 456 million
Every archetypical memory and experience of millennials can be found in this movie. Living up to its tagline “sharing tears, laughter, and youth together,” the film aroused the memories of a generation.
. The House That Never Dies
Director: Raymond Yip Stars: Francis Ng Chun-yu, Ruby Lin, Qin Hailu Release: July 18 Box office: RMB 411 million
Inspired by a purportedly haunted mansion, Chaonei No. 81, in Beijing, the thriller weaves a love story into the suspense. To enhance horror effects, producers opted for 3D cameras exclusively for the entire film. It was the most acclaimed domestic thriller film of 2014.