Top 10 Historical Films About Ancient China

Description: Although not exclusively about Ancient China, 'The Last Emperor' covers the life of Puyi, the last Emperor of China, from his childhood in the Forbidden City to his later years. It's a sweeping historical epic that provides insight into the end of an era.

Fact: The film was the first Western production allowed to film inside the Forbidden City in Beijing.

Description: Zhang Yimou's visually stunning masterpiece, 'Hero', explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the quest for peace through the lens of an assassination attempt on the King of Qin. Its breathtaking cinematography and martial arts choreography make it a must-watch for any fan of historical epics.

Fact: The film was shot in 35 days, and its color-coded narrative structure was inspired by the ancient Chinese philosophy of the Five Elements.

Description: While not strictly historical, 'The Great Wall' offers a fantastical take on the construction of the Great Wall of China, blending myth with history. It's an action-packed adventure with a nod to ancient Chinese legends.

Fact: The film was a co-production between China and the United States, marking one of the largest Hollywood investments in a Chinese film.

Description: Hou Hsiao-Hsien's 'The Assassin' is a visually poetic film about a female assassin in 9th-century China, torn between duty and love. Its minimalist storytelling and exquisite cinematography offer a unique take on historical narrative.

Fact: The film won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival in

Description: This film delves into the complex relationship between the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, and his would-be assassin, Jing Ke. It's a tale of power, betrayal, and the human cost of ambition, set against the backdrop of a unifying China.

Fact: The film was one of the most expensive Chinese films ever made at the time of its release, with a budget of over $15 million.

Description: Inspired by Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', 'The Banquet' is set in Ancient China and tells a tale of revenge, love, and political intrigue. Its lavish production and intense performances make it a standout in historical drama.

Fact: The film was originally titled 'The Legend of the Black Scorpion' but was changed to 'The Banquet' for its international release.

Description: Zhang Yimou's visually opulent film explores the dark undercurrents of family dynamics within the royal court of the Tang Dynasty. It's a story of intrigue, forbidden love, and the struggle for power, all wrapped in stunning visual splendor.

Fact: The film's set was so large that it took over 3,000 workers to build, and it was one of the most expensive Chinese films ever made.

Description: Set during the Taiping Rebellion, 'The Warlords' examines the bonds of brotherhood and the harsh realities of war. It's a gritty, emotional journey through loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for power in a turbulent era.

Fact: The film was a collaboration between Hong Kong, China, and South Korea, featuring some of the biggest stars from each region.

Description: Directed by Chen Kaige, 'The Promise' is a visually stunning fantasy set in an ancient, mythical China. It tells the story of a slave who becomes a warrior to fulfill a promise, exploring themes of love, destiny, and honor.

Fact: The film's visual effects were done by the same team that worked on 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy.