Netflix is an absolute goldmine when it comes to binge-worthy films, series and documentaries. No matter what your preference is, whether you love an action-packed drama, a soppy rom-com or a spine-tingling thriller, more often than not Netflix has something for you. As a matter of fact, you’ll also happen to find tons of options available in foreign languages too, which is one of the best ways to reinforce your language studies. By watching these series and films in the language you’re learning, you’ll notice that you’ll quickly get accustomed to different accents and dialects as well as pick up brand new vocabulary and phrases. For all of you studying Mandarin, or even those who want to take on a new language, we have some excellent suggestions for you!
Romantic
Us and Them
Now it’s the bank holiday, there is simply no better way to unwind whilst simultaneously improving your Mandarin comprehension than digging into a moving Chinese film. Available on Netflix, Us and Them is a love story about a couple who met on a train and fell in love. Over the years, life’s harsh realities and struggles make drift them apart… but what does the future hold for them? Don’t forget a box of tissues for this one.
Meteor Garden
The heart-warming yet hilarious Meteor Garden is about an ordinary girl who is determined to excel at her dream university, where she befriends and eventually falls in love with a clique of the wealthiest, most dashing and popular boys. A relaxing, easy-to-follow show that will have you in stitches, Meteor Garden is the perfect watch for a lazy afternoon of Netflix.
Put Your Head on My Shoulder
An accounting graduate is unsure what her future holds as she ends up living with a genius physics student, but the last thing she expected was to fall in love. Put Your Head on My Shoulder is a cute romantic drama that was a massive hit in China and overseas when released in 2019.
Somewhere Winter
When an estranged daughter is reluctantly forced to go back home by her mother, she soon finds herself sorting through decades of paraphernalia and discovers a lot about her mother’s past. I think we can all agree that a feel-good film always goes down a treat, and this nostalgic teen romance should be high up on your list. Get your treats ready, snuggle up on the sofa and put on Somewhere Winter for a perfect Sunday evening.
Unrequited Love
Unrequited Love is a brilliant series that follows a truly unique, yet beautiful, love story. Luo Zhi has always had a crush on the very charming, handsome Sheng Huainan throughout school and university, but when they finally get together they have to overcome some challenging obstacles. From meddling friends to tricky family situations, it’s not all plain sailing… but is their love strong enough to keep them together? Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster and have a tub of Ben & Jerry’s ready for this binge-worthy series.
A Beautiful Life
When a real estate mogul gets wasted at a karaoke bar, a kind policeman helps her out. Unexpectedly a special relationship begins to blossom, despite her complicated affair with a married man. Against all the odds, they fall in love, but can the couple survive the traumatic events in store for them? A Beautiful Life is a brilliant Chinese melodrama that explores every aspect of love and you’ll be drawn into the characters right from the off.
Sci-Fi
The Wandering Earth
The Wandering Earth (2019) is one of China’s highest grossing films to date and it’s truly a spectacular sci-fi movie. In the year 2061, the Sun is on the verge of expanding and destroying everything, so a group of daring heroes make a last-ditch attempt to propel Planet Earth out of the solar system in order to escape inevitable doom for human civilization. Action-packed, electrifying and with breath-taking Hollywood-esque special effects, this is a gripping watch.
Documentaries
Flavorful Origins
Netflix’s Flavorful Origins is a fantastic documentary series that delves into the culinary traditions of South-East China and the stories of the people who pour their heart and soul into making this delicious food. Each bitesize episode features a special dish prized in the Chaoshan region that you’ll never have come across before. This documentary is well-worth a watch as you will certainly get a bite of China and really learn a lot about what makes the local food so special.
Street Food: Asia
If you like Flavourful Origins and are a proper foodie, you better watch the mouth-watering Street Food: Asia documentary series on Netflix. In one of the episodes, they visit Chiayi in Taiwan, where the family-run markets are the life and soul of the city, but it comes at a price as they have to make a lot of sacrifices to provide this exquisite food. After feasting your eyes on the tofu puddings, goat stews and fish head soups, you will certainly get an appreciation for Taiwanese delicacies.
Crime & Action
Ip Man
Widely regarded as the best kung-fu film of a generation, Ip Man follows the remarkable true story of the master who mentored Bruce Lee. During the Japanese invasion of China, he was forced to leave his home, but he inspired the masses, gathered the remaining members of the city and fought back to reclaim what is theirs. Sure, kung-fu films might not necessarily be your cup of tea, but Ip Man is different as it’s one of the most iconic Chinese films of all time so it’s simply a must-watch.
The Victim’s Game
A Taiwanese Netflix crime series like no other, The Victim’s Game follows a forensic detective who discovers conspicuous evidence linking his estranged daughter to a series of brutal murders. Does he jeopardise the investigation or catch his daughter? Pulsating, shocking and unbelievably addictive, The Victim’s Game is a riveting watch. Be warned however, as it’s pretty gory and not for the faint-hearted!
Shadow
Shadow is a thrilling, action-packed film that follows a fearsome rivalry and battle between the neighbouring kingdoms of Pei and Jing. Set during China’s Three Kingdom’s era (AD 220-280), this is a beautifully filmed and choreographed classic that won numerous Golden Horse Awards as well as airing at the prestigious Venice and Toronto International Film Festivals back in 2018. Not only will it be a great watch, but it also will do wonders to your Mandarin comprehension and put your language skills to the test.
Internal Affairs
Rated at number 5 in IMBD’s top 100 Chinese films, Internal Affairs (2002) certainly lives up to the hype. It went down so well that director Martin Scorcese even adapted it into his own American crime film, ‘The Departed‘ (2006), which featured big Hollywood names like Leonardo Di Caprio, Matt Damon and Mark Wahlberg. The electrifying, action-packed film follows the story of a police officer who infiltrates the Chinese mafia, and another officer who is secretly working for the same gang. If you can’t get enough of the first film, then don’t worry as the sequels, Internal Affairs II and III, are also on Netflix and just as thrilling.
Triad Princess
Growing up in the shadow of her father, Angie is longing for independence and wanting to take control of her own life. Out of nowhere, she decides to defy her father’s wishes and run away from home to take on a gig as an undercover bodyguard. Triad Princess is not your typical princess story, and this action-packed, funny series will have you hooked straight away.
A Land Imagined
Winner of the top prize at the Locarno Film Festival 2018 along with many other prestigious international awards, A Land Imagined is about the disappearance of a lonely construction worker in Singapore and a police investigator’s mission to retrace the missing migrant’s steps. Cleverly written and with a stand-out performance from Peter Yu, make sure to catch this classic on Netflix.
The Rise of the Phoenixes
The Rise of the Phoenixes (2018) is a riveting series about a fallen Chinese dynasty with plenty of complex characters, family drama as well as an abundance of romance, tragedy and action. What more could you want? All of its 70 episodes (yes you read that correctly) are available on Netflix and it has been been enormously popular with viewers from across the globe, so kick back on your sofa, turn on the TV and enjoy a series that has it all!
Comedy
A Home with a View
Staying in tight living quarters with noisy neighbours, the Lo family often find themselves at each other’s throats. Despite all the arguing and squabbling, the panoramic view from their little flat keeps them all from going insane. However, one day, the sea view suddenly disappears after a billboard is illegally erected, so the family take up desperate measures to get rid of the wretched sight. A Home with a View is a light-hearted, silly film perfect for a lazy weekend as it will never fail to make you laugh-out-loud or bring a smile to your face.
Office Girls
A department store mogul sets his spoiled son up with a menial job to show that he is worthy and capable of taking over the family company. With the help of his female colleagues, he soon gets to grips with the real world and learns how normal people live. If you’re in need of an easy-watch this Bank Holiday, Office Girls is perfect for you and will do wonders for your Mandarin too.
Emotional Rollercoasters
A Sun
Whilst a father devotes all of his attention to his eldest child, who is trying to get into med school, his youngest son struggles to live up to his brother and soon finds himself on a path towards delinquency. The huge weight of expectation bears down on the family and tears them apart, but can they turn it around? Winner of multiple Golden Horse Awards, A Sun is a captivating, beautiful film and an emotional rollercoaster that will hit you right in the feels.
Dear Ex
Dear Ex is an amazing Taiwanese drama about a teenage boy who gets caught in the middle of a bitter feud between his mother and his deceased father’s gay lover. This is a unique film that conveys the different coping mechanisms with grief and also shows how traditional attitudes towards sexuality still exist despite all the progressiveness in Taiwan. Get your tissues ready for this film, as it is an emotional rollercoaster and one of the best Mandarin films out there.
Tigertail
Tigertail is about a man who reflects on his long journey from Taiwan to America. As a young lad, he left his factory job and jetted off to pursue his ‘American Dream’, however he was soon hit by some harsh realities. The emotional and financial sacrifice involved left a long-lasting strain on his family as he desperately tried to reconnect with his estranged daughter many years down the line. This multi-generational drama is an absolute gem that will certainly make you shed a tear or two!
Your Name Engraved Herein
Your Name Engraved Herein is a ground-breaking Taiwanese film about two high school boys who fall in love with each other just as the country lifts its martial law on gay marriage. Amid the transition to becoming the most LGBTQ-friendly country in Asia, the two battle against prejudices as their love stays strong. Your Name Engraved Herein is Taiwan’s all-time highest-grossing LGBTQ+ film ever, receiving 5 Golden Horse Award nominations in 2020, making it a must-watch for all Mandarin learners.
What are your favourite Mandarin films/series? Let us know in the comments!
Alongside these fantastic series and films, why not join one of our online or face-to-face Mandarin courses starting in a couple of weeks time to really kick-off your Mandarin language skills. Find out more here.