Thessalonian

Is there any historical movie about ancient China (Han Dynasty for example)? It doesn't have to be a "western" film obviously. Chinese movies with English subtitles will do!

purakjelia

I suggest that you should watch some documentaries, because most films about ancient China are rather inaccurate.

purakjelia

This is a good documentary about ancient Chinese weapons. I know Chinese history and I can assure you that most of the weapons in this documentary are accurate. The History Channel did a good job in making these documentaries.

Thessalonian

I see. Well, I know that films are never as accurate as proper documentaries but I like the artistic view on history as well.

purakjelia

Well, if you are not familiar with ancient Chinese history, then maybe you should start with documentaries.

Thessalonian

I know the basics only.... Xia Dynasty, Oracle Bone script, Han etc.

HackneyedScribe

Red Cliff is about the Han dynasty (or rather, the end of the Han dynasty). People not familiar with the Three Kingdoms may find themselves getting lost though.

DreamWeaver

Battle of Wits

Yinxu

There are certainly a lot of Chinese historic TV shows. It's not pure history though, it's been revised and added stuff to fit more drama and romance into it. However you will be able to get a general idea of what life was like. Mind you most of these shows are about Emperors and Queens.

I would recommand "Mei Ren Xin Ji", which is about the second queen of Han Dynasty, its the most accurate portrayal of the Han Dynasty I've seen. In terms of esthetics it's a beautiful show. I would also recommand "Mei Ren Tian Xia" which is in the same 'series'. This is about young Wu Ze Tian while she was still Queen and her closest servant girl. It is also very beautifully done and very accurate.


I don't know if you understand Chinese. If you can find subtitled versions, definitely check them out!