Cantonese Movie Recommendations | Learn While Having Fun

We are back again with a good list of movie recommendations! At Inspirlang, we believe that learning a language should be fun and entertaining. One of the most favored ways  to learn a language is by watching dramas and movies. Our previous blog of TVB drama recommendations was really popular and received many positive responses. Some asked for more and here we are with our next list. But instead of Cantonese dramas, we have compiled a list of our favorite Cantonese movies. 

IP Man Series (葉問)

We are starting off with a crowd favorite. This movie series should be the most well known out of all the movies on this list. IP Man is a mixture of mindblowing martial arts scenes, touching nationalism, and patriotism. It mixed in events from World War II and the colonization of Hong Kong by the British Empire. IP Man, being a patriotic martial arts master, fought again and again in defense of Chinese pride. The series is touching, passionate, and will keep you on the edge of your seats. For those action martial arts movie lovers out there, this series is worth watching more than once. 

Blind Detective (盲探)

This is a movie I watched recently recommended by a friend of mine. It completely surpassed my expectations. Andy Lau, playing the character of a blind detective named Johnston, promises to help police officer Goldie (Sammi) on solving the case of her missing friend. The movie has a creepy and anxious atmosphere, yet, at the same time, comedic . The character interactions and the plot twists throughout the movie are unpredictable. Most people would probably guess the wrong culprit. But if you are confident in your detective skills, then I challenge you to watch this movie and pinpoint the actual victim (that’s a hint) and murderer. Even if it is not to take upon that challenge, check it out for a fun movie night!

72 Tenants of Prosperity (72家租客)

This is a modern spinoff of a classic Cantonese sitcom, 72 Household. The story starts with a love triangle ending with how it usually ends, a pair ending up in a happy relationship and one holding on to their feelings for many years. Three who used to be friends ended with two seeing each other as their archnemesis. Competitors in business and love, they struggle against raising rent and threatening cases of hydrochloric acid being thrown off roofs. Ironic as it is, their respective children fell in love with each other. But they will never be happy if their parents’ relationships never mend. This movie is loving, cozy, and hilarious. (There are even references to IP Man in this movie). It is definitely a strong recommendation.

Little Q (小Q)

A touching movie that documents the meaningful life of a guide dog, little Q. Starting life in a foster home, going through training, and getting matched to a suitable owner. Little Q goes through goodbyes and multiple events of attempted abandonment. But her loyalty persuaded her difficult blind owner to accept his circumstances and see the best in life. They became the most important part of each other’s life. Years pass and age catches on. Health becomes a problem and little Q is not spared by the cruelty of the life cycle. This movie gives us a good understanding of a guide dog’s responsibility and feelings. They are worthy of respect and gratitude. Fellow dog-lovers out there, I will warn you in advance: YOU WILL CRY. 

The White Storm 2: Drug Lords (掃毒2天地對決)

Starred by Andy Lau once again, this movie revolves around the battles of taking down the illegal drug business in Hong Kong. Andy Lau’s character, former gang member Yu Shun-Tin, despises drugs due to it leading to his family tragedy. His fellow friend Fung Chun Kwok, played by Louis Koo, was the total opposite. He became Hong Kong’s largest drug lord. Once friends, the two are now on opposing sides of the battle and Shun-Tin is determined in eliminating the use of illegal drugs. Packed with intense scenes of gang meetings and the miserable realities of addicts, this movie gives the warning needed.

Love on a Diet (瘦身男女)

You may notice that this is another movie starring Andy Lau and Sammi Cheng. Their chemistry is on another level and their natural acting skills just adds a different atmosphere to the films they’re in. The two play obese characters who met in a chance meeting. Sammi, being food obsessed due to the departure of her ex-boyfriend, latches on to Andy when he extends a casual helping hand. They find themselves making an odd but suitable pair. When Sammi finds out that her ex-boyfriend is still in love with her, she is determined to lose the weight before facing her ex once again. Andy gives his all to help her as he notices that he had fallen for her along the way. I will not spoil the movie for you, so you will have to watch it to know the ending. This movie is romantic and hilarious. It also has a good deal of interesting Cantonese vocabulary and slang you can learn.

An Autumn’s Tale (秋天的童話)

A romantic love story that takes place in the city of dreams, New York. The slow process of falling in love and the classic appearance of a love triangle, this movie is as relatable as it can be. It is kind of frustrating seeing the silent misunderstandings and the invisible barrier known as social status preventing two people from being together. Aside from the plot, the atmosphere and aesthetics of the movie will take you back to the good old days of early 2000s New York. It is a must watch for hopeless romantics in the fall. Add that to your movie list right now!

Infernal Affairs (無間道)

A nerve-wracking movie about spies and undercover police. Once again starred by Andy Lau partnered with Tony Leung. Andy plays a gang member that was sent into the police force as a spy at a young age, while Tony is an undercover police sent into the same organization Andy is a spy for. The two, not knowing each other’s real identity, became rather good friends. Tony is struggling with his double identity and wonders if he should give up being an undercover police officer. Andy also got used to his life in the police force and wanted to cut ties with the organization. They eventually find out each other’s real identities. You will have to watch to find out what they will do and whether they will believe each other’s real intentions. 

For my fellow movie lovers in New York, you can go check out the Metrograph theatre. They constantly have many old Cantonese available.

Watching movies to learn a language is effective and entertaining. It will keep you motivated and prevent your learning journey from becoming boring and miserable. Aside from movies, books and podcasts are also good resources you can utilize to accelerate your learning curve. Check out our variety of resources below!