Though our gatherings are a little smaller than usual this year due to safe-distancing measures, that doesn’t stop us from stuffing our faces with pineapple tarts, kueh bangkit, prawn rolls, and just about any CNY snack that you fancy. Besides that, no Chinese New Year get-together is complete without turning the telly on to watch a classic movie or catch up on the latest binge-worthy TV series too.
Grab some bak kwa and gather your folks, because we’ve got a handful of films and TV shows on our list for all to enjoy during CNY. From classics like Kung Fu Hustle to Netflix’s new Bling Empire, here are a few gems that will turn you into a couch potato over the long weekend.
Films to watch during CNY
Ip Man (2008)
When Ip Man is on the telly, you simply can’t skip the martial arts masterpiece. Donnie Yen takes on the role of legendary wing chun grandmaster (who also counts Bruce Lee as one of his pupils), Yip Man and his early life in the Japanese-occupied prefecture of Foshan.
Caught up in the second world war, you can expect to see our protagonist pummelling one Japanese soldier after another in the tournament ring. Those who are practitioners of martial arts appreciated the authenticity and choreography in this film, which is why we’re always in for a treat with each viewing.
Watch Ip Man on Netflix.
Shaolin Soccer (2001)
As far as feel-good, laid-back Chinese movies go, Shaolin Soccer is a go-to movie. A skilled Shaolin kung fu devotee, Sing’s amazing “leg of steel” catches the eye of a soccer coach. Motivated to win big money in a national soccer competition, they assemble a squad of Sing’s former Shaolin brothers.
Using an unlikely mix of martial arts and newfound soccer skills, it seems like an unbeatable combination. That is until they face the dreaded Team Evil in the ultimate battle for the title. Expect over-the-top action, physical comedy and hilarious one-liners.
Watch Shaolin Soccer on iTunes.
Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
If the shenanigans in Shaolin Soccer made you cackle, you’ll love Stephen Chow’s next iconic flick: Kung Fu Hustle. He not only wrote and directed the film, but also had a lead role, playing a bullied underdog and petty crook who resorts to theft and blackmail before redeeming himself.
A homage to the martial arts films that Stephen Chow loved as a youth, the action-comedy tells the tale of two friends and their attempt to join the deadly Axe Gang. Naturally, nothing goes their way. They soon find themselves on a hilarious misadventure with secret kung fu masters and mystical assassins coming at them left, right, and centre.
Watch Kung Fu Hustle on Netflix.
881 (2007)
Here’s a flick that’s a little closer to home. Written and directed by local filmmaker Royston Tan, 881 is a musical comedy that takes a closer look at the getai scene in Singapore. If you aren’t familiar with getai, this movie will give you a crash course on it.
Follow two friends, Big Papaya, played by Yeo Yann Yann, and Little Papaya, played by Mindee Ong, as they hone their getai skills with the guidance from seasoned veterans. When they finally grace the stage, they soon gain vast popularity. This attracts the attention and jealousy of their competitors, the Durian Sisters.
Watch 881 on Netflix.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
2018 gave us Crazy Rich Asians, a Hollywood film with an all-Asian cast and a story set in Singapore. This was definitely a milestone moment for all Asians in mainstream cinemas. Based on Kevin Kwan’s 2013 best-selling novel, the movie takes its inspiration from the writer’s elite upbringing in Singapore. This modern-day story is laced with hilarious outrageousness created by extravagant lifestyles.
It follows Rachel Chu, played by Constance Wu, a woman of modest upbringing, and her relationship with Nick Young, played by Henry Goulding, a member of an affluent Singapore-based family that the unknowing heroine only discovers when the couple goes to the Southeast Asian country for a wedding. There, she has to face his jealous ex-girlfriend, wannabe partners, and an overbearing mother, played by Michelle Yeoh.
Watch Crazy Rich Asians on Netflix.
TV shows to watch during CNY
Bling Empire
If you haven’t fallen down the glamorous rabbit hole that is Netflix’s Bling Empire, you’re seriously missing out on some juicy drama. The reality show follows a group of super-wealthy Asians living in Los Angeles – think Crazy Rich Asians IRL – as they navigate their close-knit social scene and find extravagant ways to spend their fortunes.
One of the most talked-about personalities is Kane Lim, a Singaporean who moved to LA to chart his own path from the family business, which includes oil, gas, and real estate. Love it or hate it, you can’t deny that it’s difficult to take your eyes off the excess of luxury goods featured in the show, from supercars and high jewellery to over-the-top couture outfits and even designer kids’ clothes.
Watch Bling Empire on Netflix.
The Queen’s Gambit
There’s a reason The Queen’s Gambit became Netflix’s most-watched limited series when it was released. The show is about a chess prodigy Beth Harmon, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, which may have a slightly bland premise (who wants to watch hour-long episodes about chess?), yet the series is riveting.
The seven-episode series follows her journey through the world of competitive chess as she faces heartbreak, loss, and her struggles with addiction. Trust us, you’ll be itching to pull out the chessboard by the time you finish.
Watch The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix.
Cobra Kai (Season 3)
There’s a good chance that Cobra Kai, the sequel series to The Karate Kid, passed you by. Originally streaming on the rarely-used YouTube Premium platform, Cobra Kai is set over three decades after the events of the original film. It sees Daniel LaRusso’s bully and karate opponent Johnny Lawrence reform his ways and reopen the Cobra Kai dojo.
Now, the show is streaming on Netflix and it’s a sobering, bittersweet take on growing up, moving on from the past. There’s plenty of fan service for Karate Kid fans, including appearances from some of the original cast, but it’s a series that stands alone in its own right even if you aren’t familiar with the source material. There’s no better time to catch up on one of the most overlooked shows than during CNY.
Watch Cobra Kai on Netflix.
The Crown (Season 4)
For those who have yet to catch up on the series, The Crown charts the life of Queen Elizabeth II from the start of her reign up until the present day. Well, it will. This Netflix Original kicks off shortly before her coronation and up to its current season’s end, which finds her at an interesting precipice in her role as sovereign and as wife and mother.
It follows four decades (so far) in the life of Queen Elizabeth, with plenty of royal intrigues, familial conflict, and political strife to keep you hooked. The fourth and latest season depicts the marriage of Diana and Charles and explores the relationship between the Queen and Britain’s first female prime minister, Margaret Thatcher.
Watch The Crown on Netflix.
Lupin
Based on the literary adventures of Arsène Lupin, a gentleman thief created by French author Maurice LeBlanc in the early 20th century, Lupin brings the action into the present day. We follow Senegalese immigrant Assane Diop, a fan of Lupin’s who grew up reading LeBlanc’s novels and has grown to become a thief as an adult. Our protagonist is on a mission to clear the name of his father, who was wrongfully accused of a serious crime and died when Assane was a boy.
Over the course of Part 1, which totals five episodes (with Part 2 already on the way), Lupin adapts some of the most famous Arsène Lupin adventures while weaving in Assane’s mission for redemption. The result? An incredibly entertaining and emotionally-affecting drama that will leave you totally hooked. If you’re in the mood for some well-produced crime drama with a certain je ne sais quoi, then Lupin is the show for you.
Watch Lupin on Netflix.
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