Understanding the Fifth Generation of Chinese Cinema

In the 1970s and 1980s, filmmakers in Chinese mainland began to reflect on their cinematic history and introduced the concept of generational changes in film.

The directors who emerged from the early 1980s to the late 1990s are known as the Fifth Generation. They played a crucial role in the evolution of Chinese cinema.

Fifth Generation Film Directors

The core of the Fifth Generation comprises graduates from the Class of 78 at the Beijing Film Academy. The restoration of China's college entrance examination system allowed these individuals to attend the academy and engage in systematic film studies.

These young filmmakers are characterized by their talent, active thinking, energy, and innovation. In a societal context filled with new ideas and changes, they exhibit a stronger sense of rebellion compared to previous filmmakers and are more focused on a global perspective.

Specifically, the Fifth Generation filmmakers express dissatisfaction with the insincerity and formulaic nature of earlier films. They choose to present innovative, rich, and personalized expressions in their work. They place a strong emphasis on narrative strategy and visual styling, employing striking cinematic language in their storytelling.

As a result, the films produced by the Fifth Generation directors marked the beginning of a new era for Chinese cinema.

Zhang Junzhao and One and Eight (1983)

Zhang Junzhao (张军钊) was born in Beijing in 1952. He served in the Xinjiang Military Region for five years before being admitted to the directing department of the Beijing Film Academy in 1978.

One and Eight (一个和八个), a film directed by Zhang that tells the story of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, was the first attempt by the fifth generation of directors to oppose the whitewashing and superficiality of previous films.

Reflecting on One and Eight, Zhang Junzhao later expressed his feelings, saying, "Looking back, I see many traces of youth and naivety in this film. Perhaps it was our naivety, recklessness, and lack of sophistication at the time that made this film resonate. If we had allowed ourselves an escape route from the beginning, it might have turned out completely differently. I am glad that we did not look back."

Chen Kaige and Yellow Earth (1984)

Chen Kaige (陈凯歌) was born in Beijing in 1952 into an artistic family. He worked in the countryside, joined the army, and held various jobs before being admitted to the directing department of the Beijing Film Academy in 1978.

Yellow Earth (黄土地) is Chen Kaige's debut film, depicting the tragic experiences of a young girl in rural northern Shaanxi who seeks freedom in marriage during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

The film's innovative use of imagery, artistic style, and expression is rooted in a deep understanding of history and reality. Upon its release, it received a strong response and garnered significant attention, winning many awards both domestically and internationally. This success helped lay the groundwork for China's fifth generation of directors to gain recognition on a global scale.

Zhang Yimou and Red Sorghum (1988)

Zhang Yimou (张艺谋) was born in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, in 1950. He enrolled in the photography department of the Beijing Film Academy in 1978. After graduating, he contributed to various film projects as both a photographer and a leading actor. Red Sorghum (红高粱) marked his directorial debut.

The film Red Sorghum is adapted from the novel of the same name by the writer Mo Yan. It tells a legendary story and enhances the narrative through visual imagery, focusing on the intricacies of human nature and celebrating life.

Red Sorghum has become a classic, receiving numerous awards and achieving commercial success. Since this film, Zhang Yimou has consistently created financially successful movies up to the present day.