5 fun family films for Lunar New Year: from Hong Kong classics like ‘Fat Choi Spirit’ to animated flicks like ‘Wish Dragon’
- South Korean movie ‘Extreme Job’ tells the story of a drug bust gone wrong thanks to delicious chicken, while laughs abound in Singapore’s ‘Reunion Dinner’
- While not all these films centre on the traditional holiday, they’re all about love, friendship and the importance of family, making them the perfect watch
Andy Lau Tak-wah in a scene from the 2002 Hong Kong Lunar New Year film “Fat Choi Spirit”. Photo: China Star Entertainment GroupLunar New Year is a time to reconnect with family and friends and to express our love and blessings. In addition to the traditional reunion dinner and visits to flower markets, it is a chance to spend quality time with loved ones at home while enjoying feel-good movies. Whether you prefer classic Hong Kong flicks or more modern Disney films, here are five movies you can watch as a family – and which streaming service you can find them on.
Extreme Job (2019, Netflix)
Released during the Lunar New Year holiday season in South Korea in 2019, this comedy tells the story of a team of five detectives who open a fried chicken restaurant as part of an undercover drug-bust operation. However, their plan takes an unexpected turn when their restaurant becomes the talk of the town thanks to its delicious chicken. The humorous plot and thrilling action sequences make it an enjoyable watch.
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Fat Choi Spirit (2002, Netflix)
This classic Hong Kong Lunar New Year movie revolves around the theme of mahjong, a popular game played during the festival among families and friends. It follows a mahjong master (played by Andy Lau Tak-wah), whose family disowned him due to his gambling habit, as he embarks on a journey to win back the love of his family and his ex-girlfriend, all while facing challenges at the mahjong table with a local gang.
Despite being released over two decades ago, the movie remains an all-time favourite and is considered a must-watch during Lunar New Year.
Reunion Dinner (2022, Disney+)
Held on Lunar New Year’s Eve, the reunion dinner is a significant occasion for Chinese families, where the entire family comes together. This 2021 Singaporean movie tells the story of an engaged couple, Chaoyang (played by Lawrence Wong) and Zihong (played by Cya Liu), who plan for their parents to meet for the first time at a reunion dinner. However, Chaoyang is embarrassed by his mother, so he hires freelance actors to portray his family, leading to a series of unexpected events. The movie delves into family relationships and offers a heartfelt yet enjoyable viewing experience.
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The Adam Project (2022, Netflix)
Directed by Shawn Levy, this Netflix hit is a sci-fi action comedy that centres around the character of Adam Reed, portrayed by Ryan Reynolds, a time-travelling pilot. Set in the year 2050, Adam steals a time jet and travels back to 2018 in a desperate attempt to rescue his wife. Along the way, he forms an unlikely alliance with his younger self and his deceased father as they navigate the challenges of the past while striving to save the future.
Although this film isn’t about Lunar New Year, it is filled with laughter and tears and explores themes of family, loss, and love, making it a perfect choice for a family watch.
Wish Dragon (2021, Netflix)
Since we’re entering the Year of the Dragon, what better way to celebrate than by watching the animated comedy Wish Dragon? Set in Shanghai, this Chinese-American film follows a college student named Din, voiced by Jimmy Wong, who comes across a wish-granting dragon named Long, who Din hopes can help him reconnect with a childhood friend. The movie is about friendship and explores the meaning of life, love, and family, resonating with people of all ages.