Chinese New Year 2025: Five Movies About Family Bonds
The Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is one of the most important celebrations in Chinese culture, symbolizing renewal, prosperity, and familial unity. This festival—rooted in centuries-old traditions—emphasizes the significance of family gatherings, feasting, and honoring ancestors.
As people worldwide prepare to welcome the Year of the Snake in 2025, watching films that echo these themes of familial bonds and cultural heritage can make the occasion even more meaningful. Here are five exceptional films that capture the spirit of family and offer a cinematic tribute to the essence of Chinese New Year 2025.
1. Eat Drink Man Woman (1994)

Ang Lee’s masterpiece, Eat Drink Man Woman, is an exploration of family dynamics, cultural identity, and the art of cooking. The story centers around a widowed master chef in Taipei and his three daughters, each experiencing life’s complexities. As the family gathers every Sunday for an elaborate dinner, tensions and secrets unfold around the table. This film beautifully portrays the universal language of food as a medium for love and connection, a sentiment deeply resonant with Chinese New Year traditions, where meals symbolize harmony and fortune. It reminds us to cherish the simple act of sharing a meal with loved ones, a tradition that fosters unity and understanding in our daily lives.
2. The Farewell (2019)

Directed by Lulu Wang, The Farewell is a heartfelt dramedy that examines the intersection of Eastern and Western values. The film follows a Chinese-American family returning to China under the pretense of a wedding to secretly say goodbye to their terminally ill matriarch, Nai Nai. This narrative emphasizes the lengths families go to protect and support one another, even through unspoken truths. Its tender yet humorous tone reminds us of the importance of togetherness during Chinese New Year, a time for reunion and remembrance. In our daily lives, the film encourages us to embrace family bonds and navigate cultural differences with compassion and understanding.
Directed by Lulu Wang, The Farewell is a heartfelt dramedy that examines the intersection of Eastern and Western values. The film follows a Chinese-American family returning to China under the pretense of a wedding to secretly say goodbye to their terminally ill matriarch, Nai Nai. This narrative emphasizes the lengths families go to protect and support one another, even through unspoken truths. Its tender yet humorous tone reminds us of the importance of togetherness during Chinese New Year, a time for reunion and remembrance. In our daily lives, the film encourages us to embrace family bonds and navigate cultural differences with compassion and understanding.
3. Dim Sum: A Little Bit of Heart (1985)

Wayne Wang’s Dim Sum: A Little Bit of Heart offers an intimate portrayal of a Chinese-American mother and daughter grappling with generational and cultural gaps. Set against the backdrop of San Francisco, this slice-of-life story highlights the subtle yet profound exchanges that define familial love. The film’s focus on small acts of care and understanding mirrors the understated but vital traditions of Chinese New Year, where family rituals preserve bonds and cultural identity. This reminds us to pay attention to the quiet moments of connection that sustain relationships in our everyday lives.
4. A Simple Life (2011)

This deeply moving Hong Kong drama by Ann Hui chronicles the evolving relationship between a man and the family’s longtime domestic helper, Ah Tao, after she suffers a stroke. Based on a true story, A Simple Life is a meditation on gratitude, devotion, and the quiet resilience of human connections. Its understated storytelling resonates with the values celebrated during Chinese New Year 2025: honoring elders, expressing gratitude, and cherishing those who have shaped our lives. In our day-to-day existence, it serves as a meaningful reminder to appreciate the selflessness of those who support us, often behind the scenes.
5. Hi, Mom (2021)

A breakout hit in China, Hi, Mom is a heartwarming and comedic journey through time. Directed by Jia Ling, the film follows a grieving daughter who accidentally travels back to the 1980s and befriends her young mother. This whimsical yet deeply emotional story underscores the sacrifices parents make and the unbreakable bond between generations. Its themes of love, humor, and familial devotion align perfectly with the joyous and reflective spirit of Chinese New Year. On a personal level, it inspires us to reflect on the connections we have with our parents and how our actions shape their lives as much as they shape ours.
These five films offer a rich collection of stories celebrating the enduring importance of family, a cornerstone of Chinese New Year. As we gather with loved ones to celebrate the Year of the Snake in 2025, these cinematic gems remind us to embrace the values of unity, gratitude, and understanding in our daily lives, making every day feel like a renewal of family ties.
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