1. In The Mood For Love
Wong Kar-wai, a name that has populated numerous posts on this list, is in my opinion the best Chinese filmmaker of all time. This product of the Hong Kong new wave movement is able to use Christopher Doyles amazing cinematography to tell smaller stories of love and passion in the most original way. His magnum opus is In the Mood for Love. The second film of an informal trilogy, that includes days of Being Wild and 2046, Kar-wai pays homage to Douglas Sirk in this melodramatic tale of infidelious lovers in 1960s Hong Kong. The year plays an important part as it comes near the forefront of change in both Hong Kong and China. Just as Hong Kong began to become more modern, China began to go through the Cultural Revolution. All of this is on backburner as Kar-wai formulates this visually striking film that is a dagger to the heart emotionally. Under the pounding strings of Shigeru Umbayashis score, this tale of lovers is true, ethereal and passionate. Rich in all places, this was the only film that appeared in Sight and Sound poll for the best movies of all time from a Chinese country and one of two films from the 2000s to appear on the list. It is no wonder with how great this masterpiece is.