· movies · 19 min read
All 42 Joan Chen Movies (in Order)
Get ready to dive into the world of Joan Chen as we bring you a roundup of her most captivating movies. From her brilliant acting in critically acclaimed films to her memorable performances on screen, join us as we explore the diverse range of roles that showcase this talented actress’s incredible talent.
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1. Hai wai chi zi (1979)
In the 1979 film, Hai wai chi zi, an extraordinary tale unfolds as a group of literary corps members from the People’s Liberation Army sets out on a mission to recruit the best actors in the land. Among them is the enchanting voice of young woman, Huang Sihua, a talent so rare that even the musicians in the literary team appreciate her. However, Huang’s life takes a tragic and unexpected turn when she is barred from entering the art palace due to her status as the daughter of an overseas Chinese.
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2. The Night Stalker (1986)
In “The Night Stalker, ” a seasoned homicide detective is thrust into a chilling case of a serial killer wreaking havoc on Los Angeles’ underbelly. The murderer targets prostitutes, leaving behind a gruesome calling card – a Chinese-styled painting with each victim’s death in stark detail.
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3. The Last Emperor (1987)
The Last Emperor, directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, is a gripping drama based on the life story of China’s last emperor, Pu Yi. Set against the backdrop of Chinese history, this compelling biopic delves into the life of the man who ruled China from 1908 until 1912, only to be overthrown by the Chinese Communist Party.
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4. The Blood of Heroes (1989)
The Blood of Heroes” is a gripping, post-apocalyptic sports movie set in a dystopian future where technology and civilization have been almost entirely destroyed. Left behind are six individuals who, in this barren landscape, have discovered a new form of entertainment: a brutal game of football played with a dog’s skull. In a world where hope often feels lost, these six warriors travel from place to place, seeking to make their way to a city where they can prove their worth and participate in the league.
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5. Wedlock (1991)
In “Wedlock, ” a hardened criminal breaks out of prison in a desperate attempt to secure his stolen fortune hidden in a loot-filled elevator. With an explosive collar attached to his former lover, he’s now on the run with both of their lives at stake.
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6. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me is a hauntingly surreal masterpiece that sheds light on the tormented final days of Laura Palmer, a character from the original series. Embellished by the directorial genius of David Lynch, this film takes the viewer on a dark and twisted journey through the eerie town of Twin Peaks.
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7. Shadow of a Stranger (1992)
Shadow of a Stranger” is a gripping 1992 thriller that has the power to keep you on the edge of your seat. The story revolves around Ted and Sarah Clinton, a couple who stumble upon a boat wrecked on their beach, and decide to help the passengers - a young teacher named Vanessa and her boyfriend Shawn. However, things take a dark turn when they discover the boat belongs to an elderly couple who have inexplicably vanished, and they are suddenly caught up in a whirlwind of intrigue and murder.
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8. Golden Gate (1993)
Golden Gate” is a gripping Crime drama set in the 1950s and 1960s, featuring a bold 22-year-old FBI agent who manipulates the charges of Communist spying against a Chinese laundryman. Ten years later, determined to make amends to the wronged man and his now-teenage daughter, the agent’s journey becomes a powerful tale of atonement. Directed by John Madden and written by David Henry Hwang, this suspenseful film stars Matt Dillon, Joan Chen, and Elizabeth Morehead.
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9. Heaven & Earth (1993)
Heaven & Earth, ” directed by Oliver Stone, takes place during the Vietnam War and follows the heart-wrenching journey of a Vietnamese woman struggling to survive in a world of conflict. Set against the backdrop of a war-torn country, she navigates through the streets, encountering those directly involved in the conflict.
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10. On Deadly Ground (1994)
Get ready for a chilling adventure as the hero of “On Deadly Ground” faces off against a ruthless oil corporation that doesn’t care about the destruction they’re causing. Set in the frosty Alaskan wilderness, this action-packed thriller stars Steven Seagal as an uncompromising firefighter whose dedication to stopping the corporation’s devious plan knows no bounds.
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11. Wild Side (1995)
In the thrilling action-packed film “Wild Side”, released in 1996, renowned director Donald Cammell delves into the world of love, deception, and danger, all intertwined with the characters of Bruno, Virginia, and Alex.
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12. Judge Dredd (1995)
In the thrilling action-packed film “Judge Dredd, ” viewers are transported to a dystopian future where justice is served at the edge of a gun. Starring Sylvester Stallone, Armand Assante, and Rob Schneider, Dredd (Stallone) is the most famous Judge - a police officer with instant field judiciary powers.
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13. The Hunted (1995)
In the heart-pumping action-thriller “The Hunted” (1995) directed by J. F. Lawton, an American businessman finds himself pursued by a dangerous Japanese ninja cult after witnessing the face of the sinister ninja boss in Japan.
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14. Precious Find (1996)
Precious Find” is a 1996 sci-fi western adventure film that takes viewers on an exhilarating journey through space. When three adventurous individuals set out from Moon City to explore the asteroids in search of gold, they encounter a deadly and greed-driven monster. They must use their wits and courage to overcome these challenges and return safely to their home.
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15. Xiu Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl (1998)
Xiu Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl, directed by the talented female director Joan Chen, is a gripping drama set in 1975 China. The film follows the journey of a young teen girl named Xiu Xiu who is sent to a remote corner of the Sichuan steppes for manual labor, a practice commonly known as “sent-down”. As the story unfolds, Xiu Xiu embraces the challenges of her new life and eventually agrees to learn horse herding in an even more remote location with a Tibetan saddle tramp named Lao Jin.
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16. In a Class of His Own (1999)
In a Class of His Own” is a heartwarming drama based on a true story, released in 1999. The movie focuses on Rich Donato, a janitor at an Oregon high school who is well-respected by the students for his wisdom and guidance. However, his lack of a high school diploma becomes an issue when the school board demands that he obtains his GED within 30 days or lose his job.
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17. Purple Storm (1999)
Purple Storm” is a gripping Action, Crime, and Thriller film that takes place in Hong Kong. The story revolves around the enigmatic and ruthless Khmer Rouge terrorist Kieron Chow, who brings his unit to Hong Kong for their latest operation. However, his fiercely loyal right-hand man, Todd, ends up sustaining a severe head wound during the mission, leading to a state of complete amnesia.
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18. Autumn in New York (2000)
Autumn in New York” (2000) is a captivating romantic drama that explores the heartache and beauty of love in the face of adversity. When an aging playboy, played by Richard Gere, unexpectedly falls for a sweet, terminally ill young woman, portrayed by Winona Ryder, they embark on a passionate journey through the vibrant streets of New York City.
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19. What’s Cooking? (2000)
What’s Cooking? ” (2000) is a delightful, heartwarming comedy-drama that follows four diverse families from different ethnic backgrounds in Los Angeles as they come together for a Thanksgiving feast. The movie is set against the backdrop of the city’s diverse culinary culture and showcases the unique traditions and flavors of each family.
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20. Saving Face (2004)
Directed by Alice Wu and written by herself, “Saving Face” is a riveting Comedy, Drama, and Romance film from 2004, released in 2005. The plot revolves around a Chinese-American woman who is secretly gay and the complex relationship she shares with her traditionalist mother. The mother and daughter both find themselves grappling with the cultural conflict that their secret love affairs create. Michelle Krusiec plays the role of the mother, while Joan Chen is seen enacting the role of her daughter. This movie also stars Lynn Chen as a widow and a doctor who forms a bond with the mother, adding an emotional dimension to the narrative.
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21. Cyber Wars (2004)
In the near-future city-state of Singapore, communication and monetary transactions are handled through CyberLink, a sophisticated digital platform that even allows for virtual reality experiences. Amidst this advanced society, headhunter Dash takes on an enthralling assignment to find Edward Chan, a mysterious individual whose existence has garnered the interest of numerous powerful entities.
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22. Sunflower (2005)
Sunflower” is a powerful and emotionally resonant drama that takes place in 1960s China. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Yang Zhang, the film is beautifully crafted, blending vivid colors and striking imagery to create a hauntingly memorable experience.
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23. Secrets from Another Place: Creating Twin Peaks (2007)
Secrets from Another Place: Creating Twin Peaks” is a 2007 documentary that delves into the creation and journey of the groundbreaking television series, Twin Peaks. Directed by Charles de Lauzirika and with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes, this documentary features interviews with key creative forces involved in the making of the show, including Mark Frost and David J. Latt.
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24. Hollywood Chinese (2007)
Hollywood Chinese” is a remarkable 1-hour 30-minute journey into the untold story of Chinese American cinema, directed by award-winning filmmaker Arthur Dong. This documentary offers a rare look at the rich history of cinema from a unique perspective, as it intertwines the Chinese American experience with the captivating tales of some of the industry’s most iconic creators.
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25. The Home Song Stories (2007)
The Home Song Stories” is a poignant and deeply personal drama based on true events in the life of its creator, Tony Ayres. Set in the late 70s and early 80s, the film revolves around the life of a man who reflects on his childhood, his mother, and the struggles she faced as a single parent in a foreign land - Australia.
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26. The World Unseen (2007)
The World Unseen” is a captivating drama that delivers a powerful commentary on the struggles of love during South Africa’s apartheid era. The film follows the story of two women, Amina and Lisa, who find themselves in a dangerous relationship that challenges societal norms.
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27. The Sun Also Rises (2007)
Join Jiang Wen as he takes on yet another directorial role in “The Sun Also Rises, ” an extraordinary film that delivers a magnificent ensemble of stars, including Joan Chen, Anthony Wong, and Jaycee Chan. This unique cinematic experience weaves together a mesmerizing mosaic of interconnected stories spanning different time zones, transporting viewers from a picturesque Yunnan village to the bustling chaos of a campus, as well as the breathtaking vistas of the Gobi Desert.
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28. 24 City (2008)
24 City, ” a 2008 documentary-drama film written and directed by Zhangke Jia, takes its audience on a reflective journey through the lives of factory workers in Chengdu, China. The movie highlights the experience of being fired from a job and the impact it has on one’s life. The narrative is interwoven with the story of a factory being demolished, allowing the workers to reminisce about their time within its walls.
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29. All God’s Children Can Dance (2008)
All God’s Children Can Dance” is a compelling drama set in the heart of Korea Town, Los Angeles. The film centers around Kengo, a young man who believes he is the son of God, as revealed by his mother since he was a child. With a dead-end job and complicated emotions for his girlfriend, Kengo’s world takes a turn when he encounters a one-eared man, whom he thinks might be his father. Driven by this discovery, Kengo embarks on a journey through Los Angeles, seeking answers to his past and future.
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30. Mao’s Last Dancer (2009)
Mao’s Last Dancer, ” directed by Bruce Beresford, is a powerful and emotional true story set in Maoist China. The film follows a young boy named Li Cunxin, who is taken from his family and trained to become a dancer.
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31. To Whom It May Concern: Ka Shen’s Journey (2010)
To Whom It May Concern: Ka Shen’s Journey” is a captivating documentary that takes viewers on an unforgettable journey through the life of Nancy Kwan, an Eurasian woman from Hong Kong who captured the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide with her remarkable debut in the 1960 film “The World of Suzie Wong. ” This gripping tale intertwines elements of fantasy and poignant reality, guiding the viewer through the unparalleled journey of one woman’s life. Directed by Brian Jamieson, this film is a must-watch for anyone seeking inspiration and a fresh perspective on the complexities of life and the boundless capacity for success that we all share. With an IMDb rating of 7.3, this compelling film is sure to leave a lasting impression on its audience.
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32. 1911 (2011)
Embark on a gripping historical journey with the epic drama, “1911, ” based on the founding of the Republic of China. Featuring a star-studded cast, including Jackie Chan, Winston Chao, and Bingbing Li, this film follows nationalist forces led by Sun Yat-sen as they courageously overthrow the Qing Dynasty.
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33. Hemingway & Gellhorn (2012)
Hemingway & Gellhorn, a 2012 biographical drama, explores the tumultuous romance between renowned writer Ernest Hemingway and World War II correspondent Martha Gellhorn, who also inspired his famous novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls. Despite being married and navigating through war-torn territories, it’s the only relationship that ever led to divorce from Hemingway. Directed by Philip Kaufman and written by Jerry Stahl and Barbara Turner, the film stars Nicole Kidman and Clive Owen as the iconic characters, delving deep into the tumultuous relationship and behind-the-scenes incidents that shaped these legendary figures.
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34. White Frog (2012)
White Frog, released in 2013, is an intense, gripping drama that explores the complexities of human relationships and the journey towards redemption. Directed by Quentin Lee and written by Fabienne Wen and Ellie Wen, this film delves into the intersections of queerness, neurodiversity, and Asian-American identity.
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35. For Love or Money (2014)
Experience the emotional rollercoaster of Chinese romance film “For Love or Money, ” an adaptation of the novel by Zhang Xiaoxian. Directed by Gao Xixi, the movie stars popular leading actors Liu Yifei and Rain, bringing the story to life on the big screen. The plot revolves around Xu Chengxu, a wealthy man hiding his identity and seeking love.
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36. Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces (2014)
Take a trip back to the mind-bending world of Twin Peaks with Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces. This 2014 feature film compiles deleted scenes from the original 1992 film ‘Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me’ into an untold story, bridging the gap between the series’ first and second installment. From interdimensional travel and encounters with demonic entities to intricate mysteries and shocking revelations, the film dives deep into Lynch’s distinctive style, offering viewers a glimpse into the enigmatic world of Twin Peaks.
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37. Somewhere Only We Know (2015)
Somewhere Only We Know” is a heartwarming drama and romantic movie that was released in 2015. Directed by Jinglei Xu, the film stars a talented cast including Kris Wu, Likun Wang and Jinglei Xu. The storyline revolves around a guy and a girl who meet and embark on a thrilling adventure together.
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38. Cairo Declaration (2015)
Delve into the pivotal moments of World War II in “Cairo Declaration” (2015), directed by Liu Xing and written by Xing Liu. Set against the backdrop of the Cairo Declaration, the film showcases war declarations against Japan from across the globe, culminating in Japan’s eventual surrender. This gripping and historically accurate movie, featuring Jun Hu, Carina Lau, and Cecilia Han as its stars, is a must-watch for those interested in exploring the challenges and triumphs of the era.
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39. The House That Never Dies II (2017)
Step into the terrifying world of “The House That Never Dies II” - a chilling horror-thriller set in the mystical city of Beijing. This spine-tingling sequel follows a dedicated building restorer as he unwittingly stumbles upon a centuries-old mansion on 81 Chaoyangmennei Street. Little does he know, this seemingly ordinary house holds an ancient secret, one that is as dark as it is deadly.
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40. Ava (2020)
Ava, a deadly assassin played by the brilliant Jessica Chastain, is a force to be reckoned with in this action-packed thriller. As part of a black ops organization, she travels the world taking out high-profile targets with utmost precision.
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41. Tigertail (2020)
Tigertail” tells the compelling story of a Taiwanese factory worker, who, seeking a brighter future, leaves his homeland behind for the allure of America. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new life, he must navigate the delicate balance between fulfilling his family’s expectations and discovering the meaning of true connection. This heartfelt drama, directed by Alan Yang and starring Tzi Ma, Christine Ko, and Hong-Chi Lee, delves into the complexities of the immigrant experience while exploring themes of loyalty and love.
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42. The Half of It (2020)
The Half of It” is a heartwarming comedy-drama that follows Ellie Chu, a brilliant and cash-strapped high school student. When Ellie is asked to write a love letter for a charming jock, she does not expect to become friends with him or develop unexpected feelings for his crush. This intimate coming-of-age story explores the complexities of friendship, romance, and self-discovery in a world where labels and stereotypes often dominate.
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