Category: Chinese

February 11, 2024

ChineseMovies

Don’t miss these 4 Netflix movies to celebrate Chinese New Year!

Looking to delve deeper into Chinese New Year customs? Get ready to immerse yourself in incredible movies, learning Chinese while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the holiday! These Netflix films offer a wide range, taking you from heartwarming family reunions to energetic dragon dances, from traditional foods to modern celebrations, giving you a full-fledged experience of the magic of Chinese New Year! Follow Po the panda in Kung Fu Panda 2 and be awestruck by the traditional dragon dance. Step into the heartwarming world of “Nice View” and explore the emotions of family and farewell during the holiday. Or, in “Lighting Up the Stars,” uncover the unique reflection on life and death during Chinese New Year. Whether you’re a language learner or a culture enthusiast, these films will open a door to understanding Chinese New Year, letting you learn and be touched by humor and emotions!

Chinese translation: 想深入了解春节习俗吗？准备好沉浸在精彩电影中，一边学中文一边感受浓浓的年味吧！以下几部Netflix影片包罗万象，带你从阖家团圆到热闹舞龙，从传统美食到现代欢庆，全方位体验春节的魅力！跟随熊猫阿宝的脚步，感受传统龙舞的震撼；走进《人生大事》温馨感人的氛围，领略春节期间的亲情与离别；或者在《燃冬》中，探寻春节背后对生命与死亡的独特思考。无论你是语言学习者还是文化爱好者，这些影片都能为你开启一扇了解春节的大门，让你在欢笑与感动中收获满满！ (Ni xiǎng shēn ru lè jiě chūn jié xí sú ma? Zhǔn bèi chén jìn zài jīng cǎi diàn yǐng zhōng, yī biān xué zhōng wén yī biān gǎn shòu nóng nóng de nián wèi ba! Yī xià jǐ bù Netflix diàn yǐng bāo luó wàn xiàng, dài nǐ cóng hé jiā tuán yuán dào rè nào wǔ lóng, cóng chuán tǒng měi shí dào xiàn dài huān qìng, quán fāng wèi tǐ yàn chūn jié de mèi lì! Suí zhōu xióng māo ā bǎo de jiǎo bù, gǎn shòu chuán tǒng lóng wǔ de zhèn hàn; jìn zǒu 《人生大事》 wēn xīn gǎn rén de fēng wèi, lǐng lüè chūn jié qí jiān de qīn qíng yǔ lí bié; huò zhě zài 《燃冬》 zhōng, tàn xún chūn jié bèi hòu duì shēng mìng yǔ sǐ wáng de dú tè sī kǎo. Wúlùn nǐ shì yǔ yán xué xí zhě hái shì wén huà ài hào zhě, zhè xiē diàn yǐng dōu néng wèi nǐ kāi qǐ yī shàn liǎo jiě chūn jié de dà mén, ràng nǐ zài huān xiào yǔ gǎn dòng zhōng shōu huò mǎn mǎn! )

1. Wish Dragon (2021) – Chinese New Year Dragon Dance Fighting

This animated fantasy film blends Chinese mythology with a coming-of-age story about a young boy named Din who encounters a magical wish-granting dragon on Chinese New Year. The film’s vibrant animation and heartwarming message make it a perfect choice for families.

Wish Dragon Din and Lina Dragon fight and flight with fire work

- Quote: 龙王说，新年许下的愿望最灵验。
- Pinyin: lóng wáng shuō, xīn nián xǔ xià de yuàn wàng zuì líng yàn.
- English: The Dragon King said, wishes made on New Year’s are the most powerful.

2. Lighting Up the Stars (2022) – The connection between Chinese New Year holiday and mortality.

This emotional drama follows the journey of Mo Xiaobei, a funeral director who learns the meaning of life and death through his interactions with grieving families during the Spring Festival. The film offers a unique perspective on the holiday and its connection to mortality.

- Quote: 春节，团圆的日子，也是送别的日子。
- Pinyin: chūn jié, tuán yuán de rì zi, yě shì sòng bié de rì zi.
- English: Spring Festival, a time for reunions, but also a time for goodbyes.

3. Nice View (2022) – The community grows closer during the Chinese New Year

This heartwarming drama tells the story of a young man, Keung, who works tirelessly to deliver gifts and bring joy to others on Lunar New Year’s Eve. The film beautifully captures the spirit of the holiday and the importance of community. The entire film revolves around Chinese New Year’s Eve, so the celebration is woven throughout the narrative. Expect festive scenes sprinkled liberally.

- Quote: 今晚就是除夕了，新年就要到了，希望大家都心想事成！
- Pinyin: jīn wǎn jiù shì chú xī le, xīn nián jiù yào dào le, xī wàng dà jiā dōu xīn xiǎng shì chéng!
- English: It’s New Year’s Eve tonight, the new year is about to arrive! I hope everyone’s wishes come true!

4. Kung Fu Panda 2 – Fight the battle with Dragon Dance Costume

Po, the Dragon Warrior panda, faces Lord Shen, a vengeful peacock seeking to conquer China with a powerful weapon. Po struggles with self-doubt and his inner chi, hindering his ability to defend the Valley of Peace and Gongmen City. Seeking guidance, Po reunites with his biological father, who suggests using a hidden jade dragon costume to infiltrate Shen’s palace.

Feeling lost and inadequate, Po reluctantly dons the dragon costume. He clumsily navigates the palace, causing comedic moments despite his disguise. Initially successful, Po draws attention and his true identity is revealed by Shen. A thrilling fight ensues, but Po realizes brute force won’t win. He overcomes his fears and channels his inner peace, showcasing his true strength and potential. Po doesn’t defeat Shen through violence but through understanding and compassion, leading to Shen’s redemption.

Quote: 新年快乐！恭喜发财！ (Xīn nián kuàilè! Gōngxǐ fā cái!)

Pinyin: xīn nián kuài lè! gōng xǐ fā cái!

English: Happy New Year! Wishing you great fortune!

5. Unlock new languages through your movie nights!

Learning a new language can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Turn your Netflix cravings into learning opportunities with these simple tips:

Dive into the real deal: Swap movie dubs for the original language track. Whether it’s Spanish or Chinese, immersing yourself in the natural flow and pronunciation is key.

Pause and pick up: Heard a sentence that sparks your interest? Rewind and mimic the actor’s voice. Learn the context and how the language comes alive in real-time.

Supercharge your subtitles: Download the PinyinTube Chrome extension for side-by-side Chinese and English subtitles. Pro tip: upgrade to premium for Pinyin pronunciation and voice recording (there’s even a 50% New Year discount until February 18th!).

Ready to level up your language skills? Grab some popcorn and get ready to learn! This doesn’t require expensive language camps – get immersed from the comfort of your couch. So ditch the dubs, practice those pronunciations, and happy movie-learning!

The best way to learn a language is by imitation. So with PinyinTube, you can enjoy your favorite movie while learning any language.

This instruction video shows how to add PinyinTube to your Chrome extensions.

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November 18, 2023

ChineseMovies

“The Wandering Earth”: A Galactic Odyssey of Hope and Unity

Chinese cinema continues to astound global audiences, and “The Wandering Earth” stands as a testament to its innovative storytelling and captivating narratives.

“流浪地球” (Liúlàng Dìqiú) or “The Wandering Earth” is a sci-fi epic that thrusts viewers into a world teetering on the brink of annihilation. The tale unfolds against the backdrop of an impending catastrophe as the sun hurtles toward expansion, endangering Earth’s very existence. Humanity unites in a monumental effort to stave off this looming catastrophe.

Synopsis:

The narrative commences with the ominous revelation of the sun’s expansion, spelling doom for the planet. To counter this existential threat, mankind embarks on an audacious plan to relocate Earth using colossal thrusters.

Key Sentences for Learners (with explanations):

1. 1. 地球面临灾难，必须采取行动。(Dìqiú miànlín zāinàn, bìxū cǎiqǔ xíngdòng.) – “Earth faces a catastrophe; action must be taken.”
    - - Explaining ‘灾难 (zāinàn)’: It means “catastrophe” or “disaster” in Chinese, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
1. 1. 科学家发现太阳膨胀，威胁地球生存。(Kēxuéjiā fāxiàn tàiyáng péngzhàng, wēixié dìqiú shēngcún.) – “Scientists discover the sun expanding, threatening Earth’s existence.”
    - - Explaining ‘科学家 (kēxuéjiā)’: It translates to “scientists” and signifies the scientific community’s role in the movie’s plot.
1. 1. 人类建造巨大推进器来移动地球。(Rénlèi jiànzào jùdà tuījìn qì lái yídòng dìqiú.) – “Humans build enormous thrusters to move the Earth.”
    - - Explaining ‘推进器 (tuījìn qì)’: It refers to “thrusters” or “propulsion devices,” crucial for the Earth’s relocation.
1. 地球遭遇危机，需要全球合作。(Dìqiú zāoyù wēijī, xūyào quánqiú hézuò.) – “Earth faces a crisis, requiring global cooperation.”
  - - Explaining ‘合作 (hézuò)’: It means “cooperation” or “collaboration,” stressing the necessity for global unity.

Themes and Impact:

Beyond its gripping storyline, “The Wandering Earth” delves into themes of sacrifice, bravery, and the indomitable human spirit. It vividly portrays how individuals, driven by a shared purpose, transcend differences to collectively strive for survival.

Continuation:

The film’s narrative unfurls as families are torn apart, individuals emerge as heroes, and the fate of humanity rests on a unified effort.

Conclusion:

“The Wandering Earth” stands tall as a testament to humanity’s resilience and innovation in the face of insurmountable challenges. Its seamless blend of thrilling action, profound emotions, and a compelling narrative makes it a cinematic gem.

Closing Sentences for Learners (with explanations):

1. 1. 家庭情感在危机中彰显重要性。(Jiātíng qínggǎn zài wēijī zhōng zhāngxiǎn zhòngyào xìng.) – “Family emotions showcase their importance in a crisis.”
    - - Explaining ‘情感 (qínggǎn)’: It means “emotions” or “feelings,” highlighting their significance during challenging times.
1. 1. 人性在绝境中得以彰显。(Rénxìng zài juéjìng zhōng déyǐ zhāngxiǎn.) – “Human nature manifests itself in dire situations.”
    - - Explaining ‘人性 (rénxìng)’: It refers to “human nature,” portraying how people behave in critical circumstances.
1. 1. 全人类面临共同的挑战。(Quán rén lèi miànlín gòngtóng de tiǎozhàn.) – “All of humanity faces a common challenge.”
    - - Explaining ‘挑战 (tiǎozhàn)’: It translates to “challenge,” emphasizing the collective struggle faced by humanity.
1. 勇敢与希望将改变未来。(Yǒnggǎn yǔ xīwàng jiāng gǎibiàn wèilái.) – “Bravery and hope will change the future.”
  - - Explaining ‘希望 (xīwàng)’: It means “hope,” underscoring the optimism for a better future.

These sentences include popular Chinese words and their explanations to aid learners in understanding key terms used in the context of the movie “The Wandering Earth.”

Author: PinyinTube