Tracing Qin and Han Through Cinema

Introduction

The Qin and Han dynasties (221 BC - 220 AD) are a period of foundational importance in China’s rich and textured history. In 221 BC, Qin Shihuang founded the Qin dynasty after vanquishing the six other kingdoms of the turbulent and prolonged Warring States period. After becoming emperor, he set up unified systems and standards across the nation, carried out major building works, while also introducing harsh laws and penal codes. The suffering population rebelled against the despotic state, and Liu Bang emerged as a leader towards the end of the short-lived Qin state. After seizing power, Liu became the first emperor of the Han dynasty, which initially embraced a policy of non-interference. Later, with the Rule of Wen and Jing and the flourishing reign of Han Wudi, the dynasty saw prosperity and stability. Unlike the Qin dynasty, which lasted only 15 years, the Western and Eastern Han reigns extended for a total of over four centuries. The end of the Eastern Han dynasty saw the rise of different factions vying for the throne, ushering Chinese history into what was later known as the Three Kingdoms period.

Both the Qin and Han dynasties laid the foundation for China’s development in a variety of ways, from territorial expansion and administrative systems to production techniques, education, and cultural exchange. The volatile and exciting history of this period has left behind a treasure trove of legends and stories, for example Luo Guanzhong’s serial novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which has, in turn, inspired operas, films, plays, television series, and even video games.

Many of Hong Kong’s period drama films are set in the Qin or Han dynasties, drawing from official histories, literary classics, folklore, and historical reinterpretations. While some filmmakers have stayed faithful to history, others have been more liberal in mixing fact with fiction. A number of these films feature epic battle scenes which spared no expense, shooting on location in the Mainland while retaining Hong Kong cinema’s flair for exciting action.

The ‘Tracing Qin and Han Through Cinema’ programme is part of Chinese Culture Festival 2025, featuring eight films set in the Qin and Han dynasties, with the screening of a new 4K digitised version of The Great Conqueror’s Concubine (1994) unveiling the programme. The film focuses on the rivalry between the Chu and Han states following the collapse of the Qin dynasty, offering an epic portrayal of the great general Xiang Yu’s meteoric rise to his dramatic downfall. In Dream Lovers (1986) and A Terra-Cotta Warrior (1990), we are taken on riveting journeys of historical imagination that reflect on the meaning of love in the past and the present. Also featuring the terracotta warriors is The Myth (2005), an exciting adventure film that combines elements of romance and Jackie Chan’s signature action in an exotic tale that traverses different time periods and geographical regions. Meanwhile, John Woo’s Red Cliff (2008) and its sequel, Red Cliff II (2009) vividly recreate the most famous battle of the Three Kingdoms period. Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon (2008) and The Lost Bladesman (2011) reexamine legendary figures Zhao Zilong and Guan Yu from a modern perspective, offering fresh interpretations of these household names from history.

We hope that audiences can engage in fruitful dialogues with the past and rediscover the roots of Chinese history and culture through this extraordinary cinematic journey.

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The CCF, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Chinese Culture Promotion Office under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, aims to promote Chinese culture and enhance the public's national identity and cultural confidence. It also aims to attract top-notch artists and arts groups from both the Mainland and other parts of the world for exchanges in Chinese arts and culture. The CCF 2025 will be held from June to September. Through different performing arts programmes in various forms and related extension activities, including selected programmes of the COF, "Tan Dun WE-Festival", film screenings, exhibitions, as well as community and school activities and more, the festival provides members of the public and visitors with more opportunities to enjoy distinctive programmes that showcase fine traditional Chinese culture, thereby facilitating patriotic education and contributing to the inheritance, transformation and development of traditional Chinese culture in Hong Kong. For more information about programmes and activities of the CCF 2025, please visit www.ccf.gov.hk.

The programme is also one of the activities in the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. The LCSD has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organizing an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture. For more information, please visit https://ccpo.gov.hk/en.

The contents of the programme do not represent the views of the presenter. The presenter reserves the right to change the programme should unavoidable circumstances make it necessary.