The following resources have been collated by UCL IOE Confucius Institute for use in the classroom. They aim to support the teaching and learning of Chinese language, history and culture through Chinese cinematography. Blue Kite and Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress have both been featured in the Key Stage 5 curriculum with Balzac having previously been included in the Pre-U curriculum, which was more recently replaced by The Blue Kite.

100 Best China Mainland Films provide a countdown list of the 100 best Mainland China films which cover a wide range of films produced from the 1930s through to 2020. You can also discover Time Out interviews with some of the best Chinese film directors as well reading reviews by film critics on some of their favourite films. Please note: The views expressed in the link are those of of Time Out Beijing.

Blue Kite Political Background Materials prepared by Philippa Vallely, UCL IOE CI (also suitable for Chronicles of a Blood Merchant)

Blue Kite Film Analysis  Materials prepared by Philippa Vallely, UCL IOE CI

Blue Kite Themes motifs characters and essay skills  Materials prepared by Philippa Vallely, UCL IOE CI

Background to ‘Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress’
The materials suitable for Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress and the background to this film have been prepared by James Trapp, UCL IOE Confucius Institute. (Please be aware that some images are of the Cultural Revolution and the Great Famine, which some people may find distressing.)

100 Best China Mainland Films – Source: Time Out Bejing. Please note: The views expressed in this link are those of of Time Out Beijing, and are not those of IOE CI.

Click the links below to find out more about the Mandarin Study days that have been delivered in partnership between the British Film Institute and IOE Confucius Institute.

Myth, Culture and Modernity in Chinese Cinema – a KS3 Mandarin Study Day

Historical and contemporary perspectives in Chinese Cinema: an A Level and Pre-U Mandarin Study Day