Chinese New Year, aka “Spring Festival” celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar based in the Chinese Zodiac represented by 12 animals rotating and repeating every 12 years. 2025 is the “Year of the Snake”.

The festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The “cycle” of the celebration takes place from Chinese New Year's Eve that precedes first day of the year to the Lantern Festival, held on the 15th day of the year. The first day of Chinese New Year begins on the new moon that appears between 21 January and 20 February. This year Chinese New Year begins January 29.

Considered one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture it has influenced similar celebrations in other cultures, commonly referred to collectively as Lunar New Year, such as the Losar of Tibet, the Tết of Vietnam, the Seollal of Korea, the Shōgatsu of Japan and the Ryukyu New Year. It is also celebrated worldwide in regions and countries with significant Chinese or Sinophone populations United Kingdom, and the United States of America, as well as in many European countries.

Traditionally, red envelopes or red packets are passed out with gifts of money – paper and coins - during the Chinese New Year's celebrations, from married couples or the elderly to unmarried juniors or children. J.P. Morgan Chase has red envelops for their customers so stop by one of the many branches in the area and if you don’t have an account sign up, or perhaps just ask for one of the charming envelopes.

In San Francisco, California where there is an immense Chinese population and the famous “Chinatown” with plethora of restaurants, shops, temples, there a huge celebration, the oldest and longest outside of Asia, with parades that draw not only natives, also tourists to the City.

There will be celebrations in downtown Los Angeles Chinatown and near by Monterey Park that also boasts large Asian population, many restaurants, and cultural events. When I was in UK for the BFI London Film Festival (October 2024) I revisited the famed world famous “Mr. Chow” restaurant (since 1968) in Knightsbridge and was reminded about the Beverly Hills establishment opened in 1974 with its celebrity clientele, though all diners are welcome. In 2023 there was a documentary film made about the esoteric gentleman whose late wife Tina was great beauty and icon of her time. For a high end celebration make a reservation!

Locally there are many Chinese restaurants in Harbor City and the South Bay to enjoy or pick up an order to go from Pick Up Stix or Panda Express and view one of the movies with a Chinese connection proposed for your viewing pleasure in the comfort of your home “screening room”. Don’t forget some fragrant Jasmine tea and fortune cookies!

For your consideration (chronological order with IMDB links to view or learn more):

The Bitter Tea of General Yen (USA, Columbia Pictures, 1932, 88 min., dir. Frank Capra)

American missionary Megan Davis (Barbara Stanwyck) arrives in Shanghai during the Chinese Civil War to marry fellow missionary Dr. Robert Strife “Bob” (Gavin Gordon), however Bob postpones their wedding to they can travel to Chapei to rescue children from an orphanage that is burning in the middle of a battlefield. Returning to Shanghai with the children they are separated in the chaotic crowd. Megan is hit in the head and knocked out, then saved by powerful and wealthy General Yen who takes her by train to his palace. As Megan is recovering the General's mistress Mah-Li (Toshia Mori), fascinated by the Occidental, becomes close with her. When Mah-li is accused giving classified information to General’s enemies Megan begs him to save her life. Despite his cruel nature the General has fallen love with naive Megan and mercifully spares Mah-Li against the will of advisor and co-hort Jones (Walter Connolly). Megan is quietly beguiled by powerful yet gentle General, though resists his flirtation. When Mah-Li betrays the General destroying his empire, she realizes her affection for him and that to be able to do extend goodness one must have wisdom and decides to stay with him while the he nobly drinks his bitter last tea. Compelling performances by the acting ensemble, the pre Hays Code film has subtle erotic effect, though without any overt passion demonstrating that less is often more.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0023814/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1

The Good Earth (USA, MGM, 1937, 129 min., dir. Victor Fleming, Sydney Franklin, Gustav Machaty)

Adaptation of the powerful Pearl S. Buck novel set in China is the story of farmer Wang (Paul Muni) and his beloved and faithful wife Olan (Luise Ranier) facing famine, poverty, and pending war is a noble struggle of survival. Five Academy Awardâ nominations with two wins including Best Actress (Ranier, back to back with her win for The Great Ziegfeld, 1937) and Best Screenplay (Karl Freund). Read the book and see the movie.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0028944/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1

Flower Drum Song (USA, Ross Hunter Productions/Fields Productions, 1961, 133 min., dir. Henry Koster)

When Chinese stowaway Mei Li (Miyoshi Umeki) and her father arrive from Hong Kong in San Francisco to meet her fiancé in an arranged marriage, nightclub owner Sammy Fong (Jack Soo), it turns out he has his eye on his star singer Linda Low (Nancy Kwan) who is also being wooed by Wang Ta (James Shigeta) to his respectable family’s chagrin. The contrast between Mei Li's traditional family and her growing fascination with American culture is reflected in the song and dancing, including “I Enjoy Being A Girl”, “A Hundred Million Miracles”, “Love Look Away”, “You Are Beautiful”, “Chop Suey” and “Grant Avenue, San Francisco, California USA” that Linda Low belts out like a Chinese Ethel Merman, are just some from the memorable songs from Rodgers & Hammerstein musical adapted for the movies from the Broadway show.

Strong supporting cast includes Benson Fong, Juanita Hall, Victor Sen Young, Patrick Adiarte.

Five worthy Oscar® nods and should have had another two for actresses Kwan and Umeki. The musical is based on book of same title by C.Y. Lee, however it’s a great departure from his story that’s well worth reading.

Note: The 7th annual LA Harbor International Film Festival (2010) presented the movie as the Hollywood Nostalgia Tribute with lovely Nancy Kwan and elegant author C.Y. Lee strolling the “Red Carpet” and present at the Warner Grand Theatre.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054885/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1

The Joy Luck Club (USA, Hollywood Pictures, 1993, 139 min., dir. Wayne Wang)

Mothers and daughters are at the center of film adaptation of Amy Tan's best-selling novel about four women of Chinese ethnicity who moved to USA and had daughters. They meet regularly to play mah jong. Told in series of “flash backs” the story of the eight women considers immigration, assimilation of culture, traditional and modern women's roles. The book and film received praise from many critics who appreciated how it explores that "the hopes of one generation can become both the restraints and the inspirations of the next." Cast includes: France Nuyen, Rosalind Chao, Tamlyn Tomita, Vivian Wu. Another great read, before or after viewing the movie.

Surprisingly in spite of strong performances and popularity no Academy Awardâ nods, however one BAFTA nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for Tan and Ron Bass. Read the book, then see the movie.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107282/awards/?ref_=tt_awd

The Wedding Banquet (Taiwan/USA, Ang Lee Productions, 1993, 104 min., dir. Ang Lee )

Gao Wai Tung (Winston Chao) resides in New York City and a landlord. He has never revealed to his parents about his “partner” Simon, knowing they would not approve. To please them he agrees to marry his tenant Wei-Wei (Mary Chin), a woman seeking a green card. His parents surprise him by going NYC to host a lavish wedding. Will Wai Tung be honest about who he is, even if it displeases his more conservative parents, or continue in the charade. Nominated for Academy Awardâ Best Foreign Film, marks the beginning of a prodigious career for Ang and many more awards nominations in decades to come.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107156/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_2

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

(China/Taiwan/Hong Kong, Sony Picture Classics/Columbia Pictures, USA, 2000,120 min., PG13, dir. Ang Lee)

In early nineteenth-century China waning years of the Qing dynasty the renowned swordsman who yearns for enlightenment Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun Fat) decides to give up his renowned razor sharp four-hundred-year-old blade of heroes Green Destiny sword. Marking the end of his violent career Li entrusts stalwart female warrior, Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh), to deliver the legendary weapon to Governor Yu (Fazeng Li). When she is about to deliver the object a bold masked thief steals it. As Shu Lien pursues the culprit recollections of unrequited loves, ardent passions, zealous desire for freedom interfere in almost surreal “magical realism” moments. Five Oscar® nods (including Best Picture) and one win for Best Cinematography (Peter Pau).

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0190332/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_4

AKA Mr. Chow (USA, HBO Documentary Films, 2023, 90 min., PGTV-13, dir. Nick Hooker)

Enthralling documentary and definitive story of the esoteric, if not enigmatic, Michael Chow. Descended from artistic roots in China and legendary restaurateur of the West, he emigrated in haste from Shanghai as a boy when “Chairman:” Mao Tse Tung was on the ascent. He boldly built a restaurant empire that changed the international dining landscape with cuisine merging East and West creating world renowned dazzling dinner houses that speak to highest quality and popular cultural energy; and still operating decades since founding his own “dynasty.”

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28805537/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1

In addition seek out “Charlie Chan”, my personal favorite detective (along with Nick Charles The Thin Man). The canon of Charlie Chan films featuring the philosophical Chinese policeman sleuth from Honolulu, Hawaii, who is often aided by “Number One, and Number Two son (s)” featuring “Inspector Chan”, created by author Earl Derr Biggers in 1919 began with the first mystery book The House Without A Key, Chan’s character inspired the subsequent films.

The most likeable, if not improbable “gumshoes” portrayed by many actors playing the shrewd detective replete most being Warner Oland, Roland Winters, Sydney Toler with insight and unique wisdom, e.g. “Kindness in heart better than gold in bank.”

For more: https://www.imdb.com/list/ls089939328/

SUBSCRIBE FREE TO PALOS VERDES PULSE

Stephanie Mardesich, a native of San Pedro from a family who arrived in the harbor area over 100 years ago. An alumna of U.S.C. School of Cinematic Arts; founder-director of the LA Harbor International Film Festival; credited journalist and public relations consultant, she launched "Cinema Stephanie" film critique blogette in 2017. More recently, she created "Eclectic Culture" lifestyle stories and reviews blog. She is also co-producer with Jack Baric (S.P. native and R.P.V. resident) of the oral history project Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA) - Volume II debuted in March 2020