
A Century of Light and Shadow
- Documentary
Revisit 100 years of Chinese cinema through the RTHK TV program A Century of Light and Shadow. Aired in 2005, this interesting and informative documentary traces the development of the Chinese film industry from the pioneering years to contemporary times. From the volley between Mandarin and Cantonese films to the rise of the New Wave, this program touches on all the major trends and developments that have helped define Chinese cinema and explores different genres and representative figures and films. From actors to directors, over 200 film industry names, including Jackie Chan, John Woo, Sammo Hung, Connie Chan, Andrew Lau, Peter Chan, and Lau Ching Wan, appear in the program, bringing their intimate knowledge of the industry and providing insight about what lies ahead for Chinese cinema.
A Century of Light and Shadow is a documentary that traces 100 years of Chinese cinema history through interviews with over 200 industry figures. Originally aired as an RTHK TV program in 2005, it explores the evolution from pioneering silent films through the Mandarin-Cantonese era to the modern New Wave, featuring insights from Jackie Chan, John Woo, Sammo Hung, and other legendary filmmakers and actors.
When does A Century of Light and Shadow come out?
Where to watch
Streaming availability in United States
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In cinemas
Theatrical release in United States
No theatrical date published yet.
Theatrical dates from TMDB. Cinema chain links go to the official websites for showtimes and bookings — check there for the actual showtimes near you.
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Top cast
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Jackie ChanSelf
Sammo Hung Kam-BoSelf
Lau Ching-WanSelf
Philip Chan Yan-KinSelf
John WooSelf
Karen Mok Man-WaiSelf
Ronald Cheng Chung-KeiSelf
Kara Hui Ying-HungSelf
Jimmy Wang YuSelf
Connie Chan Po-ChuSelf
Hsu FengSelf
Andrew Lau Wai-KeungSelf
Peter Chan Ho-SunSelf
Josephine Siao Fong-FongSelf
Patrick Tse YinSelf
A Century of Light and Shadow — frequently asked
When was A Century of Light and Shadow released?
The documentary aired in 2005 as an RTHK television program.
What time period of Chinese cinema does it cover?
It covers 100 years of Chinese cinema history, from the pioneering years through contemporary times, including major eras like the Mandarin-Cantonese film period and the New Wave.
Who appears in the documentary?
Over 200 film industry figures appear, including Jackie Chan, John Woo, Sammo Hung, Connie Chan, Andrew Lau, Peter Chan, and Lau Ching Wan, offering their personal insights into Chinese cinema.
What topics does it cover?
The program explores major trends, genres, and representative films across Chinese cinema history, examining how the industry evolved and what shaped its development.

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