John Berra

John Berra is a lecturer in Film and Language Studies at Renmin University of China. He is the co-editor of World Film Locations: Beijing (2012) and World Film Locations: Shanghai (2014). He has also contributed to Electric Shadows: A Century of Chinese Cinema (2014).

Articles by John Berra

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10 great modern South Korean films

With the release of Lee Chang-dong’s enigmatic thriller Burning, we celebrate the modern renaissance in South Korean cinema that’s put directors like Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho on the world stage.

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Lists
10 great South Korean action films

With ruthless assassin drama The Villainness arriving on BFI Player, we recommend 10 more action movies from South Korea that are sure to get the pulse racing.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Lists
10 great modern south-east Asian films

A rough guide to contemporary cinema from Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and other parts of south-east Asia.

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Lists
10 great films set in Shanghai

The most populous city proper on Earth, and the birthplace of film in China, Shanghai has inspired countless Chinese and foreign productions. As golden-age epic The Spring River Flows East is released on DVD, we chart some of its most glittering appearances.

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Lists
Where to begin with Apichatpong Weerasethakul

Your next obsession: the lucid-dream cinema of Thai master Apichatong ‘Joe’ Weerasethakul

Monday, June 13, 2016

Features
Where to begin with Jia Zhangke

Your next obsession: modern Chinese master Jia Zhangke.

Monday, October 5, 2015

Features
Where to begin with Hou Hsiao-hsien

Your next obsession: the films of Taiwanese master Hou Hsiao-hsien.

Monday, August 17, 2015

Features
10 essential modern directors from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan

Your guide to the greatest filmmakers to emerge in Chinese cinema since the 1980s, from Wong Kar-wai to Hou Hsiao-hsien.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Lists
10 great films set in Beijing

The second most populous city in the world, China’s capital is 3,000 years old and currently home to over 20 million people. Here are 10 ways that the movies have got to grips with the people and history of Beijing.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Lists
Five iconic Chinese actresses

From the Shanghai golden age to the modern era, Chinese cinema is notable for its succession of great actresses and strong female roles. Here are five of its most brilliant stars.

Monday, June 2, 2014

Lists