Reimagining the fabled Three Kingdoms era, Zhang Yimou’s glorious wuxia epic pairs palace intrigue with mesmeric swordfights, conjuring the beauty and terror of the struggle for power among men. Dappled with hues of white and grey, the elegant color palette heightens the grisliness of bloodshed.

Part Bruce Lee, part Charlie Chaplin, Jackie Chan has been delighting us for years. But if you only know his Hollywood work, you’re missing out—he’s kept plenty busy at home. This twist on the action epic is a joy, laced with slapstick combat and capped with surprisingly tragic heft.