Movies are important. They transport us to different worlds, different times, different places, while catapulting us into stories that could be either very familiar or extremely strange to our everyday lives. With Hollywood and the mass production of movies in the U.S., we often forget that other nations have film industries as well -- with just as good cinema as anything Hollywood produces. While many look to France or India for their international film choices, China has a smaller but just as great film industry. Although the martial arts, or wuxia, films that regularly come out of the country are more commonly known, some of China's more dramatic films are just as well shot and paced as any Hollywood films. Here are a few of my favorites that span different genres while also highlighting some of China's most famous directors and actors.

1. "Farewell, My Concubine" -- Chen Kaige, 1993

"In 1924, young Cheng Dieyi (Leslie Cheung) begins training at the Beijing Opera House at the same time as Duan Xiaolou (Fengyi Zhang). Cheng specializes in playing female parts, often against Duan's commanding male leads. While pretending to be in love with Duan onstage, Cheng begins to develop actual romantic feelings for his co-star, which are not reciprocated. Over the next 50 years, the two men maintain a complicated friendship as China undergoes turbulent changes."

Make sure to have a box of tissues when watching this film. While a long movie, it gives a turbulent look at both the world of Beijing opera and the drastic changes that China faced during the mid-20th century. This film is a great choice for those interested in a (fictionalized) version of China's past or those looking for a heartbreaking drama.

2. "House of Flying Daggers" -- Zhang Yimou, 2004

"The Tang Dynasty is fighting to keep control over China, a battle they are losing to several rebel groups. One such group is the House of Flying Daggers, who steal from the wealthy and give to the poor. Two police deputies working with the government (Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau) are ordered to investigate the dancer Mei (Zhang Ziyi), who is rumored to be working with the House of Flying Daggers."

This film is a great example of the breathtaking use of color in Chinese cinema. Each shot was masterfully built to ooze color, especially the scenes in the brothel and the bamboo forest. While not a traditional martial arts movie, the cinematography and love story make it a must-watch.

3. "Mulan: Rise of a Warrior" -- Jingle Ma, 2009

This one doesn't really need a description -- if you've seen or know of the Disney movie "Mulan," it's the same story -- Mulan disguises herself as a man to take her disabled father's place in the army. However, this is a much grittier -- and probably more accurate -- depiction of the legend. Watch this if you love seeing strong female characters in your action movies -- with a twist on the romantic side plot.

4. "The Knot" -- Yin Li, 2006

"A young teacher (Chen Kun) leaves his teenage love (Vivian Hsu) behind when he flees Taiwan during a government crackdown."

I'm sure you guys have seen "Titanic" and "The Notebook" and all those films that are known to be major tearjerkers. Well, you haven't seen anything until you've seen this one. When my high school Chinese teacher showed us this film (it's her favorite), there were either tears or angry outcries throughout the whole movie.

5. "A World Without Thieves" -- Feng Xiaogang, 2004

"This fast-paced drama follows a con man (Andy Lau) and his equally cunning girlfriend (Rene Liu), who head through western China after swiping a shiny new BMW from a gullible businessman. After a chance encounter with a carpenter (Ge You), a trusting young man who is traveling with his entire life savings on the inland bound train leaving Tibet, the couple decides to run a series of scams, with rather unintended results for everyone involved."

This film has a little bit of everything -- action, comedy, and romance. A hit in China, the film is reminiscent of American fast paced thrillers such as "Mission Impossible" or "Fast and Furious." A great film to watch when you're in the mood for something with action, but still an interesting plot that grounds the film with fascinating characters.

These are just a few films to begin your foray into the world of Chinese film -- there are many more that are able to stand up to any Hollywood film. So next time you're deciding on what to watch, mix it up a little -- you might be surprised by a new favorite!