Two Movies to Watch for Lunar New Year 2025 – Year of the Snake
Lunar New Year (also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival) started on the first new moon of the year, January 29, and will last for 15 days until February 12, 2025. The final day is the Lantern Festival. Throughout the new year celebration, symbolic food is eaten, and the color red is prominent in decorations, lanterns and red envelopes with gifts or well wishes.
The Chinese zodiac has 12 animals, and each new year ushers in the next animal of the cycle. This year is the Year of the Snake. In the Chinese culture, the snake has two different representative meanings. On the one hand, it’s an evil serpent – most especially poisonous snakes. On the other hand, the snake also symbolizes the pursuit of happiness and love. Additionally, the skin that snakes shed is considered lucky and symbolizes rebirth.
It’s on that note of rebirth that I recommend watching the following two movies about contemplating your past, present and future – and possibly turning over a new leaf.
The Farewell (2019)
Writer-director Lulu Wang was at the helm of this film starring Awkwafina, Tzi Ma, Diana Lin and Zhao Shuzhen. The premise is based on events in Wang’s life and centers around the impending death of the family matriarch. It’s a drama-comedy about family ties, cultural and generational differences, and coming to terms with who you are and want to be.
The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon (2023)
This action movie is extremely bloody, yet it has moments of wickedly dark humor. Notorious hitman Chen Kui-lin receives life-changing news and decides to leave his mark on the world. For an action movie, there are quite a few emotional ups, downs, twists and turns as Kui-lin embarks on his new quest.
Wishing you good health, wisdom and growth in the Year of the Snake!
For more tips on how to create time during Lunar New Year and throughout the Year of the Snake, check out The Inefficiency Assassin: Time Management Tactics for Working Smarter, Not Longer.