Essentially invented the PRC
贺岁片 (Lunar-New-Year movie) with
《甲方乙方》 (1997),
《不见不散》 (1998), and
《大腕》 (2001), repeatedly collaborating with actor
葛优. Later shifted to heavier historical drama -
《集结号》 (Assembly),
《唐山大地震》, 《1942》,
《芳华》 (Youth). Longtime writing partner: novelist
刘震云.