Liu Jian

Directing

Liu Jian

Born 1969-11-11 · Nanjing, Jiangsu, China

Liu Jian (simplified Chinese: 刘健; traditional Chinese: 劉健; pinyin: Liú Jiàn; 11 November, 1969; Jiangsu) is a Chinese animator and film director based in Nanjing. Having originally studied painting at Nanjing University of the Arts, he began making animations in 1995. In 2007 he founded Le-joy Animation Studio. His first full-length animation Piercing I premiered at the Holland Animation Film Festival. His second feature-length film Have a Nice Day premiered in competition at the 2017 Berlin International Film Festival and won Best Animation Feature at the 54th Golden Horse Awards.

Acting credits

Behind the camera

Art College 1994 poster
6.6

In the 1990s, a group of students on the campus of the Chinese Southern Academy of Arts are pursuing their studies and preparing to face the world. China is opening up to the West and the students’ lives are a tangle of love stories and friendships, artistic research, ideals and ambitions brought about by new influences. Caught between tradition and modernity, they have to decide who they want to become.

Art College 1994

2025

Art College 1994 poster
6.6

In the 1990s, a group of students on the campus of the Chinese Southern Academy of Arts are pursuing their studies and preparing to face the world. China is opening up to the West and the students’ lives are a tangle of love stories and friendships, artistic research, ideals and ambitions brought about by new influences. Caught between tradition and modernity, they have to decide who they want to become.

Art College 1994

2025

Art College 1994 poster
6.6

In the 1990s, a group of students on the campus of the Chinese Southern Academy of Arts are pursuing their studies and preparing to face the world. China is opening up to the West and the students’ lives are a tangle of love stories and friendships, artistic research, ideals and ambitions brought about by new influences. Caught between tradition and modernity, they have to decide who they want to become.

Art College 1994

2025

The Stage poster
7.3

During the Republican era, wars and conflicts were frequent. On stage, the "Overlord" sings with resounding passion, while below, the absurd spectacle of life unfolds. They must both secure the opera troupe's livelihood and appease the audience in their seats. Once the curtain rises, how should this play be performed?

The Stage

2025

Have a Nice Day poster
5.6

Three parties pursue the million dollars that driver Xiao Zhang stole to help out his girlfriend.

Have a Nice Day

2018

Have a Nice Day poster
5.6

Three parties pursue the million dollars that driver Xiao Zhang stole to help out his girlfriend.

Have a Nice Day

2018

Have a Nice Day poster
5.6

Three parties pursue the million dollars that driver Xiao Zhang stole to help out his girlfriend.

Have a Nice Day

2018

Piercing I poster
6.9

Due to the financial crisis, many factories in China are forced to close their doors in late 2008. Zhang Xiaojun loses his job in a shoe factory. One day, a supermarket guard beats him up, thinking Zhang is a thief. In vain, he asks the supermarket manager for financial redress. Zhang’s dearest wish is to return to his village and become a farmer. But right before his departure, the police arrest him. The supermarket manager also has his problems. On a moonlit night, the storylines converge in a teahouse near the city rampart.

Piercing I

2009

Piercing I poster
6.9

Due to the financial crisis, many factories in China are forced to close their doors in late 2008. Zhang Xiaojun loses his job in a shoe factory. One day, a supermarket guard beats him up, thinking Zhang is a thief. In vain, he asks the supermarket manager for financial redress. Zhang’s dearest wish is to return to his village and become a farmer. But right before his departure, the police arrest him. The supermarket manager also has his problems. On a moonlit night, the storylines converge in a teahouse near the city rampart.

Piercing I

2009

Piercing I poster
6.9

Due to the financial crisis, many factories in China are forced to close their doors in late 2008. Zhang Xiaojun loses his job in a shoe factory. One day, a supermarket guard beats him up, thinking Zhang is a thief. In vain, he asks the supermarket manager for financial redress. Zhang’s dearest wish is to return to his village and become a farmer. But right before his departure, the police arrest him. The supermarket manager also has his problems. On a moonlit night, the storylines converge in a teahouse near the city rampart.

Piercing I

2009