Cao Yu

Camera

Cao Yu

Born August 15, 1974 (age 52)

Cao Yu is a famous cinematographer. He graduated from Beijing Film Academy in 1997 with a bachelor's degree in feature film photography, and worked in photography at Beijing Film Studio.

Known For

Chronicles of the Ghostly TribeChronicles of the Ghostly Tribe · 2015
Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe
★ 6.22015
MovieAdventureAction
In 1979, a young soldier is working in China's snowcapped mountains when an explosion reveals bizarre fossils hidden deep in the mountain caverns. What they discover next will change his life and human history forever.
19211921 · 2021
1921
★ 5.52021
MovieHistoryDrama
Tells the story of a Communist Party's early history during the turbulent era, examining the remarkable Chinese revolutionary leaders' zeal and contrition for the ascension of the Chinese people.
City of Life and DeathCity of Life and Death · 2009
City of Life and Death
★ 7.42009
MovieDramaHistory
In 1937, during the height of the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Imperial Japanese Army has just captured Nanjing, then-capital of the Republic of China. What followed was known as the Nanking Massacre, or the Rape of Nanking, a six week period wherein tens of thousands of Chinese soldiers and civilians were killed.
The Eight HundredThe Eight Hundred · 2020
The Eight Hundred
★ 7.02020
MovieWarHistory
In 1937, eight hundred Chinese soldiers fight under siege from a warehouse in the middle of the Shanghai battlefield, completely surrounded by the Japanese army.
Traces of JusticeTraces of Justice · 2026
Traces of Justice
★ 7.32026
MovieCrime
The film follows criminal police officer Cui Xun over half a century of investigative work. Alongside his colleagues, he solved numerous major cases while staying true to his original aspiration of 'serving the people.' This legendary detective not only witnessed the evolution of China's public security system but also stood as a living testament to the rise of New China.
Legend of the Demon CatLegend of the Demon Cat · 2017
Legend of the Demon Cat
★ 6.22017
MovieFantasyAdventure
During the Late Tang Dynasty, a manor is invaded by a demon cat and a sense of unrest befalls the capital of Changan. A poet is charged with investigating the case and meets up with a monk. The two work together and pull apart the thread of clues to reveal a history of truths leading to the events.
DecodedDecoded · 2024
Decoded
★ 6.22024
MovieDramaHistory
In the 1940s, the world was in turmoil, and it was crucial to decipher the enemy's communication codes in a timely and accurate manner. Rong Jinzhen has shown amazing mathematical talent since her childhood, and because she solved the problems assigned by her math teacher, she was noticed by more people, and even walked into the door of code-breaking by mistake.
Village Rockstars 2Village Rockstars 2 · 2026
Village Rockstars 2
2026
MovieMusicDrama
Dhunu, now in her late teens, still climbs trees, swims, and most importantly, dreams of continuing her childhood life as a guitarist in her rock band. However, life does not unfold as Dhunu wishes. As she faces the bitter and sour moments of life, she stands on the threshold of leaving her once-happy childhood behind.

Filmography

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Forever YoungForever Young · 2018
Forever Young
★ 7.12018
MovieWarDrama
From World War, to revolution and ultimately rebirth, Forever Young is the story of four generations spanning a hundred years of modern Chinese history. Each generation faces its own unique set of challenges. Up against corporate corruption, the trials and tribulations of the cultural revolution, and one's duty to nation in time of war, they are faced with choosing their individual paths through history. But as the challenges and turmoil of each generation may differ as time changes, what was learned in the past cannot help but effect the choices that are made in the future as it is passed down from generation to generation. And that is the universal message that being true to yourself is precious. It is the source of strength that empowers one to become the person they want to be, to march forward as far as their hearts desire, into the future.

Director of Photography

Eastern BanditsEastern Bandits · 2012
Eastern Bandits
★ 4.02012
MovieHistoryDrama
Movie is set during a period of time when Japanese invaded China. The story is told from Gao's perspective, a soldier seeking revenge from the Japanese in trying to assassinate the visiting Japanese chief in command. In the process of plotting such scheme, he had a chance encounter with a local Mafia, lead by its charismatic leader Fang. Fang had a bandit of followers, of which one is Fang's sister. Fang in the past have rescued many of these followers using his own blood and as a result all the members in the bandit formed a life long bond and friendship. When Gao realizes he could use the firearms and man power of Fang's bandit, he sets up a scheme to get captured by Fang on purpose. When Fang found out - he was extremely angry and upset and almost killed Gao, but Gao is saved by Fang's sister because she clearly developed feelings for Gao after seeing how he fared during the interrogation phases when he was in Fang's capture.

Director of Photography