KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 17 -- Chinese New Year celebrations aren't just about family reunions and big, glorious feasts.

For many film fans, it's also the time of year when we settle in, hit play, and return to the movies that bring back the warmth, laughter and unmistakable festive spirit of the season.

In Malaysia, that habit runs deep.

Most of us grew up with our own rotation of must-watch Chinese New Year titles - and this writer is no exception.

Mandarin and Cantonese films were a fixture in the living room every CNY, a tradition that feels just as comforting now as it did back then.

Hong Kong and Chinese blockbusters still set the tone each festive season, but Malaysian audiences have been showing plenty of love to local productions ...