Ethnic minority films during the period 1949–1966 have always been unique in the history of Chinese film. On the one hand, ethnic minority films, like other mainstream films of the same period, assumed the political functions of disseminating political messages, propagating Socialism, and educating the masses. On the other hand, they displayed several unique artistic characteristics. By analyzing the contents of representative works during this period, the present study explored the method of expressing a unique, artistic charm in ethnic minority films under political pressure, as well as the source of the unique style within the historical context.