Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Chinese Values in The Wandering Earth II: A Case Study Analysis

Ruixuan RuanYunnan Arts University*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

The Wandering Earth Ⅱ is a Chinese science fiction film released in January 2023. Using Hollywood’s industrialised films as a model, the film was a practice for gaining overseas box office market, but the result was not ideal. This research employs the case study method to explore how Chinese values are integrated into the film from the filmmaker’s perspective. It decomposes the movie into three parts: geographical space, characterisation, and storyline structuring to analyse the effects of Chinese values and uncover the reasons behind the distinct Chinese characteristics portrayed in this film. According to the research, Gwo’s team manipulated contemporary Chinese multipolarity, the Confucian concept of “universal harmony” and traditional family-state values to illustrate a global field with Chinese logic. Secondly, they utilised images of Chinese-style heroes driven by moral principles and collectivism in Chinese values. Furthermore, the concept of “a community with a shared future for mankind” served as a catalyst for the film’s premise. Subsequently, the Chinese homeland complex, calamity concept, and pragmatism were woven into the story’s framework, which inevitably sinicises the narratives. This research holds significance for future Chinese films involved in cross-cultural communication, as it sheds light on the origins of cultural misunderstanding and barriers.

Keywords: The Wandering Earth Ⅱ; Chinese values; film structure
Published: December 7, 2023
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/19/20231253
Volume: CHR Vol.19
pp. 236-244
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