Why are Modern Chinese Movies so Bad | Video Essay

Accented Cinema2 minutes read

Mainland Chinese cinema has faced criticism for lacking unique storytelling and identity due to a shift in the late 90s towards emulating Hollywood films, resulting in movies that feel like imitations rather than original works. Chinese blockbusters like "Wolf Warrior 2" and "Asura" strive to mirror Western styles instead of embracing authentic Chinese stories and identities.

Insights

  • Mainland Chinese cinema has been criticized for lacking unique storytelling and identity due to the influence of Hollywood, resulting in films that often feel like imitations rather than original works.
  • There is a trend in Chinese cinema, exemplified by films like "Wolf Warrior 2" and "Asura," where filmmakers strive to replicate Hollywood's success by mirroring American war movie ideologies and European fantasy styles instead of embracing and showcasing authentic Chinese stories and identities.

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Recent questions

  • How has Mainland Chinese cinema evolved?

    It has faced criticism for lacking unique storytelling.

  • What are some examples of Chinese blockbusters emulating Hollywood?

    "L.O.R.D: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties" and "The Promise."

  • What trends are seen in Chinese cinema?

    Emulating American war movie ideologies and European fantasy styles.

  • What impact have economic reforms had on Chinese cinema?

    Increased filmmaking opportunities but lack of unique storytelling.

  • How do Chinese blockbusters compare to Hollywood films?

    They often feel like imitations rather than original works.

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Summary

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Chinese Cinema: Imitation Over Authenticity

  • Mainland Chinese cinema has faced criticism for its quality, with a shift occurring in the late 90s due to economic reforms in China leading to increased filmmaking opportunities for many, resulting in a lack of unique storytelling and identity.
  • Chinese blockbusters have attempted to emulate Hollywood films, with examples like "L.O.R.D: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties" and "The Promise" using CGI and storylines reminiscent of Western influences, ultimately resulting in films that feel like imitations rather than original works.
  • Films like "Wolf Warrior 2" and "Asura" have strived to mirror American war movie ideologies and European fantasy styles, showcasing a trend in Chinese cinema of trying to impress by replicating Hollywood's success rather than embracing and showcasing authentic Chinese stories and identities.
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