36th Annual Student Research Conference
Perspectives on Cultural Revolution Through Chinese Film
Nikola Schroeder* and Kaitlyn Merla
Dr. Zhijun Wen, Faculty Mentor
Much can be learned by examining how Chinese film directors approach the Cultural Revolution through the films Coming Home, Farewell My Concubine, and Youth. Zhang’s Coming Home and Chen’s Farewell My Concubine both approach the Cultural Revolution in a negative and criticizing light. In contrast, Feng’s Youth approaches the Cultural Revolution in a nostalgic light. Our research explores how directors’ personal experiences influence how they portray the Cultural Revolution. Zhang’s life in a labor camp and Chen’s experience of being a Red Guard and denouncing his father during the political campaign compelled them to expose the trauma that the Cultural Revolution caused to ordinary people. However, Feng’s life in a military courtyard, isolated from the outside chaos, led him to reminisce on the “colorful” experience of that time. Hence, devastation and tragedy hit those in Farewell my Concubine and Coming Home, while obliviousness is shown in the characters in Youth.
Keywords: Cultural Revolution, China, Film, Chinese
Topic(s):Chinese
Asian Studies
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation
Session: 1-2
Location: Student Union Building Activities Room
Time: 3:00