37th Annual Student Research Conference
The Impact of China’s Cultural Revolution on Family Bonds: A Cinematic Perspective
Zeyu Wang*, Carole Noble, George N. Gump, Zitong Liu, and Zile Xu
Dr. Zhijun Wen, Faculty Mentor
The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), a tumultuous period in China, was marked by widespread social upheaval and political persecution. During this time, family relationships and societal structures were deeply disrupted. People were encouraged, and often forced, to denounce their relatives as counter-revolutionaries or supporters of capitalism to show their loyalty to the Communist Party and its ideals. This led to widespread suspicion, betrayal, and the breaking of long-standing family ties. The impact of the Cultural Revolution on families is vividly portrayed in Chinese films such as To Live, Coming Home, and Farewell My Concubine. These films show the struggles of ordinary people caught during the political turmoil, facing the painful choice between loyalty to the state and loyalty to their loved ones. The Cultural Revolution challenged traditional concepts of family in Chinese society and exposed the worst aspects of human nature, such as betrayal, selfishness, and blind adherence to ideology.
Keywords: China, Film, Cultural Revolution , Family, History , Art illustration , Government decision , Relationship
Topic(s):Chinese
History
Interdisciplinary Studies
Presentation Type: Asynchronous Virtual Presentation
Session: 1-3
Location: https://flip.com/41ba21d8
Time: 0:00