Framing China's national image through film: Chinese political films in the 1980s and the 2000s.

摘要

This research examines how Chinese political films frame national image at the present time (2000s) and compares that portrayal with an earlier time period (1980s). Attempting to build a bridge between framing theory and film studies, and also trying to provide an comprehensive measurement of national image, this research expands the concept of national image to include political and cultural aspects: the former involves key dimensions such as major political figures and state capacity, while the latter contains traditional cultural representations, national culture portrayals, and patriotism appeal. Through a qualitative content analysis of two films, The Founding of A Republic and The Birth of New China this study finds that: (1) back to 1940s, China was portrayed as a nation that desired change in society as a whole, including its politics, economy, and culture; (2) Chinese society reflected typical Eastern culture and traditional Chinese values that served to evoke people's patriotism; and (3) Chinese films have developed more nuanced views on the role of key political players such as the Kuomintang at that time. The study has important theoretical and practical implications for scholars of national image building in popular culture.