bbc.com
Chinese Animated Film's Box Office Triumph Fuels Nationalism, Backlash Against Hollywood
Ne Zha 2", a Chinese animated film, broke box office records with $1.7 billion in revenue, mostly from China, sparking intense national pride and online attacks against its American competitor, "Captain America: Brave New World", which earned only $10.6 million in China.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of conflating patriotism with box office success in the Chinese film industry?
- The intense nationalist fervor surrounding "Ne Zha 2" raises concerns about the evolving cultural environment in China, where criticism is equated with unpatriotism. This trend may suppress objective film critiques and create an atmosphere of online hostility towards dissenting opinions, potentially stifling healthy cultural discourse and diverse artistic expression.
- What is the significance of "Ne Zha 2's" box office triumph in relation to the performance of "Captain America: Brave New World" in China?
- Ne Zha 2", a Chinese animated film, achieved a record-breaking $1.7 billion box office gross, sparking intense national pride and a backlash against its rival, "Captain America: Brave New World", which generated only $10.6 million in China. This fueled a social media campaign among Chinese Ne Zha 2 fans, calling for the American film's failure in China and accusing critics of being paid "haters".
- How does the nationalist sentiment surrounding "Ne Zha 2" impact the reception and criticism of both the Chinese film and its Hollywood competitor?
- The box office success of "Ne Zha 2" is viewed as a symbol of progress in Chinese cinema, signifying the rise of locally produced films against the usual dominance of Hollywood productions in China. The film's overwhelming success within China, with over 99% of its earnings from the domestic market, is contrasted with the poor performance of "Captain America 4", highlighting the growing nationalism in Chinese film consumption.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes the nationalistic fervor surrounding Ne Zha 2 and the negative reactions towards Captain America 4. Headlines and the initial paragraphs highlight the patriotic fervor and criticisms of the film's critics, potentially shaping the reader's perception to view the situation primarily through the lens of nationalism.
Language Bias
The article uses charged language such as "gloating," "slander," and "despicable" when describing the reactions of Ne Zha 2 supporters towards Captain America 4. While it accurately reflects the tone of online discussions, the use of such words might subtly influence the reader's perception. More neutral alternatives could include 'celebrating,' 'criticism,' and 'negative'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the nationalist sentiment surrounding Ne Zha 2 and its rivalry with Captain America 4, but omits discussion of potential factors contributing to Captain America 4's underperformance in China beyond the nationalist narrative. For instance, marketing strategies, cultural relevance, or audience preferences are not explored. This omission might create a biased portrayal of the situation, suggesting nationalism is the sole driver.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the success of Ne Zha 2 and the underperformance of Captain America 4 as a direct conflict fueled by nationalism. This simplifies a complex issue by ignoring other factors that might influence box office results.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a surge in Chinese nationalism fueled by the success of Ne Zha 2, leading to the marginalization of dissenting opinions and the suppression of criticism. This creates an environment where open dialogue and diverse perspectives are discouraged, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities in access to information and freedom of expression.