{"title":"An Exploration of “Shadow Play”: An Analysis of the Origin of Chinese Film Aesthetics","authors":"Leilei Jia","doi":"10.1515/jcfs-2023-0068","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jcfs-2023-0068","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Shadow play is the collective name of different forms of art performance such as “shadow puppets” (皮影戏, Piyingxi), “puppet play” (傀儡戏, Kuileixi), and so on. It is a folk art taught through practices and oral traditions, “creating shadows with light”, and came into being over two millennia ago. It emerged in different forms at different times and across different regions and cultures, thus the phrase can connote slightly different art forms depending on cultural context. Chinese people later used “shadow play” to refer to films introduced to China. Such usage not only addresses the connections between film and opera, but highlights how film inherited traditions of shadow play – telling stories through shadows.","PeriodicalId":342453,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Chinese Film Studies","volume":"114 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139243473","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Spiritual Wonderings: A Study of Phantasmagoria in Early Chinese Cinema","authors":"Chuanfa Wan, Yanqing Wu","doi":"10.1515/jcfs-2023-0067","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jcfs-2023-0067","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Phantasmagoria (幻景 huanjing) is a term commonly seen in historical materials on early Chinese cinema. In this thesis, “Phantasmagoria” is taken as the localization of Western cinema tricks in early China. According to sources, “phantasmagoria” is valuable and rich in content, although it has no clear definition. This thesis seeks to define “phantasmagoria” and through a comparison of Chinese and Western cinema investigate which Western cinema tricks were appropriated and eventually labelled phantasmagoria. This article takes phantasmagoria to be a Chinese term, the meaning and application of which carry the traditional cultural ideas behind the localization of cinema tricks.","PeriodicalId":342453,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Chinese Film Studies","volume":"141 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139244570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Establishment of Chinese Film Industry Studies and the Correction of Film Industrialization – Review and Prospect of the Twenty Years of Film Industrialization Reform","authors":"Yaping Ding","doi":"10.1515/jcfs-2023-0066","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jcfs-2023-0066","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Over the past two decades, the industrialization of film and its discursive space have presented an open trend. Chinese film industry studies encompass multidimensional connotations involving economics, culture, and ideology. National will and policy-driven initiatives form the underlying logic of “industry studies,” while market-oriented approaches connect attention with the commodification of films, becoming the domain for the industry’s transformation. In the past twenty years, the industrial reform process of the Chinese film industry, along with innovations in film policies and institutions and their implementation, has reflected and outlined this multifaceted context. The film industry possesses the attributes of economy, culture, and ideology and, as a public good, includes issues related to attention orientation and correction. The construction of Chinese film industry studies, and the in-depth examination of the results and issues related to market discourse, is significant for further promoting the sustainable development of the film industry and fostering the prosperity of Chinese cinema.","PeriodicalId":342453,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Chinese Film Studies","volume":"34 4","pages":"509 - 525"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139245277","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Study on the Aesthetics of Chinese “Handscroll Films”","authors":"Yang Chen, Dailin Zhao","doi":"10.1515/jcfs-2023-0062","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jcfs-2023-0062","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The handscroll, a traditional painting format in China, has had a profound impact on Chinese films. Handscrolls display not only lively landscape paintings, but also ingenious concepts. In Chinese cinema practice, a handscroll-like composition contributes to the combination of “immersion” (沉浸, Chenjin) and “understanding” (认识, Renshi), two different philosophical and aesthetic concepts. These are used to show a strong sense of history within the limited space of rectangular film scenes, reflecting dynamism and rich with soul. Combined with the technique of “looking back” (回眸, Huimou), handscroll-like compositions function as a chain of connectivity, further leading the audience into a reverie. Consequently, many young directors have applied this creative method to whole film structures in recent years, showing courage to push creative limits.","PeriodicalId":342453,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Chinese Film Studies","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139268019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Modernization of Chinese Film: Nationality, Periodicity, and Current Issues","authors":"Yi-Chu Wang","doi":"10.1515/jcfs-2023-0033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jcfs-2023-0033","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The nationality of modernization of Chinese film focuses on the concept of yingxi (影戏, the name for film in Chinese early years), family ethic, classical intellectual traditions, legendary stories, and “lingering favor” (yuwei 余味). The periodicity of modernization of Chinese film can be divided into three periods: the modernization of Chinese film phase I, the modernization of Chinese film phase II, and the modernization of Chinese film phase III, respectively representing how the Chinese nation has stood up, grown prosperous, and become strong. The current issues for modernization of Chinese film lies in expressing the five dimensions of the Chinese path to modernization, and the ongoing advancement of the modernization of Chinese film III. Chinese film studies should also seize this new opportunity to reexamine itself.","PeriodicalId":342453,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Chinese Film Studies","volume":"38 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130274455","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Constructing a Theoretical System for Chinese Films and Television: A Review of Academic Views of China’s Mainstream Film and Television Since 2017","authors":"Zhifeng Hu, Yin Chen","doi":"10.1515/jcfs-2023-0034","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jcfs-2023-0034","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Since 2017, new achievements have been made in the field of mainstream Chinese films and television: specifically, in the interpretation of strategic policies, research on creation and production, and foundational theoretical research. These achievements have chiefly been embodied in the following areas: reaching historical achievements and changes in comprehensive, systematic and in-depth interpretation and analysis of China’s mainstream films and television; focusing on the creative practices, innovations and trends in China’s mainstream films and television; elucidating the remarkable characteristics of development; distilling the Chinese school and Chinese model; proposing a series of original academic discourse; forming a series of important theoretical achievements; and completing the first stage of constructing a system for Chinese films and television in the new era.","PeriodicalId":342453,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Chinese Film Studies","volume":"96 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133118073","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Modern Transformation of Hong Kong Cantonese Films with Realistic Themes in the 1950s and 1960s","authors":"Weifang Zhao","doi":"10.1515/jcfs-2023-0031","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jcfs-2023-0031","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract From the late 1950s, the creation of Hong Kong Cantonese films with realistic themes entered a new stage. In terms of themes, these Cantonese films continued the indoctrination and enlightenment of Hong Kong’s traditional Cantonese films and the tradition of focusing on the grass-roots class. They also opened up new characters and new themes for Cantonese films, creating a modern scene in Hong Kong’s Cantonese film world from the late 1950s. At the same time, Hong Kong Cantonese films with realistic themes during this period were also trying to explore the commercial genres dominated by comedy and striving to create a new world of entertainment. Through these innovations and changes, Hong Kong Cantonese film production realized the transformation from tradition to modernity.","PeriodicalId":342453,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Chinese Film Studies","volume":"94 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115668044","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Expression of Values, Humanity and Aesthetics: The Appearance of Chinese Films in the New Stage","authors":"Xing Zhou, Yuhong Ouyang","doi":"10.1515/jcfs-2023-0032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jcfs-2023-0032","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Since the turn of the 21st century, the creative focus of Chinese films has developed from “main theme films” to “new mainstream films”; this change has led to the transformation of Chinese films as the world’s second largest market, enabling the diversification of artistic creative types and the expression of spiritual connotations. Since 2012, new mainstream films in China have increasingly occupied the leading position in film creation, with many outstanding works being produced. The adherence to China’s mainstream values, as well as the multi-tiered and diverse types of creation, make Chinese films in this new stage an important representative of Chinese culture. The progress of new mainstream films may be seen in relation to the following aspects: cultural values, the expression of humanity, family ethics, and aesthetic expression, all of which are constantly advancing the development of Chinese films.","PeriodicalId":342453,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Chinese Film Studies","volume":"84 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130544142","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Lucky Numbers and Greedy Ghosts: Lottery as Trope for the Singapore Dream","authors":"Carolyn Fitzgerald","doi":"10.1515/jcfs-2023-0027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jcfs-2023-0027","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This article analyzes Singaporean films on the topic of the state-sponsored lottery as trope for the national dream, focusing on three different categories: popular films that link lottery winnings to the state’s promise of economic prosperity; hor-medy (horror/comedy) films that depict characters who are punished by the ghosts for greed; and art films that depict social inequalities in relation to unsuccessful efforts to attain the national dream. In doing so, it examines what Lee Kah-Wee refers to as the “relationship between morality and economics within the context of nation-building” with respect to Singaporean film. The convergence of cinematic treatment of lottery cultures between otherwise separate popular films, horror films, and arthouse films is a unique commonality in Singapore film. Also, films discussed in this paper from the late 1990s to 2013 reflect the ongoing centrality of lottery films in Singaporean cinema and the national imaginary.","PeriodicalId":342453,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Chinese Film Studies","volume":"66 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125137183","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mapping the AD Development Patterns Between China and Europe: China, Spain and the UK in Focus","authors":"Yuchen Liu","doi":"10.1515/jcfs-2022-0028","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jcfs-2022-0028","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract China is a country which has a substantial population with disabilities, and efforts to take care of their socio-cultural needs and make the physical environment accessible to them have proved challenging as the primary media access service in China AD is volunteer-dependent. However, the transition to professionalisation is already on track with efforts by a few AD stakeholders. At the same time, there are differences between AD development patterns in China and some European countries where AD has come of age (Tor-Carroggio, I., and G. Vercauteren. 2020. “When East Meets West: A Comparison of Audio Description Guidelines in China and Europe.” Hikma 19 (1): 167–86). The aim of this article is twofold: firstly, to systematise the differences in AD development between China and Europe, with Spain and the UK as reference countries; secondly, to investigate whether there are any areas where China and Europe can learn from each other to improve this service in the future. The results show that the high input from users in China can be useful for AD practices in Europe, while collaboration at all levels backed by European legislation can be essential in promoting AD professionalisation and standardisation in China.","PeriodicalId":342453,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Chinese Film Studies","volume":"5 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121538052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}