A Study on the Aesthetics of Chinese “Handscroll Films”

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.