Exam 3 Chinese Film

Question 1

Differences between “Socialism with Chinese Characteristics” and a full Market economy

Answer 1

1. Protectionism - government restrictions that restrict international trade to help domestic industries.
2. Government still censors films.
3. The government is still in control of the industry overall.

Question 2

How does socialism with Chinese Characteristics affect the role of the China Film Group

Answer 2

CFG is responsible for carrying out propaganda and cultivations of markets and co-production development.

Question 3

What effect did China’s allowing imports of foreign movies beginning in 1994 have on China’s film industry?

Answer 3

People started attending the movies more
Increased revenue into the industry.

Question 4

Three restrictions that were placed on foreign films in China

Answer 4

-Market entry and market share was restricted.
-Distribution was off limits to foreign films.
-Films were prevented from being shown on holidays.

Question 5

According to Davis and Yueh, what effects should marketization have on society?

Answer 5

-Should allow for new ideas and increased revenue.

Question 6

What was the actual effect of marketization on the film industry according to Davis and Yueh?

Answer 6

Enforced nationalization and narrowed the subjects portrayed.
The industry was still at the governments will.

Question 7

What national mood does Wolf Warrior 2 reflect?

Answer 7

Hawkish patriotism. It was a warning for western forces.

Question 8

What are some criticism of Wolf Warrior 2 according to the Chinese bloggers on Douban?

Answer 8

Chauvinism - The American woman was completely dependent on the Chinese for help.

Question 9

According to Chris Buckley in his article on Wolf Warrior 2, what sets the movie apart from “standard Chinese film epics.”

Answer 9

The main character is more of an individual than other standard Chinese film epics where there isn’t much individual focus.

Question 10

Three examples of how Wolf Warrior 2 promotes Chinese patriotism

Answer 10

-The hero is Chinese
-Theme of defending Chinese interest
-Riding through the battle field with the Chinese flag.
-The Chinese embassy saves them.

Question 11

How does Wolf Warrior 2 continue the Maoist ideological legacy?

Answer 11

Aggressive imperialism and the idea of saving the third world. Mao said China considered itself to be the leadership of the third world.

Question 12

How does the symbolism in Wolf Warrior 2 differ from Maoist ideological legacy?

Answer 12

-It’s not as collective focused
-China is taking the place of the imperialists.
-Under Mao, China was the underdog. Under the new system, China is the superior power.

Question 13

What criticisms does Shi make of Wolf Warrior 2 beyond those mentioned in the Buckley article?

Answer 13

-The conflict was driven by revenge
-The portrayal of Africans that the Western stereotype has of African country

Question 14

Which agencies were responsible for film censorship prior to 2018? And what organization took over?

Answer 14

-The Central propaganda department took over. Went from being several administrations to being controlled directly by the government.

Question 15

Why is censorship in China deliberately ambiguous?

Answer 15

It reduces criticism, allows for last minute changes, keeps people who make films on their toes.

Question 16

Traditionally, what factors might cause a judge to adjust their legal rulings?

Answer 16

-Criminals who acted to avenge their parents could be spared prison sentence.
-Sentence spared to children who needed to take care of their parents.
-Tempered with moral situations.

Question 17

What is Judicial populism?

Answer 17

-When public outrage and morality can overcome legality.

Question 18

How did judicial populism play a role in “Dying to Survive.”

Answer 18

The movie was based on a real situation where the prosecutors dropped the charges because the public outcry was so heavy.

Question 19

What is the relationship between the Chinese Communist Party and the courts, and what is the CCP stand on judicial populism?

Answer 19

-CCP says that they do think public opinion should have some standings in rulings.
-Communist party has control over the courts.

Question 19

What causes Ai Weiwei to run up against the Chinese authorities, and hwat factors might give him some protection?

Answer 19

-He was being stalked outside his house and got beat up by the police.
-“Princeling” - Father was famous and he was internationally famous.

Question 19

Characteristics of Ai Weiwei’s documentary film making?

Answer 19

-Multiple cameras.
-“Just hit record”
-Anti Aesthetic

Question 20

What are some criticisms of western discourse regarding independent film in China?

Answer 20

-Foreign discourse is too simplistic and only views it as ant-authoritarian to government.
-Independent film could have nothing to do with the government but westerners think its always anti-government.

Question 21

What is the dragon seal? And consequences for not having it?

Answer 21

-Proof from the government that a film has passed censorship and it can be shown.
-Fines up to 30k and equipment confiscated and banned from showing films.

Question 22

What are the four choices for film artists in China today?

Answer 22

-Quit and give up
-Soft exile
-Submit to censorship
-Ignore the law

Question 23

Ai Weiwei

Answer 23

Chinese artist and documentarian. Is openly critical of the Chinese Government’s stance on democracy and human rights.
Director of So Sorry.

Question 24

Wu Jing

Answer 24

Chinese actor and director. Main character in Wolf Warrior.

Question 25

Wen Muye

Answer 25

Chinese director that filmed Dying to Survive.