The Self-Shaping, Other-Shaping, and Influence of Traditional Chinese Culture in Nezha: Birth of the Devil and Mulan

Abstract

With its unique cultural contributions and rich cultural connotations, Chinese culture has become increasingly influential in the world, so how to spread Chinese culture has become the proposition of the times. With this in mind, the purpose of this study is to find the differences between self-shaping and other-shaping and find the best way to adapt and disseminate traditional Chinese culture. Based on both quantitative and qualitative research, this study uses film subtitles, audience reviews, and interview material as samples to analyze the domestic movie Nezha: Birth of the Devil and the foreign movie Mulan. The results show that filmmakers prefer a similar theme and also use many cultural symbols, but have a very different emphasis on movie adaptations. Moreover, both domestic and foreign audiences haven’t formed an inclusive attitude to appreciate foreign movies; therefore, corresponding strategies should be adopted to better suit the audience’s interest and innovate traditional culture. In this way, this study can provide a new perspective for the adaptation and dissemination of traditional Chinese culture.

Keywords

• Mulan
• Nezha
• Chinese traditional culture
• movie
• self-shaping
• other-shaping