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Journal of Shanghai University (Social Science Edition)

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Films and National Image: Industry, Culture and Aesthetics

  

  • Received:2012-07-03 Online:2012-09-15 Published:2012-09-15

Abstract:

The so called national image is a summation of a nation' s economic, political, military, cultural, demographic, historical and ethnologic features. It is a general image built by communication channels like mass media, film and television, personnel, products as well as their domestic and international audiences. It consists of a nation' s images at home and abroad that reflect, influence and act upon each other if with the smooth flow of global information and markets. Along with the changes of time, western countries' understanding of China' s image has also experienced a constantly changing process. Until the twentieth century, while Chinese national image was still interpreted by westerners in two extremely different ways, Chinese culture was regarded as with distinctive characteristics and functions. In this sense, a nation' s cultural image as a major part of a nation' s image has its unique value and significance. Since the day of its birth, the Chinese film has committed itself not only to its own healthy growth but to the mission of shaping China's image. To Chinese film industry, cultural consciousness and cultural confidence are both the premise to its development and the key to its success in building China' s national image. Only when the two cultural aspects are highlighted can China no longer be "given" a national image by other countries.

Key words: national image, soft power, cultural identity, cultural power

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