Abstract:  “Shadowplay” theory has been the most landmark and controversial film theory put forward by the mainland academic circle since the new age. This paper explores the proposal of the “Shadowplay” theory and related debates from the perspective of academic history. Based on the recall of why “shadowplay” was reignited in the 1980 s and how it was transformed into a controversial event in the film academic history, the paper points out that given the unique historical context of the 80s, the proposal of the theory was constructive in itself and possessed the feature of antinomy as well.

Key words: “shadowplay&rdquo, theory, historical context, construction and antinomy