Abstract:

In recent years, sports films have sparked widespread media attention and passionate discussions among audiences. In fact, since China began producing sports films in the 1930s, these movies have exhibited diverse facets and shifting narrative focuses across different historical periods and socio-political contexts. The narrative themes in Chinese mainland sports films have undergone a historical transformation, evolving through perspectives of revolutionary sports, people’s sports, humanistic sports, Olympic sports, and rejuvenation sports. This evolution mirrors the development trajectory of China’s sports industry and is closely intertwined with the country’s social transformation, reflecting the intricate connections between the body, sports views, and national development. Consequently, these films have cultivated a unique expression of China’ s distinctive sports culture and spirit, thereby constructing a sense of national identity.

Key words: sports film, narrative themes, national identity, sports view, body