In the cinematic expressions of contemporary Chinese film, a narrative practice with distinct indigenous cultural characteristics has emerged—namely, the affective – legal narrative. At its core, this approach systematically incorporates the legal dimension as a structural framework and a central interlocutor within affective storytelling. By examining the evolution of affective–legal narratives in Chinese cinema since the new period, this study identifies significant shifts across three dimensions: spatial construction, character formation, and thematic articulation. Collectively, these shifts contribute to an aesthetic configuration centered on the harmonious integration of affect and law. This narrative turn not only marks an elevation in the artistic value of Chinese cinema, but also reflects the intrinsic demand of a society in transition for a balanced reconciliation between legal rationality and affective ethics.

affective–legal narrative, culture of the rule of law, social mirror, narrative transformation