From confrontation to integration: Changes of the urban-rural relationship in China's rural movies in social transformation

Haiying, Dong and Ismail, Roslina (2024) From confrontation to integration: Changes of the urban-rural relationship in China's rural movies in social transformation. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 14 (1). 45 – 63. ISSN 2239-978X, DOI https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2024-0005.

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Abstract

This paper delves into the evolving portrayal of the urban-rural dynamic in Chinese rural films over the past four decades, set against the backdrop of China's profound social transformation. Our primary focus is on how the narrative shifts within Chinese rural cinema have both mirrored and shaped the broader sociocultural changes accompanying China's urbanization process, thereby influencing the identities of rural inhabitants. To facilitate this exploration, we conduct a comparative analysis of two pivotal films: "Life" (1984) and "Coffee or Tea" (2020). Throughout this study, we pinpoint significant narrative transitions that mark this evolution, such as the shift from individuals "leaving hometowns" to "returning home," providing insight into varying levels of social status among villagers. Additionally, we observe a transformation in character portrayals from "runaway" figures to "new farmers," reflecting changing rural perspectives towards their places of origin. Moreover, there is a notable shift in value orientations from an emphasis on "individual struggle" to a focus on "common prosperity," showcasing the countryside's capacity to integrate new technologies and ideologies. These narrative transformations signal a shift in the urban-rural relationship, progressing from a state of opposition and division to one of integration and reconciliation. Concurrently, the identities of rural inhabitants undergo a transformation, shifting from a self-centered focus to one centered around their hometowns. This study not only offers valuable insights into rural narrative texts within the context of modernity narratives but also provides an in-depth exploration of contemporary Chinese rural cinema as an art form. © 2024 Dong Haiying and Roslina Binti Ismail.

Item Type: Article
Funders: Henan Province Curriculum Ideology and Politics, Journalism and Communication Practical Curriculum Ideology and Politics Teaching Team
Uncontrolled Keywords: Chinese rural film; Identity recognition; Returning hometown; symbol; Transition; Urban-rural narrative
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Divisions: Faculty of Creative Arts (formerly known as the Cultural Centre)
Depositing User: Ms. Juhaida Abd Rahim
Date Deposited: 21 May 2024 07:52
Last Modified: 21 May 2024 07:52
URI: http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/44909

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