Introduction
China’s Great Proletariat Cultural Revolution (GPCR) is a well-documented period in world history, but the most profound records are found vivified in the literature and films later into the 20th century, respectively. One of the most profound novels is “To Live”, authored by Yu Hua, which as a fictional narrative offers both a unique and realistic sense of the time period at the individual level. However, the provocative film adaptation directed by Zhang Yimou in 1994 was formidable enough that it was banned in Mainland China. Zhang paints a more realistic picture of how the GPCR influenced Chinese society but adds zest to Hua’s ambiguity but acceptable imperfection. Naturally, the film has many different characteristics yet still manages to overcome the challenges that implicate film adaptations.
This analysis draws focus on the differences between Hua’s novel and Zhang’s film by juxtaposing two key themes and dual-symbolism that had changed from one format to another. The paper is broken up into two parts and begins with an introduction and analysis of Yu Hua’s novel and Zhang’s film. Finally, the second part analyzes the film and novel’s representations of two themes and symbolism that tie in with the GPCR. This paper posits that while Zhang’s film does contain many adjustments based on its adaptation, those changes were not simply a means by which he would meet the status quo, rather they were a means by which the film could become more realistic and exploits the true nature of the GPCR.
Part One
This part is divided into two sub-topics. The first sub-topic offers a summary of the book and contains spoilers. The second sub-topic summarizes the film. Both summaries incorporate key events in both form...
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...Erxi die? While there is no indication as to why he died in the novel, it’s quite obvious the reason he died in both the film is because—at one point—he represented the wave of the future; communism. In other words, Erxi’s death represents the end of the GPCR. In conjunction, at the end of the film when Mantou’s inquiry about the chickens leads to the same parable that Fugui mentions to Youqing in the novel. However, the twists lies in the Fugui’s inability to respond when Mantou asks about what comes after the ox. Fugui is at a loss for words, Jiazhen says that Mantou will ride on an ox’s back but Fugui follows up and states, “Mantou won’t ride on an ox, he’ll ride trains and planes. And life will get better all the time” (Hua, pp. 242-243).
Works Cited
Hua, Y. (1993). To Live. New York: Anchor Books.
Zhang, Y. (Director). (1994). To Live [Motion Picture].
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