The science fiction series The Three-Body Problem has sparked intense debate among viewers in China.
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| Image Credit: Netflix |
The 3 Body Problem series, based on the Hugo Award-winning novel by Liu Cixin, sparked a series of controversies, especially in China, due to its depiction of the Chinese Cultural Revolution in the opening scene.
3 Body Problem: what causes the controversies?
The opening sequence of The Three-Body Problem, set in 1966 during the Cultural Revolution, shows a physics professor being brutally attacked by communist Red Guards for expressing opposition to the government's ideologies. This scene sparked a strong negative reaction from Chinese viewers, who accused the series of portraying China in a negative light and inciting "nationalist anger." Three-Body Problem co-showrunner David Benioff addressed the criticism, noting that the series is not intended to comment on current events, but to acknowledge the parallels between the past and present.
However, some critics have interpreted this portrayal as Hollywood's attempt to denigrate China through the narrative of the atrocities of the Cultural Revolution. Additionally, the Chinese adaptation of the series, released in 2023 by Tencent, has sparked further controversy. The Chinese version of The Three-Body Problem omitted the controversial sequence, fueling accusations that the Chinese Communist Party was attempting to erase the history of the Cultural Revolution from popular culture. Some also criticized the changes made to the story, including the more diverse international cast and the change of location from Beijing to London.
Rosalind Chao, who plays adult Ye Wenjie in The Three-Body Problem, expressed her support for the international version of the story, stressing the importance of understanding world history and telling stories that embrace a broader audience. However, her statements have led to a mixed reaction, with some observers criticizing her for criticizing the Chinese government.
Source: CBR
