Chinese Cin Exam 1

Zhang Shichuan

Co-founder of the Asia Film Company; first Chinese film studio

Zheng Zhengqiu

• Started Asia Film Company

• Make money? or Social commentary?

• Decide on commentary

• Realized they could make money that way

Xia Yan

• Director and film critic

• Pushing film community towards left pre Communist Party

• Film Group (sub of League of Left Wing Writers)

Chiang Kai Shek

Leader of the Nationalist Party before 1949; influential in controlling film production. He led the Republic of China and was a key figure in the fight against both Japanese invasion and Chinese Communist forces.

Mao Zedong

Leader of the Communist Party; made film subservient to political goals.He emphasized propaganda through cinema and sought to use films as a means to promote socialist ideals and the party's agenda.

Fengtai Photo Studio

First studio to produce Chinese films, known for filming Beijing Opera.

Asia Film Company

First film company in China emphasizing education and Nationalist themes.

Mingxing

A leftist film studio in pre-1949 China known for its politically charged narratives.

Tianyi

Known for producing traditional costume dramas that reflected historical themes.

Lianhua

A major film company that was centrist, occasionally featuring socialist commentary.

Kunlun

Film company active post-Japan War, noted for left-leaning films.

May 4th Movement

A pivotal event promoting nationalism and a unified Chinese identity.

Left Wing Writers Group

Formed in 1932, this group promoted realism and addressed CMT oppression.

Cinema of Attractions

A genre focusing on spectacle and gimmicks rather than artistic cinema.

Orphan Island Cinema

Metaphorical representation of Shanghai’s cinema under Japanese occupation.

Hundred Flowers Movement

A campaign encouraging criticism of the Communist Party which backfired for many intellectuals.

Socialist Realism

Film genre prioritizing collective interests and depicting the class struggle.1955-1966

Cultural Revolution

A movement that led to censorship and restrictions on film production in China. 1966-1972

Deng Xiaoping

Leader who opened China politically and economically after Mao's death.

Chen Kaige

A prominent 5th generation director known for "Farewell My Concubine" and “Yellow Earth”

Zhang Yimou

5th generation director and cinematographer known for his visually striking films.

Guangxi Film Studio

Not influential during the Cultural Revolution, rose to prominence with 5th generation films.

Differences between literary film and film film

Literary films focus on plot and dialogue, while film films emphasize visual storytelling and complex meanings.

6th Generation Cinema

Emphasized contemporary urban themes and individual psychology, contrasting with 5th generation's historical focus.

Lou Ye

A notable 6th generation filmmaker known for Suzhou River