Notions of the Chinese Film-The Flowers of War - Essay Example

Notions of “Difference’’ In film studies there are a number of factors that are recurrent for consideration regardless of the film differences that emerge across the various films under study. This is to say that these factors are recurrent in different films although there may be differences in plot, genre, and the general purpose of the film. These factors form the “difference” in the various films that may be studied. In this particular context, the term “difference” refers to the “other” stereotypes represented in the film. To get a clear understanding of “other”, it is important to engage in critical thinking of the film from a study perspective. The term “other” in this context refers to such factors such race, culture, gender, age and ethnicity among others. Although “other” may differ from one film to another, it is important to note that all films portray these aspects. Engaging in a critical study of the film, these factors can be identified and analyzed in order to determine the role of the film in “other”. This is to say that the main purpose of the study is arguably to determine how some films present and or challenge these notions of “difference”. For this particular paper the main focus will be on the Chinese film "The Flowers of War". This implies that the paper seeks to determine how this particular film presents and or challenges the notions of “difference”. Race generally refers to the social concept employed in categorizing humans to a group with similarities though sometimes with distinct ethnical, cultural and historical affiliations among other aspects. However, the aspect of race is quite controversial since it has drawn different meanings across the globe at different times. Additionally, the meaning of race has seemingly been on a constant change with differences emerging over the years. For example, the first use of the term was to refer to speakers of a common language and then later used to refer to nation affiliations. This however did not mark the end of the differences associated with the term since it later took a seemingly more observation approach where it was used to refer to people with similar physical traits. By taking this phenotypical approach race may be used to refer to a group of people with transmittable traits by descent. This implies that race is collective group comprising of people from different places and cultures and exhibiting a wide range of other differences. However, the major incorporation of people of the same race is similarity in physical appearance. An example of race is the Caucasian race that refers to people who are light skinned and eyes with narrow noses and thin lips. This description among other physical traits suits people from a wide spread area incorporating different ethnicities ranging from Irish to German to Spanish among others. Additionally, Japanese, Chinese and Korean people can arguably be grouped into one race. This is because they possess high levels of physical similarities hence can be grouped into one race group. The film of reference is based on this particular race with only one main character coming from a different race. The film takes place in the presumed China’s capital, Nanking, where Japanese forces brutally attack the city. This is during the period of the Second Sino-Japanese War leading to a massacre in Nanking. The Japanese militants seek to take into captivity some school girls who are hiding in a convent. In this convent there is an American, Bale, playing the role of the priest and it is in his interests to protect the school girls from the Japanese militants. Bale is the only main character in the film that comes from a different race. In the course of the war, Bale pretends to be the priest while simultaneously trying to repair a truck that he plans to use for escape. At the end of the film, Bale manages to save the girls from being captured by the Japanese militants although it is at the cost of a great sacrifice by the prostitutes who chose to be taken instead. The film is based on a story revolving around the Japanese and Chinese war therefore they should form the main race reflected by the film. Incorporation of only one character form a different race facilitates the maintenance of the main race that ought to be dominant in the film. As a result, the film can be considered to have effectively executed and provided for the considerations of race. With a critical look at the film, issues of race differences arise in relation to strengths of different races. In this aspect strength refers to superiority of some races over the others. Edward Said argues that the notion of superiority among different races is a form of imperialism (1993). Critics of this particular film in reference, argue that the presence of an only one American character who takes the leading role is somewhat ambiguous. This is considering the fact that the same role could be played by a Chinese priest hence improving the general outlook of the film. Use of a character from a different race yet emerging victorious may be considered to imply dominion of one race over another. The main influencers of such notions are deeply rooted in social and political factors. For example, there is a belief that some countries are better off politically than others hence the need to interfere with foreign matters. In relation to social factors, it boils down to race where there is a view that some races such as those from the West are better than others. However, this may not be obvious to all as some carry on with their live oblivious of the privileges that come along with being white. According to McIntosh, the society only teaches racism from one side that shows how it can be disadvantageous to people of ‘minor’ races but not the strengths and privileges accompanying ‘stronger’ races such as whites (1990). This is to say that although all may seem ok in relation to race, there is need for more scrutiny on matters revolving around racial imbalance. As such then maybe the notions resulting to view of some races as dominant and seemingly oppressive may be after all justified. This could, perhaps, explain why some races may have a negative view of other races, especially towards whites, although the particular individual involved may not have necessarily done anything wrong. This is to say that notions surrounding different races are used to judge us either fairly or unfairly. Therefore, it is important to tackle both sides of race, either as advantageous or disadvantageous, in relation to the already set norms so as to reduce conflicts arising from race issues. The political and social differences seek to exert a difference in terms of superiority among different races. The film therefore may be used to access the impacts of political and social notions in race. This brings the implication that classification of people by race is bound to create differences due to the notion that some races seek dominance are seemingly unable to function by themselves. Additionally, the ability of the white character to trick the Japanese militants may be used to imply that some races are more evolved than others. The course of the film of reference presents this notion by triggering the need for incorporation of a seemingly stronger race to assist in achieving victory Additionally, the film brings out the aspect of gender consideration in film analyses. The genre of the film is a leading determiner of gender balancing in terms of participation in a film. There are film genres that are dominated by men while others are dominated by women. For example a gangster film is more likely to be dominated by men due to the masculine nature prevalent in this film genre. The film of reference revolves around issues that affect the society as a whole hence it is expected that the characters should be balanced in relation to gender. There are issues affecting young school girls and there is also the aspect of the Japanese military. Moreover, the film has employed a realistic aspect in relation to norms where the white man plays the role of a savior. Social norms especially those revolving around political issues have it that the presence of a white man in such an area has to impact change. This is because men are regarded a relatively stronger hence increasing the chances of solving the current problem facing the girls. Additionally, the fact that he is white further increases chances of coming up with a workable solution in saving the school girls. This can be attributed to notions that men are stronger and more so white men. The film is based on a time that is surrounded by war. In such times the most prone group in terms of exploitation and oppression are young girls. The film reflects this since the entirety of the film is based upon protection of school girls from exploitation by the Japanese militia. Social notions imply that girls are weaker hence in such circumstances where the societal governance is imbalanced they are prone to exploitation. As the film advances one of the Japanese generals and his team choose to aid in protecting the girls. However, unlike the priest this protection of the girls is at a cost as he continually requests the girls to sing chorale for him. This can be viewed as exploitation of some form regardless of the fact that the general protects the girls. This is vividly seen when the general requests for the girls’ presence in a military function to offer entertainment amid the celebrations for their victory. Attempts by the priest to oppose this request results in a disagreement with the general clarifying that the request was more of an order than a request. Therefore, the disagreement ends up with the general claiming to pick the girls early the next morning. Inclusion of this scene is to show the necessity of establishing a plan for rescue. Additionally, it can be used to prompt the participation of the white man who is deemed to be in better position to rescue the girls. The context of this film may also be seen from a cultural perspective in reference to gender. In some cultures, the roles of gender are represented in such a way that one gender seems ‘weaker’ than the other. As a result, it is the responsibility of men to protect their families and the society at large. This aspect is seemingly represented in the film where the girls are viewed as prone to danger and hence in need for protection. However, protection offered by the general and his team is arguably not genuine since there are some demands that follow. Seeing the danger that accompanies the girls, the only option is for the girls to escape and flee Nanking. In the course of the film the convent had received new guests who almost matched the number of school girls but only this time the visitors are prostitutes. With increased odds against the school girls, the leader of the prostitute convinces them to take place of the girls in the Japanese party. This scene reflects the shared notion that females especially in relation to mothers are protective naturally. The prostitutes are relatively older than the school girls hence feeling responsible to protect them. However, the prostitutes are only 12 while the school girls are 13 hence George, the dead priest’s son, agrees to fill in the missing position to balance the number. The thirteen undergo a makeup session with the assistance of Bale who uses his skills of a mortician to achieve a similar look as the school girls. In the morning the Japanese soldiers show as expected and unknowingly take the wrong group and lead them away to the party. The film ends without a clear explanation of the fate of either the groups but it is almost evident that the plan went as planned. The great sacrifice of the prostitutes and the priest’s son show the great magnitudes of gender especially in times of war. This is because the only way out for the school girls was for others to take their place since the general was not ready to let them go. Therefore, the film can be used to show the differences in gender equity that can be attributed to the notions revolving around gender. Another aspect of “other” that is reflected in the film is age. The aspect of age is applicable in two distinct prospects. First there is the consideration of age of the characters in relation to the roles held. The film of reference is based on the story of young school girls who are prone to exploitation by the Japanese militants. In the film of reference, characters holding the positions of the school girls are seemingly of the right age hence giving a more realistic view of the film. On the other hand there needs to be a notable difference between the school girls and the prostitutes. This has been well catered for since a general observation of the characters shows some notable distinction. In general, there should be increased focus in ensuring that the characters are a reflection of the ages they represent. The context of the film of reference has relevance in the real world especially employing focus on the plight of young girls. The social setting in the modern world has seemingly given room for exploitation of children. This especially with an increased focus on young girls where there are relatively many incidences that threaten the security and the general well-being of young girls. For example the recent Nigeria abductions where over 200 girls were kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents. This implies that threats on school going children are imminent especially in the wake of uprisings and revolutions. In the film the schools girls were able to escape due to the efforts of the priest and other participants that were willing to sacrifice themselves for the sake of their safety. This may not be practical in real world since it can be considered a matter of chance and a one case scenario. However, the film points out a possible case with possibilities of taking place even in the today’s world. Some of these conflicts have their roots in politics due to the increased desire for power. In such scenarios the target groups may be the seemingly weaker in the society and elimination by use of age criteria may seem to be efficient. The aspect of age may also be viewed from both the social and cultural perspective where people at such young ages may be victims of oppression. For example, in cultures that force young girls into early marriages without regard for their future. Although the two instances may seem different, they are in a related since they both touch on the lives of younger population. Therefore, the film gives a reflection of societal evils that can be advanced on age lines. Moreover, national identity is also an aspect for consideration in film studies. Films have a given theme and this can be selected depending on the planned setting. This is to say that the predominant national identity in the film should be considered in making a film. This is especially in regard to selecting the characters that feature in the film. For example, in the movie of reference the most predominant national identity is an Asian outlook. In such a scenario it is only fair to incorporate more characters that seemingly represent the Asian culture. However, amid the close similarities between the Chinese and Japanese there emerges some differences. The film is based on a story that revolves around a war advanced by Japanese on the Chinese capital. This implies that there are differences emerging from different national identities. The conflict between two seemingly similar nations shows the great differences resulting from national identities. Conflicts emerging from national identities can be attributed to differences in expression of views. In the modern day there have been increased conflicts among nations for different reasons ranging from political to territorial factors. For example, neighboring nations may disagree on shared boundaries hence sparking disagreements. Additionally, the need to advance superiority among nations has been among the leading factors facilitating national conflicts. From the film this is evident with Japan trying to show superiority by invading China’s capital, Nanking. Therefore, the film is an excellent portrayal of possible conflicts emerging from different national identity. In addition, it is also important to consider the aspect of culture in the development a creation of a film. The desired culture to be portrayed in the film is a determining factor and a crucial influencer of the decisions made. The aspect of culture is critical in determining the scenes in which the film should be taking place. However, culture goes beyond that and it is important to ensure that the different scenes in the film are a reflection of the desired culture. For instance, when two cultures are incorporated in the same film there should be a vivid distinction. It is important to note that the aspect of culture can also be used as a driving point for the viewers to engage in the film. This is to say that the culture should be in synchronization with the theme of the film. For example, in this particular film it is important to maintain both the Chinese and Japanese culture since it mainly revolves around events taking place in their culture. For instance such a film whose main context revolves around a war, it is important to incorporate some of the fighting techniques that are specific to these cultures. However, amid the few similarities that may exist between Japanese and Chinese cultures there are some differences hence prompting conflicts. Eruption of war can be attributed to cultural differences such as view of one culture as lesser compared to the other. For example, the Japanese attacks on the Chinese can be considered an effort to prove. Additionally, the choice of Japanese to use aggressive measures while the Chinese had embraced more peaceful measures shows difference in thought among different cultures. Conclusively, it is evident that there are a number of aspects for consideration in film study. These aspects form the “other” in the context of the film and this has been reflected in the entirety of the film. For example the role of gender in film has been portrayed especially in reference to the film of study. It is important noting that gender is an important factor playing an important role in determining the genre of the film. Additionally, the genre of the film can also be influenced by the age aspect especially with more focus on the time setting of the film and levels of technology employed in the film. Other important aspects include national identity, identity, culture, ethnicity, and race. These aspects are important since they determine the relevance of the film especially in relation to the theme. This is because distortion of either of the aspects may lead to a fall from the theme of the film. Failure to incorporate this means a deviation from the theme hence making the film unrealistic. Therefore, it is important to take into consideration the different aspects in film study. References Said, E. W. (1993). Culture and imperialism. New York: Knopf. Yimou, Z. (2011). The Flowers of War. EDKO Film Wrekin Hill Entertainment Row 1 Productions. McIntosh, P. (1990). White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack. Read More