Mainstream war films: a soft power tool for china’s promotion of Chinese national identity and patriotism

Abstract

This study focuses on cinema as an agent of soft power in promoting Chinese national identity and patriotism. This study used two research methods. First, a qualitative method of narrative analysis was used to examine three new mainstream films, Wolf Warrior 2, Operation Red Sea, and The Battle at Lake Changjin. The narrative analyses found that five types of national identity were identified using ethnic, cultural, and political dimensions: (1) belongingness and identification with the nation-state; (2) a sense of belonging and identification with the political institution; (3) a sense of identification with collectivism; (4) a sense of identification with shared history; and (5) a sense of differentiation from other countries. Moreover, five types of patriotism were identified: (1) love of the nation-state and compatriots; (2) loyalty to the political institution; (3) pride in the nation-state; (4) special concerns for the well-being of the nation-state’s future; and (5) willingness to sacrifice for the well-being of the nation-state and compatriots.

The second research method was summative content analysis, used to investigate the film’s audience reception of national identity and patriotism. Research findings indicate that most messages of national identity and patriotism portrayed in the films were well-received by audiences. Moreover, the study also found that the Chinese government used Chinese mainstream films as a soft power tool to promote values and ideologies and perform better in the domestic sphere. In addition, while wielding soft power, framing and agenda-setting strategies are also used. Meanwhile, the state’s increasing control over social media provides an effective position for the government’s watchdog department to disseminate certain ideologies.

As Kracauer pointed out, “the films of a nation reflect its mentality in a more direct way than any other artistic medium.” An analysis of the transmitter of Chinese ideologies shows the use of specific images depicting Chinese national identity and patriotism, which can help understand Chinese society, social values, and social media scenarios. Moreover, this study supplements studies on the effectiveness of China’s soft power in the domestic sphere, a topic rarely discussed in international relations studies.