Netflix’s adaptation of the science fiction bestseller “The Three-Body Problem” is encountering scrutiny in China.
GOT Directors in a Controversy?
Following over a week of divergent opinions on Chinese social media platforms, the state-owned media outlet China Military Online, owned by the People’s Liberation Army, has issued one of its initial official remarks regarding the series.
The show, developed by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, renowned for their work on HBO’s celebrated “Game of Thrones,” is also drawing criticism within the country.
The opening scene of the new Netflix series “3-Body Problem” is startling. It depicts a prominent scientist being brutally beaten to death by paramilitary Red Guards, reenacting a dark chapter from China’s recent history—the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s.
Distorted Portrayal of China
This depiction of taboo subject matter sheds light on the persecution individuals faced for their beliefs, such as the theory of relativity.
From its very first moments, the series embarks on a wild journey, occasionally bordering on the hallucinogenic. Yet, beyond its captivating narrative, it sheds light on a broader and more pressing issue: the portrayal of China presented by President Xi Jinping is not the sole representation of the country.
China is a multifaceted, intricate place—much like the series itself—that often defies expectations. The Chinese Communist Party has attempted to monopolize the definition of Chinese identity and has sought to export this version globally.
However, this series unveils a different, more enigmatic world crafted by a Chinese author—and audiences worldwide are embracing it.
Series backlashed by Chinese State Media
State media outlets have launched a vigorous criticism, accusing the series of promoting “American cultural hegemony” while ostensibly advocating for diversity.
According to reports from the South China Morning Post, the commentary highlighted significant deviations between the American adaptation and the original work by Chinese author Liu Cixin.
While the books predominantly feature Chinese characters and unfold over an extensive timeline, the first season of the Netflix adaptation introduces characters from diverse countries, and the events occur simultaneously with the original narrative.
Quoting from the post shared by SCMP, it stated, “The United States is using ‘political correctness’ as a means to counter and erode the cultural influence of other countries. It employs ‘pluralism’ to assert its cultural dominance.”
The article also criticized the showrunners for excluding elements depicting a contemporary, prosperous China, which were present in the original book. However, it noted that they retained
Chinese characters as antagonists in the series, despite the absence of specific descriptions in the book regarding their appearance.
The report added, “‘The so-called pluralism and inclusiveness cannot conceal their inherent discrimination and animosity towards other civilizations.'”
What is the three-body problem?
Netflix has recently debuted a sci-fi series titled “Three-Body Problem,” swiftly rising to become one of the most popular sci-fi series on the internet.
The first season, part one of the trilogy, draws inspiration from Chinese author Liu Cixin’s expansive sci-fi series, “Remembrance of Earth’s Past.”
Renowned for its meticulous attention to scientific intricacies, the original trilogy, which includes the novels “The Dark Forest” and “Death’s End,” captivated audiences with its intricate narrative and scientific depth.
However, in the series adaptation, the impact of such meticulous detail is somewhat diminished.
While the adaptation endeavors to incorporate scientific elements, it falls short of the meticulousness characteristic of the original trilogy.
Despite this, “Three-Body Problem” remains a compelling exploration of science fiction in its own right.
