Wanying Zheng (Yoyo)

Learning American English and culture from Movies

September, 10, 2012

Comparative Study on Similarities and Differences between Chinese and American Hero in Movie

Abstract: This summer, I have a chance to take the class of learning America culture from Movie. After watching the movies in the class I, I discovered that heroes in American movies are apparently different from that in Chinese movies. This is due to the different definitions of hero in the two cultures. Therefore, this essay focuses on the similarities and differences between Chinese and American heroes in movies. At the same time, the essay also dwells on cultural backgrounds of heroes in both countries.

Key word: Comparison, Heroism, Chinese movie, American movie

1. Introduction

Every culture has its own definition of hero, which results in different characteristics of hero in its movie. Meanwhile, movie, as a shallow culture, will also reflect the definition of hero of that country, which relates with its social idea, geography, and history. Different kinds of hero in Chinese and American movies prove this exactly. While the hero images of China and the U.S. have some similarities, they also have great differences because of different cultural backgrounds.

2. The similarities between Chinese heroism and American heroism in movie

In my point of view, hero is the person people dream to be. People from all over the world has some same pursuance, thus there are some similarities between Chinese and American heroes.

Firstly, heroes from both countries have characteristics superior to ordinary people, both physically and psychologically. They always have strong body with perfect skills, and great wisdom that can help them escape from dangers. We can see these characteristics clearly in countless movies. In America, we have 007, Spider Man, and Captain Jack Sparrow. In China, we have Dayu in ancient China, Jinke in the Qin dynasty, and also Jacky Chen in modern time.

Secondly, heroes from both countries have noble qualities. The person portrayed as a hero in movies both in China and the U.S. always has unbelievable courage, unswerving pursuance, and is highly compassionate. For example, in The Shaw Shank Redemption, Shaw Shank used his wisdom and deep faith defeating the evil people, and eventually escaping from the prison. In Chinese movie Hero, directed by Yimou Zhang, the character Wu Ming got a chance to approach and murder the King, by his uncommon kungfu, and remarkable Chinese philosophy.