Audio-visual Spectacle and National Identity Construction in Chinese Sci-Fi Films

A Case Study of The Wandering Earth Series

Abstract

Since the beginning of the new century, especially after the promulgation of the Film Industry Promotion Law in 2016, China's film industry has flourished. In the realm of science fiction films,"The Wandering Earth" series is a pioneering work with a "hardcore" flavor, marking the beginning of the "metaphysical development" era of Chinese sci-fi films. The film focuses on humanity's panic and courage in the face of the end of the world, showcasing multiple emotions such as patriotism, family bonds, and friendship, allowing audiences to feel the radiance of human nature in the tense and thrilling plot. The success of this series lies in its integration of grand narratives, profound themes, stunning visual effects, delicate emotional depictions, and unique cultural expressions, achieving a win-win in both box office and critical acclaim, and rising to become a phenomenal blockbuster that has garnered both praise and popularity in recent years.