Jackie Chan Advocates Culturally Rich Chinese Films For World Audience

This article analyzes the cultural influence of Jackie Chan in Chinese films. The author highlighted the success of the Chinese film industry growing to become “the world’s second-largest movie market after the United States”. Already with a profound influence on Chinese culture through his films, Chan believes that by producing and marketing more Chinese films, he can help others around the world learn and understand his culture. Chan also emphasized the need for cooperation between Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese filmmakers to allows a better focus on local themes. Jackie Chan won his first academy award after 56 years in the industry, representing the lack of attention Hollywood pays to foreign films. Instead of submitting to the common culture, Chan believes that the Chinese film industry can develop and launch their own film awards and festivals to celebrate and advance their values and culture.

The focus of this source is the lack of Chinese films presented internationally. The article is focused on the issue that the Chinese culture is stuck within China and Hong Kong and doesn’t extend beyond the local audience. Jackie Chan advocates for the spread of Chinese history and knowledge to those in foreign countries with the primary goal of educating others and sharing the love for his country.

Socially speaking, the spread of Chinese culture has allowed those in foreign countries to expand their knowledge and learn more about the Chinese society. The spread of Chinese culture also improves the economy of China and Hong Kong by engaging other countries in the Chinese film industry. The Chinese are then able to make additional profits from box office sales, rather than relying on their local audiences to bring in revenue. Additionally, because Chinese cinematics are already successful within China, by broadening their audience, individuals may decide to move or invest more into China/Hong Kong, thus improving its economy. It’s important to address this issue because aside from the filmmakers in China and Hong Kong, others wouldn’t realize the absence of these films in foreign countries. Especially in North America, the absence of foreign films in “western” cinemas have become the norm.

For me, this article made me realize how rare it is to find a movie theatre playing Chinese films in Toronto. I believe that it’s really important not only for foreigners to learn about the Chinese culture through film but also allow Chinese people in foreign countries to access these films. For some, these films will introduce a new interest, while allowing others to maintain a connection with their Chinese heritage. The information provided by this source helped me understand the importance of culture and nationalism to Chinese people in Hong Kong. The article emphasized the respect for one’s country and heritage and their passion to share their world with others. Because we live in a multicultural society, I feel as though people merge into one mainstream culture instead of committing to one. Like in the article, I believe that the sense of belonging one has to Hong Kong is an important part of their identity and is something they should never forget.