Cross-Cultural Communication for China’s Image by “Mulan” (2020) Film

Abstract

Background and Aim: Cross-cultural communication is crucial in international interactions, with film as a key medium for cultural exchange. However, global cinema often faces tension between cultural authenticity and market appeal, as seen in Disney’s Mulan (2020). The 1998 animated version and the 2020 live-action remake are based on the Chinese folktale The Ballad of Mulan, but they were received differently in the East and the West. The 2020 version was criticized by Chinese audiences for presenting a shallow portrayal of Chinese culture, focusing more on individualism and empowerment, rather than traditional values like loyalty and filial piety. This research uses Mulan (2020) to explore the challenges of representing Chinese cultural identity in global cinema while balancing authenticity and marketability. The objectives of this research are as follows: (1) To study the impact of Mulan (2020) film on China’s image; (2) To study the impact of cross-cultural communication on China’s image in a case study of Mulan (2020); (3) To propose the strategies of cross-cultural communication for China’s image in a case study of Mulan (2020).

Materials and Methods: The study adopted a mixed research method, combining quantitative and qualitative analysis. Through questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews, data from 400 respondents from China were collected, and interviews were conducted with 17 film industry, cultural scholars, and communication experts.

Results: (1) "Mulan" (2020) has successfully attracted the attention of international audiences through visual symbols and narrative frameworks, but there are significant shortcomings in cultural depth and historical accuracy, especially among Chinese audiences who have made many criticisms of the cultural presentation in the film, believing that its understanding of Chinese culture is too superficial and lacks in-depth exploration of cultural core values; (2) The phenomenon of cultural misunderstandings in cross-cultural communication is inevitable, especially in the globalized film industry. Movies have successfully pushed Chinese cultural elements to the global market through Hollywood's narrative framework, but there is a phenomenon of "otherization" in the use of cultural symbols. Western audiences show a strong interest in Chinese cultural elements in movies, while Chinese audiences believe that the presentation of Chinese culture in movies is too simplified and lacks depth; (3) Based on the research results, this study proposes the "Dual Track Dynamic Balance Model" (DTDBM), aiming to enhance the effectiveness of cross-cultural communication by balancing cultural authenticity and global adaptability. This model emphasizes attracting international audiences through a globalized narrative framework and visual design, while maintaining cultural core values, ensuring that cultural elements are not just visual decorations, but can convey deep cultural values.

Conclusion: The research conclusion provides theoretical support and practical guidance for future cross-cultural film creation. It is recommended to strengthen the historical accuracy of cultural symbols in the film production process, introduce cultural advisory teams, ensure the historical and philosophical accuracy of cultural symbols, and avoid cultural misunderstandings. At the same time, the government should support Chinese filmmakers to collaborate with international film companies to ensure cultural sovereignty is maintained in cross-cultural communication.