Image Representation of National Identity: The Transformation of Heroic Images in Chinese Cinema, 2010-2023

Abstract

Over the past decade or so, the Chinese movie industry has experienced rapid development and change. In this process, the molding and evolution of hero image has become a topic of great concern. The heroic image of new mainstream movies not only represents social progress and the evolution of values, but also is an important part of the people's spiritual and cultural life, which can inspire the audience's patriotic fervor and responsibility, and also helps to enhance the country's soft power and cultural influence. By combing through the transmutation process of hero image in new mainstream movies from 2013 to 2023, we find that many new transformations have been accomplished in the way of shaping heroes, opening up a combination of proximity, uniqueness and entertainment, exploring in depth the cultural significance of the national identity of the new mainstream movies and their development paths, reflecting the development and change of the society, showing a new atmosphere and a new trend of Chinese movie creation, and enhancing the visual cultural discourse of Chinese movies in international communication. It will show the new atmosphere and new trend of Chinese film creation, and enhance the visual and cultural discourse of Chinese films in internationalization and dissemination.