Masculinity in Chinese cinema or Why Doesn’t Bruce Lee Get the Girl?

A talk at Asia House presented by The Bagri Foundation

In Hollywood, the hero always gets the girl. Not so in Chinese action films…

Professor Chris Berry will examine the codes governing what it takes to be a good man in Chinese culture – and how they are changing in modern times. Why does Bruce Lee never get the girl, and why is that a sign of his success? Why are there so few oedipal narratives in Chinese cinema? Why are there two models of Chinese masculinity, and how do they work together? And what are the moral codes that govern male behaviour and generate dramatic tension on the Chinese screen?

Recommended films for pre-viewing:

The Chinese Connection or Fist of Fury (1972) dir. Wei Lo

The Killer (1982) dir. John Woo

Raise the Red Lantern (1991) dir. Zhang Yimou

Hero (2002) dir. Zhang Yimou

Date: 7 October 2014

Time: 18.45-20.00

Venue: Asia House, 63 New Cavendish Street, London, W1G 7LP

Tickets: £10 donation

For more information click here.

To book a place click here.