Globalization's Hybridization in Films

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that globalization has resulted in tremendous cultural exchange and adaptation that many people view as an unfortunate dilution and abridgment of culture. The author points out that "Mulan" is easy to dissect for its inaccuracies and misrepresentation of Chinese culture; however, this is pointless because the film industry forever has sought dramatic stories that are then fitted into the differing aims of film. The paper states that the very popular, 2001 Chinese-made masterpiece "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Tiger" very obviously was created to appeal to what was known of the North American imaginary view of China. The author reflects that, although both films can be seen as 'hybridized', they should be evaluated as Hollywood outsourced products carefully designed and marketed to acquire profits.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
"Mulan"
"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Tiger"
Reflections
Concluding Discussion

From the Paper:

"This video, like the film that is discussed presently, was a Disney production meant for a non-Chinese market, released in 1998. The film centers on a legend of the Wei Dynasty (386-534 AD), its heroine a girl to join the army, taking her father's place and obscuring her gender. Mulan was such a good soldier that she was later decorated by the emperor and was offered a court position which she declined in order that she returns to her family. After a fascinating progression of much daring-do and matters of who suspected or did not suspect that Mulan was actually a young woman, ..."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Chan, J.M. "Disneyfying and Globalizing the Chinese Legend - Mulan: a Study of Transculturation," in J.M. Chan and B.T. McIntyre. Eds. In Search of Boundaries - Communications, Nation-States and Cultural Identities. London: Ablex, 2002.
• Kurtti, J. The Art of Mulan. New York: Hyperion, 1998.
• Wang, Georgette and Emilie Yueh-yu Yeh. "Globalization and Hybridization in Cultural Products - the Cases of 'Mulan' and 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Tiger'." International Journal of Cultural Studies. 8. (2005):175-193.
• Xu, Gang Gary. "Rethinking East Asia - Outsourcing Hollywood." Senses of Cinema. 34. (2005): 11-16, 6.

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