Historical reflection in Jia Zhangke’s films: The connection between geoculture and social change in China

• Yan, Liuxuan ^[1] ; Marlenny BT Deenerwan ^[1] ; Raja Farah Binti Raja Hadayadanin ^[1]
  1. [1] University of Malaya

     University of Malaya

     Malasia

     
• Localización: Fonseca, Journal of Communication, ISSN-e 2172-9077, Vol. 29, Nº. 1, 2025, págs. 291-304
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Since the 1990s, Jia Zhangke’s films have comprehensively reflected the social and political changes in China’s reform and opening-up process. His works focus on the transformation of public images, social systems and institutions, and delve into the far-reaching impact of these changes on individual lives. From a macro and meso perspective, this article takes Jia Zhangke’s films as an example, exploring the social progress in the process of modernisation as well as the adaptation and dislocation of the individual between the old and the new way of life in Jia Zhangke’s film narratives. The “Image of the County” series is particularly prominent, outlining the grand narrative of national transformation through the daily lives of ordinary people. Jia Zhangke skillfully switches between documentary and fictional narratives, placing real individuals in key historical scenes, demonstrating the resilience and complexity of the Chinese people in the midst of the dramatic changes of the times, and leaving a profound cultural image of a rapidly changing society.