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[–] bukkits 0 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago  (edited ago)

So... to be honest with you, modern Chinese media kind of sucks. We're spoiled on good media as english speaking Westerners. I've lived there for a short time and studied the language for quite awhile. It's still worth it to learn.

The biggest problem is that mainland Chinese media is censored to an absurd extent. Chinese literature has some really good books

There are some independent movies that I like, and some kung fu classics, both old and modern. I can recommend some good movies, what do you like?

There are some... watchable..? TV shows, but I suspect that if you want to find anything of quality you'll have to look at Taiwanese media. Mostly what I saw was a lot of animated shows for kids, usually cheap 3D animation. There was a hilariously bad Pokemon/digimon knockoff that was pretty amusing.

The other big category in TV and movies are WWII or anti-Japanese films. Usually the plot involves a small group of Chinese people fighting against the Japanese invaders, and through bravery, luck and clever thinking, they slaughter the invaders and dance on their bodies. It's geared towards reminding the Chinese people how terrible the occupation was and catering to a desire for revenge.

edit: cleaned up my reply

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[–] vaporwaif [S] ago  (edited ago)

I'm really, really into the animated version of "A Chinese Ghost Story." I like urban fantasy, metaphysical stuff, sci-fi with an emphasis on cyberpunk, and trashy teenage drama comics/books/shows. I like to think my taste is easy and niche at the same time. Political shill movies is, unfortunately, outside of it - I was real into that sort of thing as a teenager but now it just depresses and bores me. Also thank you for such a detailed reply!

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[–] bukkits 0 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago  (edited ago)

I'll do some digging for you, but I hate to tell you that Chinese censors have been banning TV shows because they drift too far from reality, which means that the fantastic and sci-fi are often barely tolerated or not permitted. It's really subjective. There are some shows about time-travel but they're allowed because censors can agree with the overall theme (ie. going back in time to kill Japanese, going back in time to witness and influence historical events from old dynasties, etc.). If I had to guess why other shows are banned for similar concepts, it's because sci-fi and fantasy often drift into dystopian or conspiracy themes. Beijing is basically a couple of flying cars away from being Blade Runner.

If it's sounds like I'm not happy with Chinese media as a whole, you've got the right impression. China can never have the cultural influence that the US or even Japan has with it's strict censorship.

Here are some bright spots: There are some very deep, introspective films that take a look at changing Chinese culture. I recommend trying “Shower”(《洗澡》)or ”American Dreams in China“ (《中国合伙人》literal title is Chinese Partners).

Chinese people love their history, and you'll find many books, shows and movies about famous battles and events. These are usually very good and a great way to get a new perspective on Chinese history. "Farewell My Concubine" is a famous book (also movie) that is highly recommended for it's significance in Chinese film making.

Also try "Hero". Very recommended, but it's also one of the more popular Chinese movies in the west, so you may have heard of it.

If you're into romantic comedies, it's a whole different story. There are a ton of great romantic comedies that I could recommend, and they're often far more watchable and culturally relevant than anything else being released.