Why does the Netflix series ‘The 3-Body Problem’ anger the Chinese?

The science fiction work “The Three-Body Problem,” written by Liu Cixin and praised by international critics since its launch in 2006, was recently adapted by Netflix. This series describes the past, present and future of a civilization facing an alien invasion. The novel had already appealed to a global audience and had been translated into several languages, accumulating renowned literary awards.

Converted to series by “Game of Thrones” showrunners D.B. Weiss and David Benioff as well as Alexander Woo, known for “True Blood,” with Liu Cixin himself as consulting producer, the adaptation initially sparked high expectations. However, upon its launch on the streaming platform on March 21, the project triggered a storm of criticism in China, according to the “Financial Times”.

A controversial dichotomous perception

The series, recording a massive audience of 11 million views within four days of its release, found itself at the heart of a controversy in Beijing. One of the main reasons for this indignation is based on its considered dichotomous representation of Chinese history, particularly when it addresses the period of the Chinese Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). Critics in the country perceive the narrative as a simplistic opposition between ‘bad’ Chinese and ‘good’ Westerners.

A narrative seen as alarmist

Chinese viewers are expressing concern that Netflix is ​​seeking to convey an alarmist image, accusing the Chinese of luring aliens to Earth. The Chinese newspaper Global Times published critical comments pointing out that some television content’s attempts to maintain a Western-centric perspective will not go unnoticed by Chinese audiences.

Ying Zhu, a professor at the Hong Kong Baptist University Film Academy, reports that Chinese viewers’ reactions are deeply rooted in nationalist sentiment. Despite the criticism, the series continues to generate significant buzz around the world.

As a result, “The Three-Body Problem” has become a hot topic in the Chinese and international media landscape, highlighting the different cultural perceptions and political implications that can arise when adapting iconic literary works.