CHINESE FILMS IN MULTICULTURAL MALAYSIA: A REVIEW ANALYSIS OF STORYTELLING EVOLUTION AND CULTURAL ADAPTATION

Authors

  • HUAN ZHANG Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Selangor, Malaysia.
  • SARA CHINNASAMY Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Selangor, Malaysia.
  • TENGKU ELENA TENGKU MAHAMAD Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Selangor, Malaysia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v6i3.689

Keywords:

Chinese cinema, communication, cultural image, Malaysia

Abstract

The dissemination of Chinese films in Malaysia plays a vital role in shaping the image of Chinese culture and fostering cross-cultural understanding. With the acceleration of globalization, Chinese cinema has gained increasing visibility in Malaysia, attracting diverse audiences through its distinctive storytelling, aesthetics, and cultural values. This study investigates the narrative evolution and cultural adaptation of Chinese films in the Malaysian context and examines how they contribute to the construction of China’s cultural image. By employing a synthesis analysis, the research offers a comprehensive evaluation of relevant thematic literature, providing valuable insights into the dissemination and cultural representation of Chinese cinema in Malaysia. The findings reveal a high level of acceptance and engagement with Chinese films among Malaysian audiences. Chinese cinema has emerged as an effective medium of cultural exchange between China and Malaysia, contributing to the construction of a rich and multifaceted cultural image of China and serving as a key instrument of cultural diplomacy. Nevertheless, challenges persist, including varying audience preferences, language barriers, and market competition. By analyzing these factors, this study seeks to deepen the understanding of Chinese cinema's potential as a diplomatic tool and proposes strategies to enhance its cultural influence in Malaysia’s multicultural society.

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Published

2025-06-30

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Articles

How to Cite

CHINESE FILMS IN MULTICULTURAL MALAYSIA: A REVIEW ANALYSIS OF STORYTELLING EVOLUTION AND CULTURAL ADAPTATION. (2025). Quantum Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 6(3), 313-322. https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v6i3.689