An Analysis of Cultural Symbolism in The Bewitching Braid (1996)

Abstract

China has enjoyed a long history of communicating with Portugal since ancient times with Macao playing a significant role as a bridge. As one of the earliest platforms where Chinese and Portuguese cultures meet, collide, and communicate, Macao continues demonstrating its rising potential in economic and cultural communication in the new era. When talking about literary and artistic works that reflect cultural collision and communication between China and Portugal, the trailblazing movie The Bewitching Braid (1996) exemplifies the highest quality of Macao film production. Approaching from the perspective of Stuart Hall’s representation, the present study analyzes the strategies of the film in representing the diversity and harmony of Chinese and Portuguese cultures. It shows the film has organized a series of symbols in Chinese and Portuguese cultures to construct visual aesthetics that arouses interest from both sides. Then it digs up the shared predicaments, attitudes and values of the protagonists to achieve the foundation of cultural harmony. In light of what has been found above and the results of a recent survey questionnaire on Chinese culture dissemination overseas, the paper tries to offer inspiration for the future Macao film production to enhance cultural communication between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Specifically, it includes applying unique cultural codes, creating artworks based on social issues, and exploring familiar cultural patterns.