Controversy Surrounds Netflix Hit ‘3 Body Problem,’ Stirring Nationalist Sentiment in China

The new Netflix series based on the beloved Chinese sci-fi novel “The Three-Body Problem” has caused quite a stir in China. Released in eight parts under the title “3 Body Problem,” the show has ignited a flurry of discussions, with opinions divided among Chinese netizens.

Since its premiere, people on Chinese social media platforms have been expressing mixed feelings. Some are thrilled to see the adaptation of Liu Cixin’s Hugo Award-winning novel, which has gained international acclaim and even caught the attention of former US President Barack Obama. However, others are not so pleased, particularly with how certain historical events are depicted.

One scene in particular, showing the brutality of Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution, has sparked controversy. It portrays a physics professor being publicly beaten to death by his own students at Tsinghua University in Beijing, while his daughter witnesses the horror. Such scenes of violence and chaos from China’s past are sensitive topics for many Chinese people.

Some viewers accused the producers of exaggerating these scenes to sensationalize the story and paint China in a negative light. They feel that the show focuses too much on political correctness rather than understanding the essence of the novel and its characters.

However, there are those who defend the series, arguing that it stays faithful to the book’s portrayal of history. They believe that such depictions are necessary to capture the truth of the times, even if they are uncomfortable to watch.

Liu Cixin, the author of the novel, had originally intended to include these scenes at the beginning of the book but was advised against it by his Chinese publisher due to concerns about government censorship. However, the English translation, done by Ken Liu, placed these scenes at the start.

The adaptation on Netflix, spearheaded by the creators of “Game of Thrones” and an American producer, has also faced criticism for its casting choices, visual effects, and changes to the original setting. Some feel that by relocating much of the action to present-day London and featuring an international cast, the essence of the story’s Chinese identity is diluted.

In contrast, a Chinese television adaptation released earlier stayed truer to the original material and garnered praise from viewers. This led to comparisons between the two adaptations, with some feeling that the Netflix version unfairly glorifies the West at the expense of China.

Despite the heated debate, there are voices urging for a more balanced perspective. They argue that both adaptations have their merits and that there’s no need to turn it into a cultural rivalry. Appreciating each version for its own qualities could lead to a more enriching discussion rather than unnecessary conflict.

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