ABSTRACT

Adapted from the novel of the same name written by Pearl S. Buck, the film Dragon Seed is an American version of Chinese anti-Japanese movie. Made in 1944, focusing on rural China, this Hollywood film reflects the miserable experience of Chinese rural people after Japan’s invasion of China and the process of their awakening and struggling, emphasizing the indomitable spirit of resistance of Chinese peasants.

Pearl S. Buck, the author of Dragon Seed, is a woman of both Eastern and Western cultural background. The film was adapted, directed and acted by Americans. For these reasons, cultural conflicts between the East and the West are bound to find their expressions in the film. Moreover, the film presents the unremitting efforts made by two generations. The old generation and young people head for cooperation in the conflict between the old and new cultures, making joint efforts to fight against Japan.

Based on the studies on the bicultural background of Pearl S. Buck and the historical background of the movie, this paper is aimed at making an analysis of the cultural conflicts in the film Dragon Seed and their influence on the demonstration of the theme of the film, in order to further people’s understanding of the film.

Key words: Film; Dragon Seed; Cultural Conflicts; Anti-Japanese War

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One  INTRODUCTION-1

Chapter Two LITERATURE REVIEW-3

2.1About Pearl S. Buck-3

2.2 About Dragon Seed-5

Chapter Three  CONFLICTS REFLECTED IN THE FILM-8

3.1 Conflicts between Eastern and Western Cultures-8

3.1.1 Comparison between the Eastern and Western World-9

3.1.2 Interpretations of Peace and Massacre-9

3.1.3Views on Marriage-11

3.2 Conflicts between Old and New Cultures-12

3.2.1 Conflicts between Male Chauvinism and Feminism-13

3.2.2Struggle between Land-oriented Consciousness and NationalConsciousness-14

Chapter Four IMPACTS ON THEME OF THE FILM-17

Chapter Five CONCLUSION-19

REFERENCES-20