Netflix's adaptation of the wildly popular Chinese sci-fi novel "The Three-Body Problem" has ignited a debate in China, stirring nationalist sentiments online due to its portrayal of a violent and tumultuous period in the country's history.
The eight-part English-language series, titled "3 Body Problem," premiered on Thursday to mixed reactions on Chinese social media. Based on the Hugo Award-winning novel by Liu Cixin, China's renowned sci-fi author, the show has sparked discussions among viewers, including former US President Barack Obama, who are divided over its depiction of historical events.
Despite Netflix's unavailability in China, viewers have found ways to watch the series, either through virtual private networks (VPNs) or pirated versions.
The adaptation opens with a gripping scene from Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution, a period of turmoil and violence from 1966 to 1976. Set at Tsinghua University in Beijing, the scene shows a physics professor being brutally beaten to death by his students while his daughter, Ye Wenjie, watches in horror.
Some Chinese internet users, particularly those with patriotic leanings, have criticized the adaptation for allegedly tarnishing China's image. They argue that the show focuses too much on the negative aspects of China's history, such as the Cultural Revolution, without providing a balanced portrayal.
However, supporters of the show defend its portrayal, noting that it closely follows the events described in the novel. They argue that the depiction of historical events is essential to the story's narrative and helps viewers understand the motivations of the characters.
Author Liu Cixin, in an interview with the New York Times in 2019, revealed that he had originally intended to start the novel with scenes from the Cultural Revolution. However, his Chinese publisher advised against it, fearing censorship. The English version of the novel, translated by Ken Liu, includes these scenes at the beginning, as per the author's intention.
The adaptation, helmed by "Game of Thrones" co-creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, along with American producer Alexander Woo, has also faced criticism for its casting choices, visual effects, and deviations from the original story's setting and characters.
Despite the criticisms, some viewers have taken a more neutral stance, appreciating both the Chinese and Netflix adaptations for their respective merits. They argue that cultural products can be appreciated in different ways and that there is no need to create conflict over differing interpretations.
Login