The influence of the ethical principles of the philosophy of Confucius on Chinese cinema

Abstract

The article examines the films of Chinese cinema of the 20th — early 21st centuries, which reflect the main ethical principles of Confucianism. It is noted that in contrast to the processes of commercialization of cinematography, when, first of all, emphasis is placed on the vivid visualization of the film, many outstanding Chinese directors pay attention to ethical principles in the life of society and an individual, relying on the teachings of Confucius, which continue to play an important role in spiritual life of China. The films "Goddess" (1934), "Spring Waters Flow to the East" (1947), "Hero" (2002), "The Horn is calling" (2007) were selected for analysis, which allow us to explore the ethics of Confucianism presented in them in historical discourse. The behavior models of the main characters, which were formed under the influence of Confucianism and are characteristic of Chinese society, reproduced in the films are considered and analyzed. It is noted that although the commercialization of films is taking place in Chinese cinema under the influence of globalization processes, there is a tendency to preserve the ethical principles of Confucianism and embody them in artistic works of cinema.