Hollywood's Representations of the Sino-Tibetan Conflict—Politics, Culture, and Globalization

In this interdisciplinary study, Jenny George Daccache and Brandon Valeriano analyze Hollywood's shift in its depictions of China and Tibet. 1997 saw the releases of Red Corner, Seven Years in Tibet, and Kundun, all of which were condemned by China. In recent years, however, China and Hollywood have moved toward being allies and collaborators. As Hollywood needs China for its vast potential market, China also needs Hollywood in order to increase its soft power. Using film as a lens through which we can witness global transformations in politics, economy, culture, and communication, the authors dissect Hollywood's engagement with Asia, examine the historical background of relationships between the West, China, and Tibet, and critically evaluate films produced by Hollywood that engage China and the Tibetan region.

Jenny Daccache is a doctoral candidate in Media Studies in the Doctoral School of Literature, Humanities, & the Social Sciences at Lebanese University.

Brandon Valeriano is a lecturer in the Department of Politics at the University of Glasgow, UK.