Beijing, China – The Netflix adaptation of the acclaimed Chinese science fiction novel “The Three-Body Problem” has stirred up controversy in China, sparking debates and online backlash over its portrayal of a tumultuous period in the country’s history.
The adaptation, titled “3 Body Problem,” premiered on Netflix to a mixed reception on Chinese social media. Based on the award-winning novel by Liu Cixin, the series delves into a harrowing depiction of Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution, showcasing the brutality and chaos that engulfed China during that dark period.
While Netflix is not officially available in China, viewers have found ways to access the series through virtual private networks (VPNs) or pirated versions. The adaptation has attracted attention from both fans and critics alike, with some praising its fidelity to the source material and others accusing it of misrepresenting China.
The show’s opening scene, set at Tsinghua University in Beijing, portrays a physics professor being publicly beaten to death during a Maoist struggle session, a common occurrence during the Cultural Revolution. The graphic depiction of historical events has sparked discussions on patriotism and political correctness in Chinese society.
Despite the controversy, the adaptation remains faithful to the novel’s exploration of China’s past and its implications for the present. Author Liu Cixin’s original vision, including scenes from the Cultural Revolution, has found a new platform through the Netflix series, reaching audiences around the world.
The series, crafted by the creators of “Game of Thrones” and American producer Alexander Woo, has also drawn criticism for its casting choices and deviations from the original setting. Some viewers have compared it unfavorably to a Chinese television adaptation released earlier, which closely followed the book’s narrative over 30 episodes.
As debates rage on social media, the adaptation’s international cast and modern-day setting in London have added a new dimension to the story, prompting discussions on cultural representation and storytelling. While some viewers laud the series for its global perspective, others feel it dilutes the Chinese identity and narrative at the heart of the novel.
In the midst of differing opinions and heated discussions, a user on Weibo encapsulated the sentiment of many: “Why do we always have to fight about it? Our version can be good, theirs can also be excellent. Why do some people always need to make an enemy out of a cultural product?” The debate surrounding “3 Body Problem” reflects deeper tensions and complexities in how stories are told and interpreted across cultures.