Controversial Chinese Film 'I Was Once a Mountain' Sparks Debate Among Netizens
The recently released Chinese film "I Was Once a Mountain" has stirred controversy among netizens on Weibo, with many expressing discontent and questioning its authenticity. The movie tells the story of a high school teacher who leaves her rural village to work in the city and help fundraise for a school for underprivileged children.
20 November 2023
One netizen expressed their frustration over the criticism directed towards the film, saying, "Don't negate this movie just because of some comments. Can you make an evaluation after watching it? Who defines that there cannot be male characters in the movies?" They pointed out that while the acting skills and script may not be perfect, it is unfair to dismiss the entire film based on a few negative remarks.
Another netizen compared two scenes from the movie, pointing out how the upper half of one character was depicted as transparent and wise with a kind eye, while the lower half of another character appeared older and more determined to fight for something. They suggested that this contrast highlights the film's problematic portrayal of female characters, saying "There's no transparency or kindness like Zhang Jiamei's!"
One particularly inflammatory comment read, "This screenwriter... Their brains are malfunctioning; do mountains have internet cafes?" This netizen expressed disbelief at the film's depiction of high school girls unable to afford sanitary products and choosing to escape their rural village by visiting internet cafes.
However, not all reactions were negative. Some netizens appreciated the movie's focus on issues such as poverty and education inequality in rural China. One fan summarized the story of the film, saying "A drunk and abusive mother lives in a rural village... Is this a niche personality or what? The reason why girls don't go to school is because they want to escape to the internet cafe and buy clothes, right?" They went on to say that such compelling topics should not be left to commercial operations and suggested that the filmmakers should have a better understanding of the beliefs and ethics they are portraying.
Despite the controversy surrounding "I Was Once a Mountain," it remains a topic of discussion among Weibo netizens, with many expressing their thoughts on its portrayal of rural life, female characters, and societal issues in China.