Heaven and Earth Crumble into Absolute Zero
In the world of Chinese anime, a recent controversy has ignited on social media platform Weibo, centering around adaptations of popular novels into animated series. The debate revolves around the modification or deviation from original plotlines and characters in order to align with societal values, leading to outrage and disappointment among some fans while others support the changes as necessary for appropriate guidance for audiences, especially children.
22 October 2023
The controversy began when a Weibo user posted their discontent with an adaptation of a popular Chinese anime series, "Don't Expect a Completely Accurate Adaptation." The post criticized the adaptation for modifying the biological daughter of the male and female protagonists into "energy," expressing shock at what they described as "disgusting operations" by the producers. They called on others to stop watching dramas altogether instead of continuing with such adaptations.
This initial post sparked a wave of reactions from fellow Weibo users, many of whom shared similar sentiments and expressed their disappointment in what they perceived as alterations detrimental to the original plot. One user wrote, "Support magical edits!" Another commented, "The original plot does have X-rated behavior, which will lead to incorrect guidance for minors if not changed." These comments demonstrate a growing consensus among users that modifications should be made in order to align with acceptable societal values and provide suitable content for younger audiences.
However, other Weibo users defended the adaptations, arguing that they are necessary to prevent inappropriate content for children. A user named "Tiancan Tuoduo," known as China's answer to J.K. Rowling due to her popular novels turned anime series, clarified on her official Weibo page that the rumors of certain adaptations being modified or deleted were untrue, assuring fans not to worry and promising exciting future episodes.
In response to complaints about character modifications in other adaptations such as "To Break through the Heavens" (Anime) and "Dou Po Quong Zhaoqing," she emphasized that adaptations should aim for accuracy, but also be mindful of societal values and provide appropriate guidance. She encouraged fans to spread her post, share it with friends, and participate in upcoming activities as a show of support.
The controversy highlights the delicate balance between staying true to original content and adapting it for societal norms, particularly when the audience includes children. While some argue that modifications go too far and deviate from the original storylines, others believe they are necessary to guide younger viewers towards positive values and behaviors. This ongoing debate underscores the importance of dialogue and understanding in the realm of anime adaptations and their impact on society.
