Abstract

Heroism is a basic theme in both Chinese and American cultures, it is an eternal pursuit and dream of human beings. By comparing the expressions of Chinese and American heroism, the differences between these two countries’ cultures can be learned. The changes of times promote cultures’ development. This thesis divides heroism in Chinese and American movies into two parts, which are traditional heroism and current heroism in terms of times and selects typical heroism movies in different times to analyze. By analyzing and comparing them, traditional heroism differences are presented by the deifinition and the outcomes of heroes. Whereas current heroism differs in heroes’ energy source and the overall images of heroes. So it can be summarized that collectivism or individualism, religious faith and economic development are three main factors contributing to these differences. In this way, cultural value differences between China and America can be comprehended clearly. 

Keywords: heroism; comparison; cultural value differences; factors

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1.Introduction.1

2.Literature Review..2

3.Cultural Value Differences between Heroism in Chinese and American Movies3

3.1 Differences between traditional heroism in movies.3

3.2 Differences between current heroism in movies5

4.Factors Contributing to the Cultural Value Differences between American and Chinese Heroism in the Movies7

4.1 Collectivism or individualism.8

4.2 Religious faith.8

4.3 Economic development.9

5.Conclusion.10

Works Cited.12