Key Takeaways:
– Netflix’s adaptation of the popular book ‘3 Body Problem’ is catching heat over changes to the global storyline.
– Famous for his work in the Game of Thrones series, David Benioff aimed to incorporate a more diverse cast to depict the book’s global dilemma.
– Some viewers criticize the decision to downplay the story’s intrinsic Chinese elements, which originated from the Chinese author Cixin Liu.
– Actress Rosalind Chao, playing the role of Wenjie, spoke in favor of the international adaptation, yet her opinion sparks debate.
Bravery or Misjudgment: The Motive Behind Creators’ Major Changes
A storm of conversations echo around the popular Netflix series, ‘3 Body Problem.’ Despite praise for its faithfulness to Cixin Liu’s 2008 book of the same name, creators, including famous Hollywood name David Benioff, have come under fire for major alterations to the plotline. Benioff’s decision to make the cast more diversified and spatial have attracted a blend of applause and censure.
Speaking to The Guardian, Benioff elaborated on the motivation for these significant changes. “We wanted people from all over the world. We tried to make this a very diverse, international cast to represent the idea that this isn’t just one country’s struggle – it’s a global struggle to survive,” he revealed. His endeavor to reflect the worldwide impact against a fictional alien threat culminated into an international casting direction.
Diversify or Distort: The Core of the Dissension
While Benioff’s vision behind changing the storyline is grounded in a noble attempt to showcase the global struggle faced by humanity, not everyone is thrilled. Loyal fans of Cixin Liu’s novel voice their disgruntlement, criticising the series for sidelining its Chinese roots.
To make room for a broader story canvas, significant portions of the Chinese storyline were reportedly excluded. A prime example is seen in the shifting of a major scene from the middle of the show to the beginning. The scene, centered during the Cultural Revolution, portrayed the death of Ye Wenjie’s father, a profound moment deeply embedded in Chinese history.
Critics argue that such a move negatively influences how audiences perceive China, citing unfair portrayal of the country at a downside in its history right at the onset of the series. This has ignited a spirited discussion online and across media outlets.
In Defense of the Adaptation: Rosalind Chao’s Perspective
Rosalind Chao, the Chinese actress playing Wenjie in the series, countered the backlash in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Emphasizing the importance of an international adaptation, she expressed, “I love that this has been made more international for a wider audience.”
Chao admired the way the show represents Chinese history within the bounds of sci-fi, which, in her view, is imperative for a deeper understanding of world history. She appreciates the series for daring to discuss and represent a crucial but often unspoken part of Chinese history, i.e., the Cultural Revolution.
Her supportive perspective, however, leads to a more complex division among audiences and critics, making the alteration issue far from resolution.
As ‘3 Body Problem’ continues its journey on the small screen with a global audience watching, reactions will undeniably fluctuate. While some laud the creators’ courage to deviate from and expand on the original narrative, for others, the move is a turn-off. The dialogue on adaptation fidelity and representational accuracy versus diversity and globalization is a significant one, expected to govern many more series adaptations in the entertainment industry’s future.
