Citation

Liu, Chang (2026) Exploring narrative elements of Chinese SCI-FI films. PhD thesis, Multimedia University.

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Abstract

This study explores the narrative elements, narrative patterns, and audience engagement mechanisms in contemporary Chinese sci-fi films. Against the backdrop of the rapid development of China’s sci-fi film industry, the research investigates how narrative construction influences audience reception and commercial performance, while also examining the cultural and structural characteristics of Chinese sci-fi storytelling. The study addresses three main areas: the construction of narrative patterns in Chinese sci-fi films, the characteristics of narrative models and cultural expression, and the relationship between narrative strategies, audience engagement, and commercial outcomes. The research adopts a qualitative research design combining semi-structured interviews, audience surveys, and non-participatory textual observation. Data were collected from filmmakers and industry practitioners, film academics, and audience groups in order to obtain perspectives from production, theoretical, and reception dimensions. In addition, eight representative Chinese sci-fi films produced between2015 and 2022 were selected for observational analysis, including Online (2015), Lost in the Pacific (2016), RESET (2017), Kung Fu Traveler (2017), Crazy Alien(2019), The Wandering Earth (2019), Shanghai Fortress (2019), and Moon Man (2022). The study employed thematic coding and comparative analysis to identify recurring narrative structures, audience responses, and narrative-related patterns. The findings reveal that Chinese sci-fi films frequently operate within hybrid narrative systems shaped by both global genre conventions and localized cultural values. While classical narrative structures such as the three-act structure and hero-oriented storytelling remain influential, the analysis also identifies recurring issues including structural inconsistency, fragmented narrative progression, uneven character development, and imbalance between narrative and spectacle. At the same time, the findings indicate that audience engagement is strongly influenced by narrative coherence, emotional resonance, and audience comprehension, rather than by visual spectacle alone. The study further demonstrates that commercial success in Chinese sci-fi cinema is not determined solely by narrative quality, but emerges through the interaction between narrative construction, audience engagement, industrial strategies, and cultural resonance. Based on these findings, the research develops a conceptual framework linking narrative construction, audience perception, and commercial performance, providing a more integrated understanding of narrative effectiveness in Chinese sci-fi films. Overall, this study contributes to the growing scholarship on Chinese sci-fi cinema by offering a systematic analysis of narrative patterns and audience reception within the Chinese cultural context. The findings provide both theoretical insights and practical references for future research and the continued development of Chinese scifi storytelling.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Additional Information:	Call No.: PN1995.9.S26 L58 2026
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Science fiction films
Subjects:	P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General) > PN1993 Motion Pictures
Divisions:	Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FCM)
Depositing User:	Ms Nurul Iqtiani Ahmad
Date Deposited:	16 Jul 2026 04:05
Last Modified:	16 Jul 2026 04:05
URII:	http://shdl.mmu.edu.my/id/eprint/16373

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