In Beijing, China, Netflix’s adaptation of the popular Chinese sci-fi trilogy “Remembrance of Earth’s Past” has been causing a stir among fans, despite not being officially available to watch in the country. The show, titled “3 Body Problem,” has sparked debate and divided opinions among viewers, many of whom have accessed it through VPN services or illegal streaming sites.
On social media platform Weibo, hashtags related to the show have garnered over two billion views, indicating a high level of interest among Chinese audiences. However, reactions to the adaptation have been mixed, with some fans expressing disappointment at changes to the plot and characters, while others see the show as a potential boost for Chinese literature and film representation.
The series, produced by the team behind “Game of Thrones,” has drawn criticism for transferring the action to the United Kingdom and altering the nationalities and genders of key characters. Some Chinese viewers have likened the adaptation to a Westernized version of Chinese culture, questioning the authenticity of the show.
Beyond China, “3 Body Problem” has received mixed reviews on Netflix, with some viewers labeling it as a “big miss.” The decision to keep the villain Chinese while the heroes are mainly portrayed by Western actors has raised eyebrows and led to accusations of political motivations behind the casting choices.
Despite the controversy, the show has brought global attention to the work of Chinese author Liu Cixin and the broader genre of Chinese sci-fi. With Netflix’s investment in the adaptation seen as a vote of confidence in the genre, fans are hopeful that the increased visibility will encourage more people to explore Chinese sci-fi literature.
Overall, while opinions on “3 Body Problem” may vary, its impact on the Chinese sci-fi community is seen as a positive step towards recognizing and promoting the talent of Chinese creators in the genre.
