Distinctions of the portrayal of love
Western vs Eastern Films
Romantic films has been a genre that popularised the cinematic experience of love; from Romeo and Juliet, Titanic, and even The Notebook. The pangs of anticipation at first gaze, excitement for the first date, and desire for that first kiss has given the audience a glimpse of the stages and process of romance. An experience we all want to relate. Cinema has shown us that every idea of love has a story to tell. Whether it ends up in joy or tragedy, each has its own complexity and authenticity.
There has been debates on what love really means, some believe it’s a feeling while other believe that it’s in the doing. While one might argue that love in itself is a human emotion, a feeling. Culturally, there are subtle differences on how these are portrayed.
What follows is an observation of films (Western and Eastern) particularly America and China. For the sake of simplicity, I am comparing two films I have watched and admired. This is entirely coming from the perspective of myself, as a cinema goer. Ideas and opinions can be diametrically opposed to other cinema goers.
Distinctions of Love
-Western Film-
The idea of love in the Western culture portray affection, possession, and physical intimacy towards the object of interest. An attraction accompanied with burning passion. Beauty is the object of interest with the feelings of anticipation and excitement. Its self professed, profound, and provides an intoxicating remedy. It exists all in the bright places.
“Love is desire”
The Notebook (Nick Cassavetes)
The story revolves around two central characters, Noah and Allie. One night, he spots her at a carnival having a great time. Immediately thinks that she’s gorgeous, free, and that he must have her. A passion for beauty accompanied with possession. The object of desire has been made. After the never ending chase, Noah obsessing over Allie, persuading her daily to go out with him. The two finally got together.
They spend the rest of the summer making out, dancing in the middle of the street, and enjoying each other’s company. The spirit of young love. Throughout the film, there was never a conversation of vulnerability about themselves. Their fears, dreams, and even passion. There were no real interactions of the most inner parts of themselves. Except when Allie wanted to become a bird. It was all in the attraction, it was all in the desire.
“ If you’re a bird, I’m a bird”
-Eastern Film-
The idea of love in the Eastern culture portray longing, empathy, and sorrow towards the object of interest. The narrative itself is subtle and does not demand justification. It’s not accompanied by the desire of possession nor beauty, but companionship. It is merely patience for mutual weaknesses and bearing a person’s weakest moments. While it may seem bleak and sombre, the concept lurks in the most vulnerable and intimate parts of the selves. Love shows itself in the darkest moments.
“Love is compassion”
Us and them (Rene Liu)
It revolves around two central characters, Jian-Qing and Xiao-Xiao from a small town in China who are trying to make it big in Beijing. The two met each other accidentally on a trip home during Chinese New Year of 2007. Eventually, the two formed a new found friendship. For years, the two formed a deep bond, which leads Jian-Qing developing a crush towards Xiao-Xiao. He watched her date guys after guys. Whom in the very beginning were wrong for her. Every break-up she goes through, he is there to console her. He shows compassion and never leaves her side. This is a depiction of his never ending love towards her without confessing it in big romantic gestures. Throughout the film, scenes of physical intimacy or desire are only often shown.
The two eventually got together and faced the hardships of youth and life. They supported each other in pursuing their goals without any guarantees of accomplishing it. However, due to the ruthless of life in a big city, the two broke up and went on seperate ways, the colour theme changes into black and white. A portrayal of longing. While the movie did not end up in a “happy” ending, the two accepted their fate and held unto the memories they once shared.
“If you thought back then I couldn’t endure the tough times with you, why would you assume that I could live the good life you wanted with you now?”
I think the beauty of films is it captures truth about the infinite passion of human life. I, as a cinema goer, often see myself as the main character playing in the movie. Each one of us has a life to live filled with complexities and ironies. In a way, our lives are also that of a movie.
