Hongyan (Frank) Xue

21st CENTURY NEO-NOIR IN CHINESE NARRATIVE CONTEXT: CRIME, BLACK HUMOUR, SOCIAL SATIRE

This study analyses and summarises three of the most common narrative styles in contemporary Chinese neo-noir cinema, situated within the context of Chinese language and culture. It highlights major shifts in storytelling strategies in these films since the 21st century. Additionally, the study puts forth an updated definition of "Chinese neo-noir" and inspects how recent market forces and cinematic legitimacy have impacted narrative techniques.

Drawing principally on Bordwell's neoformalism framework while integrating genre theory, the study employs case study analysis accompanied by comparative and data analytics. It also analyses and generalises some unconventional examples.

By methodically tracing evolutions in narrative style, the study seeks to uncover dilemmas confronted by Chinese neo-noir after 2000 and related solutions. It provides a possible basis for the future narrative development of Chinese neo-noir cinema.

Sabrina Qiong Yu, School of Modern Languages, Newcastle University

Lydia Dan Wu, School of Modern Languages, Newcastle University