Research Purposes and Methodology

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 106 views

Transformation of the Storyline in the Novel 山楂树之恋 (shānzhāshù zhīliàn) by 艾米 (ài mǐ) to the Film Under the Hawthorn Tree by Zhang Yimou

The transformation of literary works into films is an intriguing and complex process that has captivated audiences for centuries. One significant example of this transformation can be seen in the novel 山楂树之恋 (shānzhāshù zhīliàn) by 艾米 (ài mǐ), which was adapted into the film Under the Hawthorn Tree by the renowned director Zhang Yimou. In this article, we will delve into the changes that occur in the storyline of the novel when it is adapted into a film, including the addition and reduction that takes place during the adaptation process.

Research Purposes and Methodology

This study aims to describe the changes in the storyline between novels and films, as well as identify the elements of the story that are added or reduced. By utilizing the ecranization theory and the flow of narrative theory by Robert Stanton, this research focuses on the narrative and visual comparison between the two mediums. The method used is descriptive qualitative, which allows researchers to analyze text quotes from novels and film subtitles.

Results and Findings

The results showed that the film Under the Hawthorn Tree was not entirely loyal to the storyline offered in the novel 山楂树之恋. Some key elements of the novel are removed or simplified in the film, while some additional details are also included to enrich the visual experience. This difference can be explained through the characteristics of each medium. The novel, as a form of literature, provides a broader space for exploration of characters and feelings, while films are more focused on visualization and more direct interpretation.

Change Analysis

Character and Story Development: In the novel, characters are often explained more deeply. For example, the background and motivation of the main characters may be presented in more detail, while in the film, the audience may only see direct actions and dialogue. This creates a different nuance in understanding character.
Flow and Pacing: The storyline in the film is usually faster than the novel, which results in removing several important scenes that may be needed to build tension or emotions. This faster pacing can cause a shift in how the audience feels the depth of the story.
Symbolism and Theme: Novels often convey themes and symbolism in a smoother way, while films tend to use visuals to convey the message. For example, the hawthorn tree symbol, which is the core of the story, may get a stronger visual emphasis in the film, while in the novel, the explanation may be more narrative.

4 The Author's and Director's Vision: The author of the novel and the film director have a different vision. Director Zhang Yimou might want to show this love story with a more cinematic and dramatic approach, highlighting certain elements that can attract the attention of a broad audience.

Conclusion

The transformation of 山楂树之恋 to Under the Hawthorn Tree shows how different the way the story of the story between the novel and the film. Although there are elements that are lost in adaptation, visual strength and interpretation added in the film can offer new and different experiences for the audience. This ecranization process reflects the challenges and opportunities faced in adapting literary works into the film medium, as well as the importance of understanding the characteristics and missions of each creator to create a valuable work.

Implications and Future Research Directions

This study has several implications for the adaptation of literary works into films. Firstly, it highlights the importance of understanding the characteristics of each medium and the vision of the creator. Secondly, it shows that the adaptation process is not a simple translation of the novel into a film, but rather a complex process that involves adding and reducing elements to create a new and different experience for the audience. Finally, it suggests that future research should focus on the ecranization process and the challenges and opportunities faced in adapting literary works into films.

Limitations and Future Research Directions

This study has several limitations. Firstly, it only focuses on the adaptation of one novel into a film, and therefore, the results may not be generalizable to other adaptations. Secondly, it only analyzes the narrative and visual aspects of the adaptation, and therefore, the results may not capture the full complexity of the ecranization process. Finally, it suggests that future research should focus on the ecranization process and the challenges and opportunities faced in adapting literary works into films.

Recommendations for Future Research

Based on the findings of this study, several recommendations can be made for future research. Firstly, future research should focus on the ecranization process and the challenges and opportunities faced in adapting literary works into films. Secondly, future research should analyze the narrative and visual aspects of the adaptation, as well as the social and cultural context in which the adaptation takes place. Finally, future research should focus on the impact of the adaptation on the audience and the cultural significance of the adaptation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the transformation of 山楂树之恋 to Under the Hawthorn Tree shows how different the way the story of the story between the novel and the film. Although there are elements that are lost in adaptation, visual strength and interpretation added in the film can offer new and different experiences for the audience. This ecranization process reflects the challenges and opportunities faced in adapting literary works into the film medium, as well as the importance of understanding the characteristics and missions of each creator to create a valuable work.
Q&A: Transformation of the Storyline in the Novel 山楂树之恋 (shānzhāshù zhīliàn) by 艾米 (ài mǐ) to the Film Under the Hawthorn Tree by Zhang Yimou

In our previous article, we explored the transformation of the novel 山楂树之恋 (shānzhāshù zhīliàn) by 艾米 (ài mǐ) to the film Under the Hawthorn Tree by Zhang Yimou. In this Q&A article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the adaptation process and the differences between the novel and the film.

Q: What is the main difference between the novel and the film?

A: The main difference between the novel and the film is the way the story is told. The novel provides a more in-depth exploration of the characters and their emotions, while the film focuses on visualization and direct interpretation.

Q: Why were some key elements of the novel removed or simplified in the film?

A: The film director, Zhang Yimou, wanted to create a more cinematic and dramatic experience for the audience. By removing or simplifying some of the key elements of the novel, he was able to focus on the visual aspects of the story and create a more engaging experience for the viewer.

Q: How does the film's faster pacing affect the audience's understanding of the story?

A: The film's faster pacing can cause a shift in how the audience feels the depth of the story. The novel provides a more leisurely pace, allowing the reader to absorb the characters' emotions and motivations. The film, on the other hand, moves at a faster pace, which can make it more difficult for the audience to fully understand the characters' emotions and motivations.

Q: What is the significance of the hawthorn tree symbol in the story?

A: The hawthorn tree symbol is a central element of the story, representing the characters' love and devotion to each other. In the novel, the hawthorn tree is described in more detail, while in the film, it is used as a visual symbol to convey the characters' emotions.

Q: How does the author's vision differ from the director's vision?

A: The author of the novel, 艾米 (ài mǐ), has a more nuanced and detailed understanding of the characters and their emotions. The director, Zhang Yimou, on the other hand, has a more visual and cinematic approach to the story. While the author focuses on the characters' inner lives, the director focuses on the visual aspects of the story.

Q: What are the implications of the adaptation process for the audience?

A: The adaptation process can create a new and different experience for the audience. While the novel provides a more in-depth exploration of the characters and their emotions, the film offers a more visual and cinematic experience. The audience may find that they appreciate the film's visual aspects, but miss the nuance and detail of the novel.

Q: What are the challenges and opportunities faced in adapting literary works into films?

A: The challenges of adapting literary works into films include the need to condense complex characters and storylines into a shorter format, while also maintaining the essence of the original work. The opportunities include the ability to create a new and different experience for the audience, while also bringing the story to life in a more visual and cinematic way.

Q: What are the future research directions for the adaptation of literary works into films?

A: Future research directions include a more in-depth analysis of the ecranization process, including the challenges and opportunities faced in adapting literary works into films. Additionally, research should focus on the impact of the adaptation on the audience and the cultural significance of the adaptation.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research?

A: Recommendations for future research include a more nuanced and detailed analysis of the ecranization process, including the challenges and opportunities faced in adapting literary works into films. Additionally, research should focus on the impact of the adaptation on the audience and the cultural significance of the adaptation.

Q: What are the implications of the adaptation process for the creators?

A: The adaptation process can create a new and different experience for the creators. While the author focuses on the characters' inner lives, the director focuses on the visual aspects of the story. The creators may find that they appreciate the film's visual aspects, but miss the nuance and detail of the novel.

Q: What are the future directions for the adaptation of literary works into films?

A: Future directions for the adaptation of literary works into films include a more in-depth analysis of the ecranization process, including the challenges and opportunities faced in adapting literary works into films. Additionally, research should focus on the impact of the adaptation on the audience and the cultural significance of the adaptation.