Netflix’s adaptation of the renowned Chinese science fiction novel “The Three-Body Problem” by Liu Cixin has generated a broad range of responses from viewers in China.
While the show has been praised by some for its production quality and enhancements to female characters, others have criticized it for deviating from the original story, particularly with regards to its setting and character nationalities.
The series, which became Netflix’s top English TV show in its first week of release, includes significant scenes depicting the Cultural Revolution—a sensitive period in China‘s history—which has led to the show being blocked in the country. However, Chinese viewers have still managed to watch and discuss the series using tools to bypass internet censorship.
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Critics have expressed disappointment over changes made to the story, such as relocating much of the action to the United Kingdom and altering the ethnicities and genders of key Chinese characters. Some viewers felt that these modifications diluted the essence of Liu Cixin’s original work.
Others, however, see the adaptation as a necessary step to make the story accessible and appealing to a global audience.
The depiction of the Cultural Revolution in the series, which was absent from a version produced by Tencent, is a pivotal aspect of the story that resonates with many, including the show’s director Derek Tsang and executive producer Alexander Woo.
Woo shared with The New York Times the impact of these scenes on his mother, who lived through the era, highlighting their commitment to historical accuracy.
Despite the controversy, the discussion around “The Three-Body Problem” on social media platforms like Weibo has been extensive, with the topic garnering billions of views. This indicates a significant level of engagement with the series among Chinese viewers, regardless of the mixed reviews.
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