UC Davis

Chinese horror films have special oriental cultural elements as well as rich traditional culture, but in the last decade, Chinese horror films have declined sharply in the mainland as well as in the international market. The inferiority of the cinematic effect of horror elements, the receding passion of the market, and the cultural regulation under CCP rule are all factors that have led to the gradual disappearance of Chinese horror films. This thesis compares Chinese and Western horror films to further understand the horror genre, the characteristics of Chinese horror films, and the prospects and possibilities of market development.