ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the relationship between international film and nation-building in China. It discusses the relationship of how commercial films in China have an alternative function as main melody films through international co-productions with Korea. The chapter suggests that political-economic approaches in parallel with a textual analysis of the content of China-Korea co-productions. It explains the relationship among cultural products, film industry, and cultural politics in international film co-productions. Yet researchers have opened new pathways toward a comprehensive understanding of what international co-production means to filmmakers in East Asia. The director, Oh Ki-Hwan, and the core creative staff—including the cinematographer, editor, and production designer—were Korean; however, the leading actors and scriptwriter employed were Chinese. An additional Chinese company, C2M Media, was a joint investor. The film 20 Once Again is a remake of Miss Granny through a co-production between CJ E&M and China’s Beijing Century Media Culture.
