Learning Culture Through Film - Fearless

One of my favorite cultural learning tools is film.

I started watching Asian film in 1995, in Singapore, when I discovered Gong Li and Zhang Yimou in "Raise the Red Lantern". Next was Wong Kar Wai's "Chungking Express" and the rest, as they say, is history. I now have over 1,000 Asian films in my collection, and watch them for both pleasure and knowledge.

This week, I introduced my dad to Jet Li, in "Fearless".

Rather then reviewing the film - you can find reviews all over the Internet - I want to highlight what you might be able to learn about Chinese culture, by watching "Fearless".

To do this, I'll review three scenes from the movie, using a facilitator's debriefing strategy called 'What, So What, Now What'.

'What' - asks what happened.

'So what' - asks what that means and why it matters.

'Now what' - asks what you can do differently in work or life, based on this knowledge.

Needless to say, I'll be discussing key moments in the movie. If you don't want to read spoilers, stop now!

1. We see two martial art teachers sign 'death waivers' and fight in the streets of the town.

What - Competing martial arts schools historically challenged each other and fought, even at the risk of death, to establish superiority.

So What - The power of the group is much bigger in the East. Individuals like to be aligned to something, and to have that something be powerful.

Now What - Appeal to your Chinese workmates sense of group or affiliation. Hold group events and team building sessions. Being a strong 'father' figure also goes a long way.

2. Jet Li returns to Tianjin to visit his parents grave

What - Jet gives up serenity and possible love. He returns to the scene of his problems. The trigger is when he hears that locals are visiting their parents grave.

So What - Jet hasn't been to his parents graves in a few years. In Chinese culture, there is very little that is more important than honoring your family and ancestors. This drives many behaviors, from 1st sons staying at home to having family shrines inside houses.

Now What - If you're managing or working with a Chinese male, it might be important to understand if they are a first or only son. I also wouldn't suggest making parent jokes, the way we do in the West.

3. Jet Li keeps fighting, though he knows he's dying

What - The final match is rigged. Jet will die if he keeps fighting. He knows it, but continues.

So What - As an educated Chinese, Jet knows the significance of this moment. He knows that the school is bigger than his life.

Now What - Have a long term vision. Think beyond 'right now'. Also, connect today's events to the events of the past. In Chinese culture, it's important to place the 'now' in a historical continuum. Look at how much emphasis the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic Games put on historical context.

The trailer begins with a quote from Lao Tzu, "Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself makes you fearless."

In this case the filmmakers are making sure to tie the film to a historical context.

Do you learn from films? Tell us how.