Illustration: Chen Xia/GT

Poster of Six Sisters Photo: Douban

Chinese films and TV series have increasingly embraced family narratives, presenting audiences with a variety of "family culture" stories that resonate with viewers. From high-grossing blockbusters like the Ne Zha series and Hi, Mom to heartfelt dramas such as Romance in the Alley and Six Sisters, the rise of family-focused stories reflects a trend on reconnecting with traditional values while addressing contemporary challenges.  

By focusing on family as a central theme, Chinese creators are not only tapping into a treasure trove of creative materials but also addressing universal questions about love, responsibility and identity. The issues tied to family can be understood and felt by people around the world, which makes family-focused storytelling an effective bridge for Chinese films and TV shows attempting to reach international audiences.

Family values hold significant importance in Chinese culture across all ages. General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Xi Jinping stresses the importance of family civility and virtues and efforts to make Chinese families an important foundation for the country's development, national progress and social harmony in an article published in early 2025. The article also highlights the importance of family ties, saying that the future of families is closely tied to the future of the country and the nation.

In brilliant film and TV works with good reputation, content creators also see family narratives as a way to explore human relationships while reflecting on societal changes, offering audiences a wide range of perspectives on what it means to belong to a family.

Take the Ne Zha series, for instance, which has achieved unprecedented box-office success. While much of its appeal lies in its stunning visuals, one of the emotional cores of the films revolves around family. Be it Ne Zha or Ao Bing, their rebellion against social prejudice and unreasonable authoritarian rule is rooted in the unconditional love and support of their parents. 

The sacrifice of Ne Zha's mother and trust of Ao Bing's father in him in the sequel have profoundly impacted many viewers. Nancy, a Chinese resident in Los Angeles who watched Ne Zha 2 on Saturday, told the Global Times that she could not help but burst into tears during the scene in which Ne Zha's mother was killed while trying to protect her son.

These stories resonate across all age groups by offering the vision of an ideal family: one where love, trust and support empower individuals to overcome adversity. This ability to combine dazzling entertainment with meaningful family narratives has made the Ne Zha series a model for successful family storytelling in cinemas.

Also on TV, the storytelling about diverse types of families delves deeply into themes of close ties, support, conflicts and unconditional love. The newly released series Six Sisters offers a glimpse into how a multi-child family maintains harmonious relationships among its members. 

In the series, as times are changing, the six sisters of the family experience the ups and downs of marriage, work and life. However, they are united and face the challenges of life together. They finally understand what their father repeatedly emphasized before his death, the meaning of "home."

Like Six Sisters, many contemporary family-centered films and TV shows do not shy away from addressing more challenging aspects of family life such as parents' favoritism and competition among siblings for family resources. By exploring these conflicts, creators encourage audiences to reflect on what constitutes a healthy family relationship and how social pressures shape family life. These narratives are not just about celebrating the ideal family - they also provoke meaningful discussions about how families can evolve and adapt to modern challenges.  

"It is believed that family and kinship themes touch everyone's heartstrings. This warmth and emotion can transcend national boundaries," Luo Luo, a Beijing-based film critic, told the Global Times. "These works showing the life of other ordinary families can drive audiences rethinking about their family relationships or feelings toward family members."

This is another strength of family storytelling that lies in its ability to transcend cultural boundaries. The critic noted that to further strengthen the global appeal of Chinese family narratives, creators need to embrace diversity in their storytelling. Families come in many forms, and by showcasing non-traditional or unconventional family dynamics, filmmakers can broaden their audience and connect with viewers who may not see themselves reflected in more traditional portrayals.

Ultimately, the rise of family narratives in Chinese film and television represents a powerful cultural and artistic movement. These stories celebrate the enduring importance of family while addressing the challenges and complexities of modern life. By balancing tradition with innovation, Chinese creators are breathing new life into "family culture," offering audiences stories that are both deeply personal and universally meaningful.  

Whether through tales of sacrifice and love, explorations of conflict and reconciliation, or visions of diverse and evolving family dynamics, these narratives remind viewers of the fundamental role that family plays in shaping who you are. Through the lens of family, Chinese filmmakers are not only telling compelling stories but also contributing to a stronger, more harmonious society - one small screen or silver screen at a time.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. life@globaltimes.com.cn