A person’s character is not determined by how he or she enjoys victory, but rather how he or she endures defeat. This is one of the classical lines in a popular American political struggle TV play which is called House of Cards. The play spreads as fast as epidemic virus around the world in 2014. The record of the audience rating is quite high in China. Previously, Chinese audience has shown great enthusiasm in traditional palace struggle TV play which sets the background in Qing dynasty. In contrast, we are interested in a TV play that is anchored in western political culture. Do not be surprised. It is magical power of House of Cards that makes it attract attention in China.

By: Yuyi Zhang 120104203 Class 1

Recently, House of Cards has been universally acknowledged around the world. It tells a complex political story about Francis Underwood who is a ruthless and sophisticated American congressman with his ambitious wife operates power in the White House in Washington DC. He firmly believed that the new president betrayed him because the new president did not keep his promise. Then Francis Underwood exploited a young reporter to achieve his own purpose by unscrupulous methods. In the play, you can experience fierce political struggle and witness politicians’ insidious stratagem. It provides a chance for ordinary people to know more about political circles.

Beyond our widest imagination, House of Cards is also prevalent on the screen in China which country is famous for its complex political relationship. Although the TV play that is full of western political features, it still becomes a hit among Chinese audience. In fact, before House of Cards, a traditional palace fight TV play called The Legend of  Zhen Huan is quite popular on the screen in China. The leading role Zhen Huan is one of an emperor’s favourite concubines. She was a pure and innocent girl when she entered into the palace. However, the dangerous palace life and sophisticated relationship made her become more and more cautious and careful. In order to be the last winner, she had to compete with other cruelty concubines. A lot of audience lament that it is difficult and exhausted to live in the palace. There is an interesting phenomenon that Chinese audience compare House of Cards with The Legend of Zhen Huan. They think both two TV plays show us some little-known stories behind the congress and palace. Maybe TV plays are exaggerated to some extent, but we cannot deny that they are attractive. However, Chinese audience deem that House of Cards is more meaningful than The Legend of Zhen Huan. The fight for power in the political circles is superior than the competence for attention in the harem.

What’s more, not only president Obama appreciated House of Card but also one of the new Chinese national leaders Qishan Wang  recommended it to public. He said that it can help us know more about policy and power. It is the first time that a Chinese leader makes high comments on a foreign drama, especially the drama is about policy. And this is a sensitive topic in China which has more than 5,000 years history and complex political system. Yuchen Zhang, a student from ZUMC says that the House of Cards is a mirror of current Chinese political situation even though it is an American TV play. As the old saying goes, all crows are equally black, all wolves eat meat despite of capitalist system or socialist system. As we all know, House of Cards is adapted from a novel written by an English author. With the hot broadcast, the original and translation also become best sellers in China. A loyal fan says that reading original book can bring you another wonderful world. Many people cannot wait to ask why House of Card is so eye-catching in China? Now, we conclude some reasons below:

• the TV play is of high quality including conception, scene and performance
• few Chinese TV plays reflect volatile political conflicts
• many political celebrities recommend it including a Chinese national leader
• it is a kind of cultural exchange between the eastern and western countries
• it exposes political secrets that public have great interest in

Do you want to watch this magic TV play? Do you want to know more about why Chinese audience are enthusiastic about it? Click this link , you will understand. In addition, if you want to buy original books, you can try this link.