Xie Jin: A Distinguished Pioneer of the Mind-Nature Realism Film Paradigm

Abstract The paradigm of mind-nature (心性) realism in Xie Jin’s films presents the trend of contemporary Chinese society evolving from chaos to order. While representing the social reality, it demonstrates the role of the wisdom of the Chinese-style mind-nature and reveals the tendency of the integration between the traditional Chinese theory of the mind and the spirit of realism. The debate on “Xie Jin’s Confucianism” has both insightful perspectives and blind spots, missing his efforts in constructing this film paradigm. As a pioneer, Xie Jin explored this paradigm, foreshadowing its later creative path and setting an early example.