This dissertation consists of five chapters and a conclusion.Chapter One, the introduction to the dissertation, sets up the theoretical foundation and critical strategies for the definition of docu-realism.Chapter Two, which is the core of the whole dissertation, accomplishes the most essential task of the dissertation -- unfolding the definition of docu-realism.Firstly,docu-realism is the product of the social-economic-cultural reality in China since the 1990s, and in some senses this makes it a counterpart to Italian Neo-realism.Secondly, the philosophical foundation of docu-realism is to emphasize and value the redemption of physical reality, in ways consistent with the theories of Bazfn and Kracauer. Thirdly, nostalgia, featuring a popular perspective and a narrative with documentary style form, is the fundamental aesthetic characteristic of docu-realism.

Preface

Acknowledgements

Dissertation Summary

Chapter One Introduction

 1.New Chinese Film: The Inadequacy of Labels in Describing the New Film Practices in China

 2.Mapping Contemporary Chinese Film

 3.Discursive Parameters

Chapter Two Identifying Docurealism in Terms of History, Philosophy and Aesthetics

 1.Historically: Inside and Outside China

 2.Philosophically: The Redemption of Physical Reality

 3.Aesthetic Principles111

Chapter Three Zhang Yuan: A Breakthrough in Presenting Reality — Escape from the Encirclement of Melorealism

 1.Zhang Yuan and New Approaches to Reality

 2.Sons·Cinema-verite·Cinemadirect

 3.Seventeen Years and the New Documentary Movement

Chapter Four Jia Zhangke: Distinguishing Nostalgia from the Fifth Generation's Exoticism

 1.Xiaowu: The Common Man's Consciousness and the Popular Perspective

 2.Platform: Loose Narration and Dedramatization

 3.Unknown Pleasure: Redemption of Real Life Through Sound

Chapter Five Wang Xiaoshuai, Wang Chao, Lu Xuechang, Zhang Ming: Constructing Docurealist Aesthetics in Film Construction

 1.Shot·Deep Focus·Mise-en-scène

 2.Colour·Light·Physical Reality

 3.Editing·Montage·Longtake

Conclusion

Appendix Main Docurealist Film Directors and Their Works

Bibliography

Glossary