3 Body Problem showrunner Alexander Woo explains how the show’s impactful opening scene connects to his real life. Woo serves as co-showrunner on the new Netflix show alongside Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. Adapted from Liu Cixin’s novel of the same name, 3 Body Problem explores how the events of the Chinese Cultural Revolution lead to a fateful decision that will change life on Earth and beyond for generations to come.
While speaking with The New York Times, Woo discussed the importance of the opening scene that takes place during the Chinese Cultural Revolution, along with how it connects to his life, and the life of director Derek Tsang. The scene features a teenage Ye Wenjie (Zine Tseng) watching her father, Ye Zhetai (Perry Yung), being beaten to death by a militant youth group known as the Red Guards.
“It’s a part of history that is not written about in fiction very much, let alone filmed. And my family lived through it, as did the family of Derek Tsang, who directed the first two episodes. We give a lot of credit to him for bringing that to life, because he knew that it had not been filmed with this clinical eye maybe ever. He took enormous pains to have every detail of it depicted as real as it could be. I showed it to my mother, and you could see a chill coming over her, and she said, “That’s real. This is what really happened.” And she added, “Why would you show something like that? Why do you make people experience something so terrible?” But that’s how we knew we’d done our job.”
As Woo and Tsang intended, 3 Body Problem’s Chinese Cultural Revolution opening is historically accurate and chilling to behold. It is humanity at its worst as the Red Guards humiliate physics professor Ye Zhetai, pressure him into denying the existence of the Big Bang Theory and other proven scientific theories, and ultimately beat him to death when he refuses to do so, all while the majority of the watching crowd cheers. Meanwhile, his wife and fellow physicist, Shao Lin (Li Fengxu), publicly denies these scientific truths to save herself, all while their daughter Ye Wenjie watches.
Seeing humanity at its worst makes Ye believe that there is no hope for humanity to save itself from self-destruction. When Ye later joins the Chinese military’s secret initiative to establish interstellar communication, she is the first one to see a message from the alien species known as the San-Ti, and who tells them to come to Earth because she believes humanity is beyond saving. Her decision forever alters the future of humanity and for the San-Ti, setting forth a series of events she could never have foreseen.
Ye’s consequential actions are more compelling and understandable because of the opening scene and because of the suffering and hopelessness she endured during the Chinese Cultural Revolution. It makes her faith in the San-Ti feel more authentic, and ultimately more tragic when she realizes that the San-Ti have forsaken her, and are coming to conquer humanity instead of saving them. 3 Body Problem shows an essential piece of history that brutally and effectively sets its nuanced exploration of humanity in motion.
FAQ
What is the premise of “3 Body Problem”?
“3 Body Problem” is a Netflix show adapted from Liu Cixin’s novel of the same name. It explores how the events of the Chinese Cultural Revolution lead to a fateful decision that will change life on Earth and beyond for generations to come.
Who are the showrunners of “3 Body Problem”?
The showrunners of “3 Body Problem” are Alexander Woo, David Benioff, and D.B. Weiss. Alexander Woo serves as co-showrunner alongside the creators of “Game of Thrones.”
What is the significance of the opening scene of “3 Body Problem”?
The opening scene of “3 Body Problem” depicts a chilling portrayal of the Chinese Cultural Revolution, where a physics professor is beaten to death by a militant youth group known as the Red Guards. This scene sets the tone for the show and explores the historical context that shapes the characters’ decisions.
How does the opening scene connect to the real-life experiences of the show’s creators?
Showrunner Alexander Woo and director Derek Tsang both have personal connections to the events depicted in the opening scene. Their families lived through the Chinese Cultural Revolution, adding a layer of authenticity to the portrayal of this historical period.
Why was it important to depict the Chinese Cultural Revolution in “3 Body Problem”?
The depiction of the Chinese Cultural Revolution in “3 Body Problem” sheds light on a historical period that is often overlooked in fiction. By exploring this tumultuous time in Chinese history, the show provides insight into the characters’ motivations and the broader themes of the story.
How does the opening scene impact the character of Ye Wenjie?
The traumatic events of the opening scene shape the character of Ye Wenjie and influence her decision to join a secret military initiative to establish interstellar communication. Her experiences during the Chinese Cultural Revolution inform her worldview and drive her actions throughout the series.
What themes does “3 Body Problem” explore?
“3 Body Problem” explores themes of humanity, morality, and the consequences of scientific discovery. The show delves into the complexities of human nature and the ethical dilemmas faced by its characters in the pursuit of knowledge.
How does “3 Body Problem” differ from other sci-fi shows?
“3 Body Problem” distinguishes itself by blending elements of science fiction with historical drama. By grounding its narrative in real-world events, the show offers a unique perspective on the genre and provides a thought-provoking exploration of its themes.