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9.4分国产良心,也跌落神坛了
虎嗅APP·2025-05-13 10:05

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the return of the popular Chinese documentary series "A Bite of China" with its fourth season, which has faced significant criticism and controversy, particularly regarding its portrayal of traditional cooking methods and the associated hardships endured by chefs [3][4][36]. Summary by Sections Return of "A Bite of China" - "A Bite of China 4" marks the return of a beloved series after a seven-year hiatus since the third season aired in 2018 [3]. - The initial reception has been overwhelmingly negative, with many viewers expressing their dissatisfaction through one-star ratings and harsh critiques [4][18]. Historical Context and Impact - The first season aired in 2012 and received a high rating of 9.4 on Douban, creating a cultural phenomenon that influenced food media and dining habits across China [8][12]. - The series inspired a surge in similar food media formats and a widespread adoption of its narrative style, known as "A Bite of China style" [13][14]. Criticism of Season 4 - The first episode of Season 4, focusing on the theme of "skills," has drawn particular ire for its depiction of a traditional baking technique involving extreme physical risk to the chef [20][21]. - Viewers were disturbed by the portrayal of the chef's physical suffering, leading to comparisons with historical torture methods and raising questions about the necessity of such dangerous practices in modern cooking [33][35]. Societal Changes and Viewer Expectations - The backlash reflects a shift in societal attitudes towards traditional labor and suffering, with contemporary audiences rejecting narratives that glorify hardship without addressing the potential for modernization and safety improvements [36][58]. - The article highlights a growing empathy for individual workers and a rejection of outdated practices that compromise personal safety for the sake of tradition [59]. Quality of Production - The article argues that the fundamental issue with the fourth season lies in its production quality, which fails to effectively communicate the importance and necessity of the traditional techniques being showcased [63][64]. - The perspective of the chef as a traditional practitioner is inadequately explored, leading to misunderstandings about the value of their craft and the sacrifices involved [66]. Cultural Reflection - The series' earlier seasons successfully captured the cultural significance of food in Chinese society, intertwining culinary art with themes of resilience and community [77][81]. - In contrast, the fourth season is criticized for focusing excessively on suffering without highlighting the human spirit and aspirations for a better future, resulting in a loss of the series' original charm and depth [82][84].