Hollywood Thrills Meet National Security: China’s ‘Scare Out’ Ushers in a New Era of State-Sanctioned Espionage Films
A high-octane chase sequence, complete with sleek drones taking down a fleeing spy amidst Shenzhen’s towering glass skyscrapers, has captivated audiences worldwide. This pulse-pounding drama, however, isn’t a real-life security operation, but a scene from the recently released Chinese film, ‘Scare Out’. What makes this movie particularly noteworthy is its distinction as the first motion picture to receive official endorsement from China’s notoriously secretive Ministry of State Security (MSS).
While films exploring the shadowy world of intelligence agencies and moles are a staple of cinema in many countries, ‘Scare Out’ marks a significant shift in China’s approach to public narratives, especially concerning national security. Historically, authorities, particularly those involved in security matters, have maintained a tight grip on how such sensitive topics are presented to the public.
Directed by the acclaimed, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Zhang Yimou, ‘Scare Out’ is proudly advertised as being “led and created” by the MSS. The overarching aim, as articulated by the ministry, is to foster a stronger sense of national defence among citizens and equip them to identify and counter potential threats. In promotional material shared on social media, the MSS stated that the film is designed to “strengthen the people’s defence line” and “echo the needs of national security education.” The film premiered in cinemas across China on 17 February, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Chinese New Year’s Day.
While the MSS has never before lent its official backing to a cinematic production, the ministry has, in recent years, adopted a more transparent and public-facing stance. This shift involves bringing some of its previously clandestine operations into the public eye and engaging more directly with the populace. Approximately two years ago, in its inaugural post on WeChat, China’s dominant social media platform, the MSS declared: “Counterespionage requires the mobilization of the entire society.”
Since that initial announcement, the ministry has ramped up its online presence, posting content with remarkable frequency. These posts often delve into real-world cases, offering insights into the nation’s security efforts. For instance, one widely discussed post detailed the alleged actions of a travel blogger who purportedly instructed a college student to photograph a military base. Another highlighted the case of a military enthusiast who reportedly acquired classified military documents for less than a dollar at a local recycling station. Beyond these factual accounts, the MSS has also ventured into creating engaging content such as comics, short videos, and mini-movies to disseminate its messages.
The narrative of ‘Scare Out’, starring popular actors Jackson Yee and Zhu Yilong, centres on the intense pursuit of a mole operating within China’s intelligence service, who is suspected of leaking sensitive information about a new fighter jet. Director Zhang Yimou himself remarked in a trailer released by the MSS, “Spies are just there around you,” a statement designed to heighten audience awareness and perhaps, a sense of vigilance.
A Sophisticated Strategy for Public Engagement
According to some security experts, the MSS’s foray into filmmaking signifies a strategic move to not only elevate the visibility of its work but also to actively encourage public participation in reporting suspicious activities.
“It wants to build public and popular support to encourage people to share information,” explained Sheena Greitens, an associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin. She further elaborated, “(It’s) a very sophisticated effort to mobilize Chinese citizens and make national security entertaining and fun to support.”
Director Zhang Yimou, in an opinion piece penned for the People’s Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party, underscored the film’s commitment to authenticity. He wrote, “State security officers accompanied us throughout the whole filming process to make sure the film is close to reality.” Zhang’s directorial pedigree is well-established, with previous critically acclaimed films like “Ju Dou,” “Raise The Red Lantern,” and “Hero” having all garnered Oscar nominations.
Whispers on social media suggest that the plot of ‘Scare Out’ may be inspired by a real-life incident involving a researcher who allegedly divulged information about China’s J-35 fighter jet to foreign entities. The MSS has not yet responded to a request for comment from The Associated Press regarding these claims.
Since its release, ‘Scare Out’ has been screened not only within China but also in international markets, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. The film has achieved considerable box office success, raking in 1.1 billion yuan (approximately $160 million USD) within its first two weeks of release.
The film’s impact extends beyond its financial performance. Alice Jin, a 28-year-old e-commerce professional based in Washington, admitted she initially watched the movie with low expectations, hoping it wouldn’t be a dull affair. However, she was pleasantly surprised, stating, “It was better than I expected. I had no idea what it (MSS) was before.” Similarly, Wang Lehang, a 25-year-old student, found the film’s approach to patriotism education effective. “I love watching movies, so a movie on patriotism education definitely works better on me. It was better than a lecture,” he commented.
A Global Trend in Espionage Entertainment
The concept of spy movies is far from new in the global entertainment landscape. The iconic James Bond franchise, for instance, made its debut over six decades ago. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in the United States is also known to collaborate with Hollywood studios to influence the portrayal of the agency in films and television shows, including the popular Jason Bourne series.
Liam McLoughlin, a senior lecturer in politics at Edge Hill University in northwest England, observes a difference in approach between Western and Chinese productions. He notes that Western films often focus on “here’s where the trouble is coming from,” whereas China’s ‘Scare Out’ is “highlighting to people internally that they don’t side with the West.”
The release of ‘Scare Out’ coincides with a period of heightened activity from the CIA, which has recently been posting recruitment videos on social media platforms, specifically targeting Chinese officials with the aim of enlisting them as informants. One such video, delivered in Mandarin, directly asks: “Do you have information about China’s top leaders? Are you a military officer, or do you work with the military? Please contact us. We want to understand the truth.”
In response to these recruitment efforts, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the CIA’s actions, asserting that the nation will implement all necessary measures to prevent any form of infiltration.
