Cinema as a Cultural Mirror: Representation of Society and Identity

Abstract Cinema is a mirror of social and cultural reality of a certain period when it is created. It is served as a cultural reflection, as it portrays the values, beliefs, identities and changes of society. In this paper, we will discuss how the cinema reflects the social structures of the society in terms of class, caste, gender and cultural identity. It also discusses the significance of cinema in creating the perception of people and how the social change can be influenced. Movies reflect the life and the situations in society by the use of characters and stories. They point out such issues as inequality, discrimination, and cultural diversity. Cinema has played the role of discussing the caste hierarchy, gender roles and family values and has also captured the evolving social attitudes in the Indian context. In the contemporary cinema, particularly via digital media, there are more authentic and varied portrayals of identity. Cinema is a reflection of the society and helps in identity creation. People identify with movie characters and stories, which define their interpretations of self and social life. Simultaneously, cinema brings people together by uniting them through a common culture. The effects of globalization on cinema are also discussed in the paper. Movies are now accessible to audiences around the world and not only does it bring about the exchange of cultures but also susceptibilities to global trends on our local identities. Although cinema contributes to the knowledge of awareness and social change, it possesses the drawbacks of stereotyping and commercialization. The paper draws the conclusion that cinema is a mirror and a cultural influence of society. It records cultural facts and yet it shapes attitudes and beliefs, and as such, is an influential tool of knowing about the society and identity.