By studying the image of Li Shizhen and its transformations in biographies, biographical films and TV dramas of different periods, some experiences are provided for the creation of biographies, movies, and TV dramas that are more acceptable to the audience and the same time academically sound images of scientists. The image of Li Shizhen in biographies has undergone a transformation from a Confucian doctor with legendary colours to a great scientist and then to a famous ancient Chinese medical practitioner with outstanding excellence, extraordinary qualities, and great achievements. The image of Li Shizhen in film and television dramas has been transformed from a great scientist who is authoritative and represents scientific truth and orthodoxy to an ordinary man of flesh and blood, full of emotion and vividness. For the construction of the image of scientists, it is not only necessary to be concerned about their occupation, work, and achievements but also to consider the latest academic research and the description of their personal life, character qualities, and moral and spiritual aspects.

Li Shizhen  /  biographies  /  image of scientists  /  biographical films and dramas