Netflix's highly anticipated sci-fi series, '3 Body Problem,' based on Liu Cixin's award-winning novel, is creating buzz and debate in both China and the United States. The show's opening scene, which depicts a brutal struggle session during China's Cultural Revolution, has garnered mixed reactions from viewers.

The scene, set in 1966 at a Beijing university, shows a physics professor being mercilessly beaten by Red Guards for his refusal to conform to government beliefs. While the sequence is integral to the storyline and taken directly from the novel, it was notably absent from the 30-episode Chinese adaptation released by Tencent last year. Critics argue that this omission is part of a larger effort by the Chinese Communist Party to erase the history of the Cultural Revolution from popular culture.

In China, despite the show not being officially accessible due to the lack of Netflix distribution, it has been trending on social media platforms. Viewers have expressed astonishment and intrigue, with one user on Weibo stating, "The first scene made my jaw drop... even though I had anticipated this, the scene still startled me." However, the show has also sparked nationalist anger, with some accusing Hollywood of intentionally portraying China in a negative light with its depiction of the Red Guards.

Conservatives in the United States have also joined the debate, focusing on the opening scene as a rare example of Hollywood showcasing the dangers of collectivist ideologies taken to the extreme. They argue that the scene is reminiscent of the current cancel culture and the suppression of freedom of speech.

Criticism in both countries extends beyond the opening scene. Some viewers in China have slammed what they perceive as "politically correct" changes made in the Netflix adaptation, such as a more diverse international cast and a shift in the story's setting to London. Conservatives in the U.S. have raised similar objections to the show's casting choices.

Amidst the controversy, there are viewers in both countries who applaud the show's boldness and international approach. Actress Rosalind Chao, who plays the adult version of Ye Wenjie in the series, supports the decision to make the story more accessible to a global audience. She emphasizes the importance of discussing historical events like the Cultural Revolution and believes that the show's international perspective adds to its appeal.

The show's co-showrunner, Alexander Woo, acknowledges the chilling impact of the opening scene, stating that it accurately portrays a part of history rarely depicted in fiction or film. Woo's mother, who lived through the Cultural Revolution, attested to the scene's authenticity, even as she questioned why such a terrible event should be shown.

Despite the mixed reactions and controversies, '3 Body Problem' remains Netflix's most expensive first-season show, with a reported cost of over $20 million per episode. The series has garnered varied reviews, with some praising it as one of the best sci-fi programs ever made. The story's progressive nature, which addresses humanity's response to an existential threat, has drawn comparisons to the ongoing climate change crisis.

As the debate rages on, some viewers in China are calling for a more harmonious perspective, highlighting that both versions, the Chinese adaptation and the Netflix adaptation, can be appreciated without the need for conflict.