Abstract

This study presents a four-tier integrated framework that combines Saussure's semiotics, Barthes' mythology, Hofstede's cultural dimensions, and Hall's encoding/decoding model to analyze cultural symbol exchange in cross-cultural cinema. By examining Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) and Mulan (2020), we demonstrate how this framework facilitates a systematic, multilayered analysis across structural, semantic, mythological, and reception dimensions. Through a detailed exploration of key symbols—the Green Destiny sword, bamboo forest, phoenix, and costume color systems—we uncover how cultural meanings are encoded within production contexts and interpreted differently by audiences based on their cultural backgrounds. Our findings indicate that symbols that engage all four theoretical dimensions create a richer cross-cultural resonance compared to those that prioritize visual spectacle over cultural authenticity. Methodologically, this study outlines how the framework's structured approach can be adapted for future large-scale content analysis and cross-platform reception studies, with potential applications in computational text analysis and multilingual audience research.