Abstract:

Individualism is the core concept of American culture, which emphasizes self-value above any other. Americans always reflect their individualism when they make a choice in family, career and love. Under the influence of individualism, they shape different value orientations in life.
Prison Break, an American film released in 2005, tells a story that the hero Michael Scofield breaks the prison successfully and lives a nomadic life. The hero fights the government of his own. In the film, Michael calls for freedom and democracy, seeks independence and challenges the social conventions. In the film, the western culture, and American individualism are embodied vividly and completely. Viewed from that angle, it contributes a lot to the study of cross-culture communication and exchange.     

Keywords: individualism; western culture; Prison Break; value

摘  要：

个人主义是美国文化的核心，强调个人高于一切。美国人在家庭，事业，爱情等方面的种种选择都体现了美国个人主义价值观。在个人主义价值观熏陶成长起来的西方人有多种多样的价值取向。
  《越狱》是美国2005年开始上映的一部电影，讲述了一个为了拯救而进行越狱和逃亡的故事。剧中主角以一己之力与社会，政府抗衡。主人翁麦克追求自由，独立自主，勇于挑战在电影中体现得淋淋尽致。西方社会个人主义价值观在其中得到了充分的体现。通过对这一价值观和相关剧情的剖析，今后在欣赏西方影视作品的时候，能更深入地理解西方人言行背后的文化根源，更深刻地理解美国文化及其价值观，从而推动跨文化交流。

关键词：个人主义；西方文化；《越狱》；价值