by Xinhua writer Zhang Yunlong
BEIJING, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- "Her Story," the latest feature film from award-winning screenwriter-director Shao Yihui, hit movie theaters in China on Friday to widespread acclaim, being lauded for its sharp and witty take on contemporary gender dynamics.
Touted as a thematic counterpart to Shao's 2021 hit "B for Busy," the new film continues her avant-garde style, offering a fresh lens on modern womanhood through the intertwined lives of three characters: two adult women and a precocious schoolgirl.
"Many stories, especially those centered on women, conclude with the characters growing or becoming 'awakened' (in navigating relationships)," Shao explained in a video interview shared by the film's producers. "But what if a story starts with people already 'awakened'? What new challenges will they face?"
Unlike traditional narratives that build toward an "awakening," "Her Story" opens with its female protagonists navigating life from a place of self-awareness.
Wang Tiemei, portrayed by Song Jia, is an independent single mother defying social norms, who invites a younger man into her life.
Zhong Chuxi plays Xiao Ye, a self-described "romantic fool" who grapples with her emotional dependencies, hopeful vulnerability and the realities of unbalanced love.
Meanwhile, Wang Moli, Wang Tiemei's sharp-witted daughter played by Zeng Mumei, upends expectations by challenging her divorced parents' assumptions about love and loyalty.
"Whatever makes you happy is a good thing," says a line in the film, which encapsulates the message of "Her Story" while echoing the literal meaning of its Chinese title, "Hao Dong Xi" ("good thing").
Blending humor with relatability, the film dissects urban female friendships, romantic entanglements and evolving family roles, with some sharp dialogue and a vivid portrayal of daily struggles.
Notably, a sound montage highlighting Wang Tiemei's invisible labor as a mother struck a chord with viewers, sparking widespread discussion on social media platforms.
The film also stands out for its treatment of male characters, a rarity in women-centered stories. By addressing societal pressures on men and their role in dismantling gender barriers, Shao aims to foster mutual understanding between the two genders.
In her opinion, the ultimate goal for both men and women is "freedom" in relationships, and solidarity and mutual understanding are essential.
"Her Story" premiered globally as the opening film for the 2024 China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival's domestic film showcase before entering mass previews on Nov. 16.
Early audience feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with some drawing comparisons to "Barbie," Warner Bros.' 2023 global hit. However, many others argue that "Her Story" offers a distinctly Chinese perspective on gender and relationships.
The film currently boasts a rare 9.1 out of 10 rating on the review platform Douban, a score that places it alongside Chinese cinema classics.
As of the end of Friday, the film had amassed approximately 55 million yuan (7.65 million U.S. dollars) at the box office, with projections from film data platforms Maoyan and Beacon now estimating a total gross between 360 million yuan and 390 million yuan.
If achieved, this number would position "Her Story" to outperform Shao's previous success with "B for Busy" (260 million yuan) and "Barbie" (252 million yuan) in the Chinese mainland market. ■
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