Her Story, the latest film by award-winning director Shao Yihui, premiered in China on November 22, 2024, to widespread acclaim. The film offers a sharp and witty exploration of contemporary gender dynamics and female relationships, earning it a remarkable 9.1 out of 10 rating on Douban, China’s leading film-review platform. It also seems set for box office success, having already earned 46 million RMB.

Set in Shanghai, the film follows the intertwined lives of three female characters: Wang Tiemei, a fiercely independent single mother portrayed by Harbin-born actress Song Jia; her precocious young daughter Wang Moli, played by child actress Zeng Mumei; and their neighbor Xiao Ye, a romantic yet rational musician played by actress Elaine Zhong Chuxi. Following the Wangs as they move into the apartment next to Xiao Ye’s, the narrative delves into the protagonists’ personal growth and the deep bonds they form as they navigate societal expectations and personal aspirations. 

Director Shao Yihui, known for her debut film B for Busy (2021), a Shanghai-set comedy of manners about middle-aged romance, emphasizes authenticity in her work. She meticulously selected real-life locations in Shanghai to use as sets for Her Story, telling Hong Kong’s Bastille Post, “I think the architectural style of Shanghai decides the unique lifestyle there. Like many modern tenants in those old villas, [the film’s characters] share some activity space and have close ties with their neighbors.”

Her Story distinguishes itself by addressing topics often considered taboo in both Chinese cinema and culture, such as sexual consent and menstruation. One notable moment from the film features Tiemei’s young daughter Moli speaking openly about menstrual cycles, challenging the silence and stigma often surrounding the topic. In another scene, Xiao Ye confronts the traditional notion that women should simply endure menstrual pain with remedies like brown sugar water, advocating instead for a more progressive understanding of women’s health. These scenes, alongside a candid, authentically portrayed discussion about sexual intimacy, reflect the film’s bold approach to addressing societal taboos with honesty and sensitivity.

As such, the film’s whimsical yet incisive tone has drawn comparisons to the 2023 global hit Barbie. However, Her Story stands apart by offering a distinctly Chinese perspective on gender issues, challenging traditional portrayals of women as self-sacrificing figures. Instead, it celebrates multidimensional female characters who confront contemporary challenges with both humor and resilience. This unique duality — blending lighthearted moments with deeply emotional undertones — has resonated profoundly with audiences. As a Xiaohongshu user, lunasyj, commented, “I just finished watching it… I thought I would laugh all the way through, but I didn’t expect to cry the entire time. Many lines touched me.” 

Following its domestic success, Her Story is set to hit big screens in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries and regions, broadening its reach to international audiences. 

Shao Yihui remains modest about the film’s achievements, acknowledging areas for improvement while expressing gratitude for the audience’s positive reaction. She attributes the film’s success to its novelty and the fresh perspective it brings to Chinese cinema. 

Her Story stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of Chinese cinema, where female-centric narratives are gaining prominence. Viewers have embraced the film for how it tackles serious social issues with a light-hearted touch, reflecting the growing trend of female mutual empowerment in contemporary society. Interestingly, though aspects of the film’s feminist messaging are not always embraced by the Chinese film industry, official policies support women’s empowerment, and positive coverage of Her Story in state media outlets suggests tacit approval. 

As the film continues to captivate viewers both domestically and internationally, it is contributing to a broader conversation about gender dynamics and the representation of women in media, offering a unique and authentic portrayal of contemporary Chinese womanhood. 

Banner image via Maxtimes Pictures.