‘His Story’ breaks taboos, redefines connections

Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT

Female-oriented comedy Her Story The film, which has garnered rave reviews for its bold portrayal of female empowerment, friendship and new gender dynamics, is set to take the Chinese box office by storm.

Created by award-winning Shao Yihui, this film captured the hearts of audiences with its humorous take on the complex realities of modern womanhood and offered a unique East Asian twist to Hollywood films. Barbie.

Focusing on women’s empowerment, Her StoryIt sparked widespread controversy when it debuted on November 22 and grossed more than 200 million yuan ($27.5 million) as of Tuesday.

The film, which has an impressive score of 9.1 out of 10 on the review platform Douban, has become the highest-rated domestic film of the year so far.

What truly sets this lighthearted urban comedy apart is its ability to tackle serious social issues with a casual, humorous touch. It sheds light on the real dilemmas women face.

As the name suggests, the film revolves around three women of different ages living their lives in the bustling city of Shanghai.

Their journey is filled with mutual support and understanding as they try to define their identities amid the hustle and bustle of the city.

The trio consists of Wang Moli, the introverted young girl, Ye, who longs for artistic love, and Wang Tiemei, the strong but caring single mother.

When Tiemei moves into a new house with Moli, she meets her neighbor Ye, and the contrasting personalities of these two women (one bold and adventurous, the other gentle and a little sensitive) create a beautiful dynamic as they face old wounds and new challenges together. .

One of its highlights is a refreshing departure from the traditional portrayal of Chinese women as self-sacrificing mothers.

Instead, it offers a light-hearted yet poignant examination of contemporary challenges, such as how single mothers balance their desires with the expectations of traditional society.

The film boldly tackles topics like sexual consent and even breaks the “menstrual taboo” with a bold dinner scene where characters of all ages humorously discuss menstruation.

This frank exchange normalizes the conversation and removes stigma in a light-hearted way.

In a particularly creative moment, Ye uses professional recording equipment to capture the sounds Tiemei makes while doing chores, turning mundane tasks into a fun guessing game with Moli.

Moli’s creative interpretations of these everyday sounds (comparing the vacuum cleaner to a hurricane and the sound of washing sneakers to quicksand) showcase Shao’s sensitivity and intelligence as a director, transforming the drudgery of household chores into something grand and meaningful.

Her Story offers a new perspective on motherhood. It highlights the warmth and support that can develop between friends and family, revealing the deep bonds formed in daily life.

The story begins with a chance encounter that paves the way for a deep friendship between the heroes.

When a suspicious man follows Ye while walking alone at night, Tiemei rides his balance bike to save the day, and their friendship blossoms from this moment of solidarity.

The bond between Tiemei, Moli, and Ye becomes the heart of the story, creating a community of women who uplift each other; a reflection of the growing trend of “women’s mutual empowerment” in contemporary Chinese society.

Some critics suggested that the film’s narrative logic needed some improvement, likening it to a stand-up comedy routine filled with catchy phrases and trending memes. Her Story It stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of Chinese cinema.

With the rise in female-centered narratives, more filmmakers like Shao are stepping into the spotlight by sharing their unique perspectives.

Movies like this like a rolling stoneThe film, which tells the story of a retired woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after saying goodbye to her former life of raising grandchildren and her abusive husband, resonated deeply with the audience. Spring Tide And Spring Song You can touch many people by exploring the contributions and struggles of women across generations.

As the market embraces these narratives and the emphasis on women’s perspectives increases in China, feminist-themed films are emerging with a lighter, richer core, adding a unique voice to Chinese cinema.

Her Story Not only does it reflect this evolution, but it also offers a relatable and refreshing perspective on women’s lives, offering a Chinese response to the themes explored in this book. Barbie.

The author is a Global Times reporter. [email protected]