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China’s Feminist Hit “Her Story” Surpasses Box Office Records

In a remarkable turn of events, the Chinese comedy film “Her Story” has taken the box office by storm, grossing over 300 million yuan (US$41 million) in less than two weeks since its release. Directed by Shao Yihui and featuring an all-female lead cast, the movie has been touted as China’s answer to the global phenomenon “Barbie,” signaling a major shift in the representation of women’s narratives in mainstream Chinese cinema.

“Her Story” revolves around the experiences and struggles of a newly unemployed single mother and her young female neighbor in Shanghai. The film’s success follows on the heels of other female-led Chinese blockbusters like “Hi, Mom” and “YOLO,” both directed by women and centered around women’s stories. This emerging trend reflects a growing global movement towards greater representation and empowerment of women in film.

The Rise of Female Voices in Chinese Cinema

The unprecedented box office performance of “Her Story” and its predecessors marks a turning point in the Chinese film industry, where women’s perspectives have traditionally been marginalized. As Zeng Hong, assistant professor at the Academy of Film at Hong Kong Baptist University, notes:

“This trend is part of a global movement. Social media has allowed gender discussions to reach a wide spectrum of the public, combining activism with consumer behavior.”

– Zeng Hong, Assistant Professor, Academy of Film, Hong Kong Baptist University

Indeed, the film has sparked enthusiastic discussions on Chinese social media platforms like Xiaohongshu, where fans have eagerly shared feminist references and “Easter eggs” scattered throughout the movie. This engagement suggests a growing appetite for content that resonates with women’s experiences and challenges gender norms.

The Power of the “She Economy”

Experts attribute the success of female-centric films like “Her Story” to the rise of the “she economy” in China, which recognizes the increasing purchasing power and influence of female consumers. As Zhu Ying, author of “Hollywood in China: behind the scenes of the world’s largest movie market,” explains:

“Female audiences have become a quality demographic to which the Chinese film industry is now attempting to cater. This leads to more opportunities for female directors in a traditionally male-dominated industry… the recognition of female purchasing power gives women more voices on how their stories are told, which will have a long-lasting impact on the Chinese film industry.”

– Zhu Ying, Author of “Hollywood in China: behind the scenes of the world’s largest movie market”

The ascent of women’s economic clout has not only opened doors for female filmmakers but has also compelled the industry to tell stories that resonate with this powerful demographic. As a result, films like “Her Story” are finding unprecedented commercial success by tapping into the desires and experiences of women viewers.

A Groundbreaking Moment for Women in Film

The triumph of “Her Story” extends beyond China’s borders, with sold-out screenings in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, indicating a strong appeal among the global Chinese diaspora. Mia Wang, a 29-year-old viewer in Australia, expressed her support for the film:

“I think films created by female directors are easier for me to resonate with. And there are too few Chinese female creators in the film industry.”

– Mia Wang, 29-year-old viewer in Australia

Wang’s sentiment echoes the growing demand for authentic, relatable stories told from women’s perspectives. The success of “Her Story” and its counterparts suggests that this demand is finally being met, paving the way for a more inclusive and representative film industry.

As the film continues to break box office records and capture the hearts of audiences worldwide, it stands as a testament to the power of women’s voices and the importance of their stories being told on the big screen. With more female-led productions in the pipeline, the future of Chinese cinema looks brighter and more diverse than ever before.

The rise of female-centric films like “Her Story” marks a pivotal moment not only for the Chinese film industry but for the global movement towards gender equality and representation in media. As women’s stories take center stage and prove their commercial viability, the landscape of cinema is undergoing a profound shift. The question remains: how will this groundbreaking moment shape the future of storytelling, both in China and beyond? One thing is certain – the voices of women can no longer be ignored or underestimated. Their stories are here to stay, and they are ready to be heard.