FEMINIST NARRATIVES IN CHINESE CINEMA

What happens when a film challenges the very foundations of Chinese society, not through overt rebellion, but through the quiet, subversive power of personal stories? In a society where the state heavily influences the boundaries of acceptable discourse, can a film about domestic violence and workplace discrimination resonate with the masses, or will it be buried under the weight of censorship and control? Her Story (好东西), a 2024 film by Shao Yihui, is not just another tale of a woman’s struggle; it is a powerful reflection of the potential of Chinese cinema and its young audiences to push boundaries regarding gender, society, and power. The film does not merely ask, “What does it mean to be a woman in modern China?” It asks, “What happens when women refuse to fit into the boxes they are given, and the state must decide whether to silence them or allow them to speak?”

Historical Context and Evolution

To fully appreciate the feminist themes in Her Story, it is essential to understand the historical trajectory of Chinese cinema. In the early 20th century, Chinese films often depicted women in traditional roles, reflecting the deeply patriarchal society of the time. Silent films like Laborer’s Love (1922) offered glimpses of societal norms, where women were relegated to subservient positions within the family or as symbols of virtue and sacrifice. The revolutionary fervor of the mid-20th century, especially during the Mao era, saw a shift in cinematic narratives. Films like The Red Detachment of Women (1961) highlighted women as active participants in the socialist cause, embodying strength and resilience. However, these portrayals often subordinated individual agency to collective revolutionary ideals, limiting the scope of personal exploration.

The late 1970s and 1980s, following the end of the Cultural Revolution, marked a period of introspection and change. The rise of the Fifth Generation filmmakers, including Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige brought a nuanced approach to storytelling. Films like Raise the Red Lantern (1991) and Farewell My Concubine (1993) explored the intersection of gender, tradition, and societal power structures, offering complex portrayals of women’s struggles within oppressive systems.

In recent decades, Chinese cinema has embraced a broader range of narratives, with independent filmmakers and female directors taking centre stage. These works tackle contemporary issues such as gender inequality, workplace harassment, and societal expectations. Films like Send Me to the Clouds (Song Wo Shang Qingyun) and Angels Wear White (Jia Nian Hua) often produced outside the mainstream studio system, challenge entrenched norms and offer critical reflections on modern Chinese society. This evolution sets the stage for films like Her Story, which delves into women’s lived experiences in contemporary China. Drawing on the historical trajectory of feminist discourse in Chinese cinema, the film situates its narrative within a broader social change context, offering a critique of ongoing inequalities and a vision of empowerment.

Her Story and Feminist Themes

Her Story follows Wang Tiemei, a resilient single mother, and her daughter, Wang Moli, as they navigate life in Shanghai. The film focuses on their personal growth and evolving relationships, particularly with two men: Wang Tiemei's ex-husband and Moli's drum teacher. The narrative explores how societal pressures shape their identities, with a central focus on women’s autonomy, self-awareness, and empowerment.

The film’s promotional poster plays a significant role in emphasizing its feminist themes. Depicting a moment of “awakening” for the female protagonist, the image signifies a departure from the idealization of romantic love as ultimate fulfilment. The phrase “the antidote of love dispersed with the wind” suggests that women can find purpose through independence and self-discovery, rather than submitting to societal expectations. This imagery stands in stark contrast to state-sponsored ideals. For instance, a government poster in Nanjing proclaims, "Life is the continuation of love," depicting a family with three children. This reflects the state's conservative stance on family values, promoting marriage and childbirth to address demographic concerns. The juxtaposition of these narratives underlines the tension between personal autonomy and state-driven societal ideals in China.

The State's Dance with Feminist Cinema

The release of Her Story with minimal censorship is particularly intriguing, given the Chinese Communist Party's (CPC) stringent control over media. Feminist narratives critiquing social structures often risk being labelled as subversive. However, several factors may have facilitated the film's relatively smooth release. 

One is the narrative framing, the film critiques societal issues without overtly challenging state policies. It frames these challenges within personal and social transformation contexts, avoiding direct confrontation with systemic structures. Secondly, the CPC has shown strategic tolerance for content addressing social harmony and family values. In recent years, there has been controlled acknowledgement of issues like domestic violence. The approval of such content may indicate a shift toward addressing gender-based issues without undermining state authority.  Thirdly, at a time of sluggish economic growth and weak ticket sales, attracting female audiences who constitute approximately 54.2% of Chinese moviegoers has become a priority. The commercial success of female-led films, such as YOLO (2024) and Lost in the Stars (2022), has demonstrated the profitability of catering to this demographic. Furthermore, Her Story is being received worldwide as an emblem of the Chinese woman’s experience, a perspective that the CPC might have strategically supported to enhance its global image. By allowing such a film to emerge, the CPC may be attempting to project a more open stance, subtly crafting an image of inclusivity and progressiveness while maintaining control over the narrative.

Initially a low-budget film released in major cities, Her Story exceeded expectations by resonating deeply with audiences. Despite modest beginnings, it became one of the year's highest-grossing films, earning over $77 million and receiving a high rating of 9.1 on Chinese film platforms. A commentary in People’s Daily commended the movie for its depiction of "humorous and absurd" aspects of daily life, praising director Shao Yihui's ability to capture everyday nuances. However, the commentary avoided directly addressing the film’s portrayal of women's issues, such as domestic violence and gender inequality, reflecting the Party’s cautious approach to sensitive social topics.

Digital Activism and Feminist Discourse on Weibo

The rise of young Chinese netizens engaging with feminist themes on social media platforms like Weibo has marked a new era of digital activism in China. With over 580 million monthly active users, Weibo offers a space for young people to engage in discussions that critique traditional gender norms, challenge societal expectations, and address women’s issues. Films like Her Story, which explores female empowerment and the complexities of gender in China, provide fertile ground for these conversations, allowing for the rapid spread of feminist ideas.

One notable example is the discourse surrounding the 2019 film Send Me to the Clouds, which unpacked the stigmas surrounding "leftover women" and the pressures of female ambition. On Weibo, netizens used trending hashtags to critique societal expectations placed on unmarried women over 30, sparking debates that transcended the film itself and delved into broader gender-related issues. This type of digital engagement often leads to viral hashtags that fuel offline discussions and challenge long-standing societal norms about women’s roles in both the family and the workplace. Furthermore, the emergence of fan communities, or “fan circles” (饭圈), has amplified feminist narratives. These communities are not merely spaces for fandom but have become hubs for gender equality discourse. Fans of Her Story often share personal stories, analyses, and critiques of societal expectations, with discussions expanding into areas like workplace harassment, domestic violence, and gender-based violence. 

In the context of increasing censorship, young netizens have also mastered the art of “soft resistance.” Instead of direct defiance, they employ coded language, memes, and satire to critique patriarchal systems while avoiding censorship. For example, during online discussions about Her Story, users created memes that humorously challenged traditional gender roles, highlighting how women were often silenced or ignored in public discourse. These memes in ways not only evaded censorship but also conveyed potent feminist critiques, pushing boundaries in ways that bypassed state-imposed restrictions.

Cinema Fueling Feminist Change in China

The impact of these digital conversations goes beyond online spaces. As feminist discourse flourishes on Weibo, it increasingly spills over into real life. One example of this is the rise of the #MeToo movement in China, which gained traction on social media before influencing real-world activism. Hashtags like #MeToo and #LeftoverWomen gained widespread attention, fueling calls for gender equality in workplaces and legislative reforms. Although the state has been slow to implement systemic change, the online conversations surrounding films like Her Story and movements like #MeToo have put significant pressure on both government and corporate entities to address gender inequality more publicly. For instance, the growing visibility of domestic violence on social media platforms led to public discussions that pushed for stronger legal frameworks and more proactive responses from law enforcement. While legislative changes have been slow, the conversations initiated by young netizens have created a cultural shift, with public opinion increasingly demanding action. The Chinese government amended the Domestic Violence Law, effective January 1, 2023, marking the first update in 15 years. While online discussions were not the sole cause, they played a key role in raising awareness and driving demand for stronger protections for women.

Her Story and similar films act as cultural touchstones for this evolving feminist movement in China. They resonate deeply with young audiences, creating a platform for discussion that crosses the boundary between cinema and activism. The film’s digital reception amplifies its themes and ignites real-world debates about gender, power, and societal expectations, positioning it as a significant catalyst in the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in China. Her Story is no longer simply a film; it is a movement, a cultural moment, and a reminder that stories, when told boldly, can ignite change that echoes far beyond the frames of a camera.