Her Story () is a 2024 Chinese comedy-drama film directed by Shao Yihui, and starring Song Jia, Zhong Chuxi, Zeng Mumei and Zhang Yu. The story revolves around Wang Tiemei, a single mother, and her child who move into a new home and become acquainted with their neighbor, Xiao Ye. The two women, each with contrasting personalities, form a unique bond.
Her Story was released on 22 November 2024. The film received critical acclaim for its screenplay, direction and performances. On Chinese movie review website Douban, it is listed as the highest-rated Chinese-language film of 2024. https://movie.douban.com/annual/2024/
Plot Set in Shanghai, the film follows Wang Tiemei, a single mother raising her daughter, Wang Moli. They move into an old 1900's style building. Riding her segway outside late that night, she meets her neighbor, Xiao Ye, while saving her from a stalker. Despite their differences, they form a close bond, with Xiao Ye inviting her and her daughter to her band's performance.
Wang Tiemei’s past remains a source of struggle, particularly with the interference of her nosy ex-husband. She is a journalist writing about controversial topics (celebrity gossip and women's rights) and thanks to her Moli has good writing skills and consistently scores well on class essays. She suggests Moli learn to play drums after watching the concert.
Xiao Ye provides Wang Tiemei with a different perspective on relationships and self-worth, encouraging her to embrace change. As Wang Moli’s interest in music grows, Xiao Ye gets her bandmate Xiao Ma to teach her to play the drums. All of them have dinner together, with Xiao Ma becoming closer with both Tiemei and her ex-husband.
Since Tiemei is busy with work, Xiao Ye volunteers to babysit Moli, but does not abide by any of the rules set by Tiemei including bedtimes, screen time and diet. Xiao Ye begins a fling relationship with eye doctor Richard Hu. Meanwhile Moli at school is harassed by her classmate, Zhang Jiaxin. Xiao Ye begins to fill more of the responsibilities of a mother by picking Moli up from school and spending more time with her.
After a band practice Tiemei takes the band to dinner where they discuss menstrual cycles. Montages play of Tiemei's workaholic life as her publishing team debates whether or not to post an article about single mothers. Xiao Ma makes noodle dough with Tiemei and serves it at the next dinner where Tiemei's ex and Xiao Ye argue with him and spill things on him. The next day at school, Moli is asked to write about an unforgettable trip but cannot think of any as her mother was too busy working to take her travelling.
Xiao Ma installs a drumset in Tiemei's house as Xiao Ye pretends to be Moli's mom and takes her to Richard's clinic for an eye exam. Learning that she may be shortsighted, she continuously polices Moli and prevents her from using screens or reading books. Xiao Ma and Tiemei begin a sexual relationship. Xiao Ye encourages her to lie on her essay that she went to Paris, sparking an argument between Tiemei and Moli.
Inspired by Tiemei, Xiao Ye quits alcohol. When Richard finds Xiao Ye, Tiemei and Moli together at a museum, he assumes they are a lesbian couple. Jiaxin bullies Moli at school more. Tiemei's article is published but is quickly brigaded with hate comments. Xiao Ye and Tiemei meet Richard at a bar where Tiemei berates Xiao Ye for infidelity and announces they are breaking up. Later Tiemei kicks Xiao Ye out of her house.
The next day, Xiao Ma and Tiemei find Xiao Ye at her house unconscious (having taken sleeping pills). As they are taking Xiao Ye to the hospital she wakes up and falls, breaks her leg, then the two women reconcile. Tiemei is losing sleep reading the hate comments. At school Jiaxin has a change of heart and apologizes to Moli but tries to steal her drumsticks and injures himself in the process.
Moli's drum skills have progressed and she joins the band for a concert. Tiemei redefines her relationship with Xiao Ma. Moli experiences stage fright just before starting, but Tiemei and Xiao Ye encourage her. She plays the song successfully.
At school, Moli writes a new essay about her favorite thing - playing the drums. The film ends with Xiao Ye, Moli and Tiemei holding suitcases running down the train station and Moli quoting one of Tiemei's own articles in a conversation with her Mom.
Cast Song Jia as Wang Tiemei: A clear-minded and independent "all-capable" single mother, she takes care of her child, builds her career, and manages everyday life. She was once an outstanding journalist but later gave up the profession she loved to become the editor-in-chief of a new media company, even taking on live-streaming sales. As an independent woman, Wang Tiemei believes she can excel in everything and strives to embody the traditional ideal of an exceptional woman. Zhong Chuxi as Xiao Ye: The band's lead singer, Xiao Ye, appears carefree on the surface but is deeply lacking in love. She is a hopeless romantic who is willing to give more than she receives in relationships. A bit detached and emotionally unsettled, she tends to be impulsive, highly emotional, and even prone to stress-induced reactions. Zeng Mumei as Wang Moli: A 9-year-old child who wrote "no longer fantasizing" in her essay, Tiemei's daughter, known as "Kid Sister." She may seem mild-mannered, but she has a strong sense of independence. She learns to play the drums but isn't fixated on performing on stage, nor is she interested in the typical "win an award and become an inspirational success story" path. She expresses the raw truth that the adult world has long masked with embellishments and pretense. Zhang Yu as Xiao Ma: Wang Moli's drum teacher engages in a "male rivalry" with Wang Tiemei's ex-husband in pursuit of her. He prides himself on knowing everything about Tiemei’s past reports, but behind his love, there is more than just pure affection. Mark Chao as Wang Tiemei's ex-husband : Wang Tiemei's ex-husband appears humorous, lovable, and optimistic on the surface, but deep down, he is delicate and sensitive. In an attempt to win Tiemei back, he diligently studies Chizuko Ueno's books, yet his words and actions often fail to align. Ren Bin as Xiao Hu: A doctor and the object of Xiao Ye's affection, he is drawn to the thrill of forbidden love. At first, he appears irresistibly charming, but eventually, his selfish nature is revealed. Even when Xiao Ye is tormented by love, he utters cringe-worthy lines like, "Loving me is enough."
Production On 18 March 2024, the film began shooting in Shanghai and on the same day, the concept poster of the film was released.
This film serves as a parallel piece of director Shao Yihui's 2021 directorial debut B for Busy, continuing its focus on themes of "centering women's perspectives and addressing women's struggles" while conveying the idea that "loving the world begins with loving oneself."
When asked by the media about similarities and differences between Her Story and B for Busy, director Shao Yihui explained that the "similarity lies in their lack of intense drama—both are refined from everyday life", and in Her Story "places greater emphasis on showcasing women's unique life experiences, distinct from those of men" and "aim to present how contemporary independent women live, find happiness, and derive a sense of meaning and value." Shao Yihui has emphasized at public appearances that she is not interested in provoking "gender antagonism".
On 25 October, the film released a playful teaser titled "Fun Story" and simultaneously unveiled a relationship poster series titled "So Close". On 29 October, "Her Story" was highlighted in Alibaba Pictures' latest film lineup for 2024. On November 1, a director's cut featurette called "Define by Yourself" was released, followed by the relationship featurette "Fully Matured Love" on November 5. A special video, "Bringing Joy", was released on 11 November, kicking off advance ticket sales and a limited second round of screenings in 64 cities from 16 to 17 November. As the release date approached, the final "Whatever" trailer was released on 18 November, along with the final "Live Your Best Life" poster. The "Pure Joy" special was released on 20 November. The film premiered in Beijing the same month and a promotional roadshow was held in Chengdu on the 19th. New posters were unveiled on 22 November.
Themes
Her Story breaks away from the stereotypes of female film narratives by placing female agency at the center of its storytelling. The film portrays events from the "I" perspective of women, focusing on their points of view, needs, and desires. It presents women not only as participants, but as creators of new rules, moving away from oppressive contexts such as patriarchal family dynamics, domestic violence, the struggles of housewives, sexual assault, employment discrimination, and abuse. The narrative also explores the dynamics of strong women and vulnerable men, showing women taking the lead in shaping their lives and those around them. In addition, the film constructs a system of sexual meaning based on female consent, equality, participation, and pleasure.
Feminism is a tricky subject for Chinese media. However, the director, Shao Yihui is undeterred. “This film is one of the few that closely connects with trending topics among China’s internet-savvy and young audiences. It addresses issues like intimate relationships, menstrual stigma, women’s labor in families and consent in sexual behavior, raising a call to stop playing by their rules,” she said.
“Female audiences have become a quality demographic to which the Chinese film industry is now attempting to cater,” said Zhu Ying, author of Hollywood in China: behind the scenes of the world’s largest movie market. “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.”
In Her Story, the portrayal of single motherhood departs from traditional depictions of struggle and courage. Instead of emphasizing the hardships of parenthood or the struggle against life's challenges, the film shows Wang Tiemei living life on her own terms and engaging in equal dialogue with her child. The narrative suggests that mothers and their children should not be bound by dependency, but should understand and support each other. It highlights that single mothers are not destined for a life of sorrow; they can pursue their own desires and professional ambitions.
The release of Her Story marks a bold and significant step in Chinese cinema in terms of female-centric narratives. It not only showcases the diversity of contemporary women, but also promotes a profound re-evaluation of female roles. The interplay between light-hearted storytelling and profound social issues makes the film stand out in the current cinematic landscape. “The growing attention to female narratives reflects a shifting cultural landscape, with women’s stories and voices becoming increasingly prominent in the Chinese entertainment industry,” Tiger Pictures said.
Set in Shanghai, Her Story reflects the multicultural and inclusive nature of the city. Different cultures and lifestyles coexist harmoniously, with minimal interference in personal choices, unless you go online. Wang Tiemei, a 'Shanghai drifter', chooses to make the city her home despite a broken marriage. Her career as an investigative journalist faces many challenges, but she manages to find her place and seek new opportunities for growth.