China’s answer to ‘Barbie’ becomes latest smash hit. But some men are not amused | CNN

CNN - Dec 23rd, 2024
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China's latest box-office sensation, 'Her Story,' directed by Shao Yihui, has stirred significant discussion across Chinese social media for its bold exploration of feminist themes. The comedy, likened to 'Barbie' for its celebration of 'awakened' womanhood, follows the lives of three women in Shanghai and has grossed over 680 million yuan since its release. While it has been embraced by many female viewers for its humorous critique of gender norms, some men have criticized it, accusing it of provoking 'gender antagonism.' This reaction echoes the broader societal tensions regarding feminism in China, where authorities have historically suppressed feminist activism.

The film's success and the subsequent backlash highlight the ongoing cultural and political challenges faced by feminist movements in China. Despite a restrictive environment, where feminist expressions are often censored, 'Her Story' manages to address issues like women's empowerment, LGBTQ representation, and social commentary on modern China. The divide in reception, particularly among male audiences, underscores a significant gender perception gap and reflects the broader societal struggle over gender equality and feminist discourse in the country.

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RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed and engaging overview of the Chinese film 'Her Story,' focusing on its cultural impact and the social conversations it has sparked. It highlights the film's reception among various demographics and touches on broader socio-political themes within China. However, while the article is rich in narrative detail and diverse perspectives, it could benefit from more rigorous sourcing and transparency about the sources of its information and the background of those quoted. The clarity of the article is strong, with a well-organized structure and a neutral tone, although the language occasionally leans towards the emotive, which might influence reader interpretation.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article accurately reports on the success of 'Her Story,' citing specific figures such as the movie's earnings and its ratings on platforms like Douban. It references social media reactions and cultural critiques tied to gender norms, aligning with known issues in China. However, it could improve by providing external verification for claims about the film’s impact and the extent of its reception. For instance, while the article mentions the film's box office success and its social media buzz, it does not cite external sources or studies to support the broader claims about feminist movements and governmental responses in China. The lack of direct quotes from official sources or experts on Chinese cinema or gender studies makes some claims harder to verify.

8
Balance

The article attempts to balance different perspectives on 'Her Story,' highlighting both the film's positive reception among women and the backlash from some male viewers. It explores how the film resonates with female audiences as a narrative of empowerment while also acknowledging criticisms from men, particularly on platforms like Hupu. This duality is well-expressed through anecdotes and social media reactions. However, the article could further enhance balance by delving deeper into the motivations and arguments of critics, especially from those who view the film negatively. Providing more detailed accounts or interviews with dissenting voices would offer a fuller picture of the controversy and allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the social dynamics at play.

9
Clarity

The article is well-written, with a clear structure that logically progresses from the film's impact to broader societal reactions. It uses vivid language and specific examples to illustrate points, such as scenes from the movie and reactions from various demographics. The narrative is engaging and accessible, making complex social issues understandable to a broad audience. While the tone is mostly neutral, some language choices (e.g., 'unabashed celebration of “awakened” womanhood') could be perceived as slightly emotive, potentially swaying reader interpretation. Overall, the clarity of the article is a strong point, facilitating easy comprehension and engagement with the topic.

6
Source quality

The article references popular platforms like Douban and Xiaohongshu for audience reactions, which are credible for gauging public sentiment. However, it lacks references to authoritative sources or expert opinions, which would lend more credibility to its analysis of the film's cultural significance and feminist themes. The inclusion of insights from film critics or cultural analysts could enhance the depth and reliability of the article. Additionally, while it mentions comments from social media users and individuals, more detailed attribution (e.g., specifying their expertise or background) is needed to assess the reliability of these perspectives.

5
Transparency

The article provides a narrative that is engaging but falls short in terms of transparency. It quotes various individuals without providing full context or background on these sources, such as their relevance or expertise in discussing feminist themes in Chinese cinema. The article does not disclose any affiliations or potential biases of the quoted individuals, which could affect the impartiality of their statements. Furthermore, it lacks a detailed explanation of the methodologies or criteria used to interpret the film's social impact, making it difficult for readers to assess the validity of its assertions.