We begin our story in 1914 on one of China’s picturesque hillsides. Here we meet little Zhou Lianxia (sometimes called Ziyi) as she tromps through the dirt in boys' clothes. Her stepmother chastises her for behaving so brusquely for a girl and tries to have her feet bound as punishment. Her father, however, stops the process before it can begin, unable to hurt her. As Zhou Lianxia ages, she shows great skill in poetry and painting, and her father feeds her desire for knowledge. It’s difficult for Lianxia to break out as a female painter in the deeply patriarchal society of Republican China, but with her father’s help and a little perseverance, she is soon the talk of the town. By the late 1930s, she is a known commodity, married, and with a child on the way. Japan invades China, changing her life as the war eventually gives way to the Cultural Revolution. In the aftermath of the Communist takeover of China, Taiwan closes its borders, separating Lianxia from her husband. Through each era, Zhou Lianxia does her best to advance the role of women in the arts.
It’s hard to figure out exactly who the audience for this film is. As someone with an Asian studies minor and an interest in Chinese history and culture, I was overjoyed to watch many moments, such as little Ziyi reciting Li Bai, and the costuming was spectacular from a period standpoint. However, a lot of these elements only come up once and never again, leading to frequent disappointment as the melodrama takes over. There is a lot here that I would think would appeal to younger girls, but events like attempted rape and torture place this well into the more adult category, causing some clashing tones. I’d describe the general acting and story as Lifetime Channel standard, and this won’t appeal to those looking for a serious biopic or historical drama. The film strives for historical accuracy in its costuming and set dressing, but there are some anachronistic moments and thoughts alongside a shaky-at-best timeline: we often get no hints as to whether scenes are happening five minutes apart or five years apart. This presents us with a real mixed bag of characteristics, but at the very least, it is an earnest attempt at a romantic film with a strong connection to history. That will mean something for some viewers. Strong Optional Purchase.
How could this Chinese historical drama be used in the classroom?
The film could serve as supplemental viewing for courses exploring Chinese history, art history, women’s studies, or Asian studies, particularly when discussing the changing roles of women artists in Republican China and the upheavals of the twentieth century. Its depictions of practices such as foot binding, references to Chinese poetry, period costuming, and Lianxia’s experiences as a female artist provide several potential starting points for discussion. However, educators will likely want to provide additional historical context, particularly given the film’s sometimes unclear timeline and melodramatic treatment of historical events.
Who is the best audience for this film about Zhou Lianxia?
Viewers already interested in Chinese history, women artists, and period dramas are likely to get the most out of the film. Its attention to clothing, art, poetry, and Lianxia’s efforts to establish herself within a male-dominated artistic world gives it some appeal for academic and culturally focused audiences, although its melodramatic approach may disappoint viewers expecting a more rigorous biographical drama. Because the story also includes attempted sexual violence and torture, it is better suited to older teens and adults despite some elements that might otherwise appeal to younger viewers.
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