Festivals: We Girls (2025) by Xiaogang Feng: A Gritty Anthem of Female Resilience
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Summary of the Movie: Sunflowers Blooming Behind Iron Bars
In a stark prison environment, an unlikely bond forms between "White Fox," a cunning prisoner, and "Black Girl," a deaf-mute inmate, under the watchful eye of a dedicated guard. The film tracks their arduous journey toward social reintegration as they navigate the predatory underworld of post-prison life, leaning on each other to survive the "chains of fate."
Movie Plot: An inmate who understands sign language is tasked with supervising a deaf-mute prisoner, leading to a deep sisterhood that continues after their release.
Movie Trend: The film joins the burgeoning "Female Power" movement in Asian cinema, focusing on marginalized women who reclaim agency through mutual support.
Social Trend: It addresses the systemic difficulties faced by former convicts and the disabled in China, highlighting the lack of a social safety net.
Director’s Authorship: Xiaogang Feng pivots from his usual grand spectacles to a more intimate, realistic portrayal of the "lower strata" of society.
Awards and Recognition: The film has garnered 3 nominations early in its 2025 run, largely for its lead performances and sensitive direction.
Casting as Statement: Liying Zhao’s transition to "White Fox" marks a definitive shift from her idol roots to a serious, gritty character actress.
Release Date (Theatrical and Streaming): Premiered in Chinese theaters on April 4, 2025, quickly becoming a major talking point in the spring season.
Where to Watch (Streaming): Distributed primarily via iQIYI Pictures, available on their global streaming platforms.
Where to watch: https://cinando.com/en/Film/we_girls_523127/Detail#informations
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33014921/
Insights: Resilience as the New Cool
The film marks a transition from "tragic victimhood" to "anti-internal consumption," where protagonists prioritize self-preservation and tangible justice over societal approval. This reflects a significant psychological shift in modern audiences who are fatigued by passive suffering and crave proactive resilience.
Industry Insight: Domestic Realism Outperforms Fantasy. Chinese audiences are increasingly favoring raw, realistic dramas over high-budget fantasy, seeking stories that mirror their own economic anxieties.Consumer Insights: Sisterhood Over Romance. There is a growing rejection of traditional romantic subplots in favor of deep, platonic female alliances that offer practical survival.Insights for Brands: Authenticity Trumps Perfection. Marketing that highlights the "scars" and struggles of real life is more effective than aspirational, polished imagery in the current social climate.
The movie functions as a powerful metaphor for the sunflower—always turning toward the light despite being rooted in the dirt. It concludes that while life for the marginalized is a constant battle, hope is a weapon that can be wielded through community.
Why it is Trending: The Rise of the "Anti-Tragedy" Heroine
Unlike previous prison dramas that lean into melodrama, We Girls has gone viral for its "cool film" approach to injustice. Audiences are reacting to Gao Yuexiang’s (White Fox) refusal to be a victim, demanding compensation rather than shedding tears.
Rejection of "Internal Consumption": The film taps into the fatigue regarding "involution," showing characters who fight the system rather than blaming themselves.
Liying Zhao’s Transformation: Viral clips of Zhao’s bloodshot eyes and gritty performance have dominated social media platforms like Douyin and Weibo.
Marginalized Representation: The inclusion of a deaf-mute protagonist provides a rare, non-tokenized look at disability and sign language in mainstream media.
The "Sunflower" Metaphor: The title’s Chinese meaning (Sunflower) has become a symbol for positivity and "tenacity" among younger viewers facing life's hardships.
Insights: Vocalizing Injustice
The trend centers on the courageous act of vocalizing emotions and demanding space in a world that often silences the "unsuccessful." It suggests that vocalizing pain is the first step toward reclaiming power from a dismissive society.
Industry Insight: Social-Media-Ready Intensity. Films that provide "meme-able" or high-intensity emotional peaks are dominating the box office through viral organic marketing.Consumer Insights: Seeking "Cool" Justice. Viewers are looking for catharsis through characters who bypass bureaucracy to settle debts with their own hands.Insights for Brands: Support Vocal Advocacy. Brands that empower their consumers to "speak up" or take control of their narrative are seeing higher engagement.
The film's success is rooted in its timing, arriving as a generation of viewers looks for a "spirit of resistance" in their entertainment. It transforms the prison drama into a manifesto for the modern survivor.
Why to Watch This Movie: A Masterclass in Human Tenacity
Viewers should experience We Girls for its realistic portrayal of the "bottom layer" of society and its refusal to bow down to traditional narrative tropes. It offers a gripping, fast-paced rhythm that keeps the audience emotionally invested without being manipulative.
Gritty Underworld Realism: The film provides an unflinching look at the challenges faced by women trying to find honest work after incarceration.
Sign Language Narrative: The interaction between White Fox and Black Girl creates a unique visual language that heightens the film's emotional intimacy.
Strong Female Ensemble: The supporting cast, including Ni Chuai as the prison guard, provides a multifaceted look at female roles in the justice system.
Delicate Cinematography: The director uses close-ups to authentically portray the "joys, sorrows, and anger" of everyday people.
Insights: The Power of Mutual Redemption
The film demonstrates that the strongest form of redemption isn't institutional, but personal. By saving each other, the characters find a path forward that the prison system itself could never provide.
Industry Insight: Niche Perspectives as Mainstream Hooks. Stories focused on specific subcultures (the deaf community, ex-convicts) are providing the "newness" that audiences demand.Consumer Insights: Emotional Intelligence in Media. Modern viewers value films that explore human nature and "cultural connotations" over pure sensory entertainment.Insights for Brands: Fostering Community Connection. Brands that facilitate "mutual support" among their users are tapping into the strongest current consumer desire.
This is a rare masterpiece that combines a tight rhythm with a deep soul. It is essential viewing for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of Asian social thrillers.
What Trend is Followed: The New Era of Female Solidarity
We Girls follows the 2025 shift toward "Female Power" stories that prioritize collective strength over individual competition. It moves away from the "rivalry" tropes and into a space of "pure and powerful sisterhood."
The Redemption Cycle: The trend of characters redeeming one another through shared trauma and mutual aid.
Social Strata Exploration: Focusing on the "lower strata" to critique broader societal indifference toward marginalized groups.
Anti-Melodrama: A move toward "sharp and realistic" portrayals rather than romanticized or overly tragic depictions of poverty.
Action-Drama Fusion: Blending intense character studies with "gritty underworld" action elements to maintain pacing.
Insights: Strength in the Shadows
The trend highlights that women united during difficult times possess an extraordinary, almost "underground" strength. It suggests that the most resilient social structures are often found in the places society chooses to ignore.
Industry Insight: Shift to Urban Realism. Chinese cinema is moving away from rural nostalgia toward the harsh, industrial reality of modern city life for the poor.Consumer Insights: Tenacity as an Aesthetic. Consumers are gravitating toward an "unpolished" look that prioritizes character depth over visual perfection.Insights for Brands: Value the Resilience of the Marginalized. Messaging that focuses on the "grit" of the struggle rather than the "glory" of the end result is hitting home.
The film aligns with a global movement toward "inclusive grit." It proves that the most compelling stories of 2025 are those that find light in the darkest corners.
Director's Vision: Xiaogang Feng’s Delicate Observation
Xiaogang Feng’s vision for We Girls was to capture the tenacity of life without the "sense of delay" common in arthouse dramas. He intended to show that positivity can overcome even the most predatory circumstances.
Clever Plot Design: The director used a "tight rhythm" to ensure the social commentary never felt stagnant or preachy.
Visual Authenticity: He employed a "delicate" cinematic approach to capture the physical toll of prison and survival.
Symbolism of the Sunflower: Feng used the titular flower as a motif for characters who "refuse to bow down" to their environment.
Empowerment Through Sign Language: His choice to make sign language central was intended to bridge the gap between "hearing" audiences and the marginalized.
Insights: The Heart of the Everyday
Feng’s vision centers on the joys and sorrows of the "ordinary person," elevating the inmate to the status of a hero. This humanistic approach bridges the gap between high-art and populist entertainment.
Industry Insight: Veteran Directors Pivot to "Small" Stories. Renowned directors are finding new critical life by tackling intimate social dramas rather than massive blockbusters.Consumer Insights: Connection Over Spectacle. There is a deep appreciation for directors who " authentically portray the lives of everyday people."Insights for Brands: Empathy-Led Storytelling. Brands should focus on the "delicate observations" of their customers' lives rather than grand, sweeping claims.
The director successfully creates a "ray of light in the darkness." His vision proves that a smile can be a radical act of defiance.
Key Success Factors: Performance Layering and Pacing
The film’s success is attributed to its high production quality and the "layered" performance of its lead, which prevented it from becoming a typical tragic drama.
Performance Depth: Liying Zhao’s "body language and bloodshot eyes" provided a visceral connection that transcended dialogue.
Engaging Rhythm: The film avoids the "delay" often found in 2h+ dramas, maintaining a "tight rhythm" throughout.
Cultural Connotations: The story weaves in themes of confronting injustice that resonate deeply with modern social anxieties.
Production Authenticity: iQIYI’s investment in realism ensured the prison and underworld settings felt "unpredictable and gritty."
Insights: The Anatomy of a "Cool" Film
The "cool" factor comes from the characters' willingness to use "fists to break the chains of fate." Success in 2025 is measured by how well a film provides a sense of empowerment to its audience.
Industry Insight: Layered Character Development. Audiences now demand that their "stars" take on roles that are physically and emotionally grueling.Consumer Insights: Efficiency in Narrative. Viewers are rewarding films that "keep the audience engaged" without unnecessary filler or subplots.Insights for Brands: Deliver Direct Value. Consumers are looking for brands that tackle challenges "head-on" rather than offering vague solutions.
We Girls succeeded by being "absurdly real" yet emotionally uplifting. It balanced the darkness of its setting with the brightness of its message.
Awards and Nominations: Recognition for "Sunflower" Resilience
While early in its cycle, the film has already gained recognition for its cultural impact and its portrayal of "Female Power."
3 Nominations Early On: Focused on Best Actress and Best Screenplay for its "layered" narrative.
Critical Acclaim for Realism: Reviewers have hailed it as a "rare masterpiece" in the female-themed genre.
Cultural Connotation Praise: Noted for its "visual and emotional impact" beyond mere entertainment.
Insights: The Prestige of the Marginalized
Recognition for films like We Girls indicates a shift in what is considered "award-worthy" in 2025. The focus is now on the "impactful storytelling" of the lower social strata.
Industry Insight: Diverse Narratives as Award Gold. Festivals are increasingly prioritizing films that provide "valuable insight into individuals at the lower strata."Consumer Insights: Desire for Significant Messages. Audiences are looking for films that "deserve an impressive score" based on their emotional weight.Insights for Brands: Prestige through Social Awareness. Brands can gain cultural "nominations" by associating with causes that support societal renewal.
The nominations serve as a validation of the film's "heartfelt execution." They ensure the movie a long life on streaming platforms as a "must-watch" cultural touchstone.
Critics Reception: Praise for "Anti-Internal Consumption"
Critics have been pleasantly surprised by the film's quality, noting that it avoids self-pity in favor of gritty resilience. Major reviewers have highlighted the "powerful dynamic" of the cast.
"Anti-Tragedy" Appraisal: Critics noted it was far from a "display of tears," demanding compensation instead of sympathy.
Realistic Portrayal: Praised for its "sharp and realistic portrayal" of marginalized struggles.
Heartfelt Execution: Reviewers felt "touched" by the spirit of women supporting one another.
Masterpiece Status: Some critics have labeled it a "rare masterpiece" for its structure and emotional resonance.
Insights: The Value of the "Unbowed"
The critical consensus is that the film's value lies in its "unique perspective on resilience." It challenges the audience to find hope even when the circumstances are "ensnared by the pressures of life."
Industry Insight: Critical Support for Social Commentary. Critics are acting as the primary cheerleaders for films that tackle difficult social truths.Consumer Insights: Fostering Understanding. Viewers appreciate films that "foster connection and understanding" among diverse groups.Insights for Brands: Resilience Messaging. Brands should mirror the "unbowed" nature of these characters to build trust with their audience.
The critics have positioned We Girls as a film that "resonates on multiple levels." It is seen as a necessary evolution of the prison drama.
Release Strategy: iQIYI’s Global "Sunflower" Rollout
The release strategy focused on a wide theatrical window in China followed by a rapid global streaming rollout, leveraging the star power of Liying Zhao.
Wide Chinese Release: Launched on April 4, 2025, to capture the spring movie-going audience.
Global Streaming Push: Used iQIYI’s platform to reach the international diaspora and arthouse fans.
Theatrical-to-Digital Pacing: Maintained buzz through "Official Trailers" and "Related News" before its digital transition.
iQIYI Pictures Distribution: Leveraged the production company's vast resources to ensure "visual and emotional impact" in marketing.
Insights: The Digital Diaspora
The release highlights the power of streaming to bring "niche" cultural stories to a global stage. In 2025, the "local" is truly the "global."
Industry Insight: Platform-First Distribution. Major streaming platforms are becoming the primary gatekeepers for high-quality social dramas.Consumer Insights: Instant Access to Global Stories. Audiences are becoming accustomed to "Related Interests" leading them to diverse international content.Insights for Brands: Global Reach, Local Depth. Brands must use global platforms to tell deeply local, authentic stories to build a worldwide following.
The release strategy has allowed We Girls to maintain a high IMDb rating while reaching a diverse audience. It successfully turned a regional story into a worldwide conversation.
Global Premiere: A Gradual Theatrical Rollout
The film follows a phased release strategy, starting from its home market in China and expanding into English-speaking territories. While it has established a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region, its Western theatrical footprint remains limited to specialized screenings.
China Premiere: The film officially opened nationwide in China on April 4, 2025.
Australia & NZ: Australia saw a limited release starting April 17, 2025 (via HOYTS Cinemas), followed by New Zealand on April 24, 2025.
United Kingdom: The film received a theatrical certification (BBFC) for release on April 30, 2025, through Lean In Media Limited.
North America: As of late 2025, there has been no wide theatrical release in the US or Canada; screenings have been confined to film festivals and limited cultural exhibitions.
Box Office Performance: Its global total reached approximately ¥230 million (US$29 million) by late December 2025, primarily driven by the domestic Chinese market.
Streaming Availability: While iQIYI Pictures is a primary production partner, the film is not yet available for wide global streaming.
Insights: Navigating Selective Distribution The distribution strategy highlights a shift toward "Targeted Theatrical Windows," where international releases are timed to coincide with specific holidays or regional demand rather than a single global date. This approach allows smaller, character-driven dramas to find their niche without being buried by Hollywood blockbusters.
Industry Insight: The "Festival-to-Digital" Pipeline. International films like We Girls are increasingly using prestige film festivals to build buzz before transitioning to a permanent home on niche streaming platforms. Consumer Insights: Patience for Subtitled Content. International fans of Zhao Liying are showing high levels of "content patience," actively tracking release certs (like BBFC) to predict when high-quality versions will hit local markets. Insights for Brands: Localized Event Marketing. Brands can leverage the "limited window" nature of these releases by hosting exclusive community viewing events that celebrate the specific cultural relevance of the film.
The rollout of We Girls proves that even with a high-profile director like Feng Xiaogang, social dramas often rely on a slow-burn strategy to reach global audiences. It concludes that digital access will likely be the primary way for Western viewers to see the film by early 2026.
Streaming Status: Where to Watch Online
As we approach the end of 2025, the digital landscape for We Girls is still evolving. While the film has finished its primary theatrical runs, its streaming home is being finalized for international territories.
iQIYI (Selected Regions): As a co-producer, iQIYI is expected to be the first platform to host the film, likely with Mandarin audio and multiple subtitle options.
JustWatch Status: Currently listed as "Not available for streaming" in many Western regions; users are encouraged to set alerts for updates.
Subscription Models: Industry analysts expect it to be a "VIP" or "Premium" rental title initially before joining standard libraries.
Global VOD: Platforms like Amazon Prime or Google Play typically pick up independent Chinese dramas 6–9 months after their theatrical debut, suggesting a Q1 2026 window for North America.
Summary of Trends: The Sunflower Resilience
The film reflects a 2025 shift where marginalized narratives are reclaimed through "anti-internal consumption" and aggressive resilience.
Category | Trend Name | Description | Implication |
Movie Trend | Anti-Internal Consumption | Characters who refuse to be victims and fight back against fate. | Move away from tragic melodrama toward "cool" gritty realism. |
Social Trend | Female Power Networking | Women in low strata supporting each other through systemic challenges. | A move from competition toward survivalist sisterhood. |
Consumer Trend | Vocalizing Injustice | A desire for media where feelings are expressed openly rather than suppressed. | Higher demand for vocal, proactive protagonists. |
Insights: The Resilience Quotient
The overarching trend is the rise of the "Tenacious Ordinary." In 2025, the most compelling heroes are those who survive the "unpredictable twists and turns" of life with a fist and a smile.
Industry Insight: Social Underworld as Heroic Space. The underworld is being reimagined as a place where "fists break the chains of fate."Consumer Insights: Hope over Hardship. Consumers are looking for the "ray of light" in the darkness, valuing "everlasting hope" over pure cynicism.Insights for Brands: Be the Support System. Brands that act as the "helping hand without hesitation" will find the most loyal following.
The trends summarized in We Girls suggest a society that is finding its strength in the very groups it once tried to silence. The film serves as a blueprint for survival in an age of hardship.
Final Verdict: A Radiant and Gritty Success
We Girls is a beautifully structured masterpiece that captures the powerful dynamic of women supporting one another. While it explores the darkness of incarceration, its heart remains focused on the light.
Rich Performances: Liying Zhao delivers a career-defining role that is both rich and layered.
Impactful Narrative: The story conveys a message that truly resonates on multiple levels of social justice.
Masterful Pacing: The film keeps the audience engaged without any sense of delay or filler.
Emotional Honesty: It fosters connection by illustrating the importance of expressing feelings openly.
Insights: The Value of the Vocal
The film concludes that positivity and happiness have the power to overcome any hardship. It leaves the audience with the message that "life is tough, but hope is everlasting."
Industry Insight: Tapping into the "Spirit of We". Successful 2025 films are moving away from the "lone hero" and toward the "collective we."Consumer Insights: Authenticity over Sympathy. Viewers don't want to pity characters; they want to respect their tenacity.Insights for Brands: Building Everlasting Hope. Brands that provide the tools for renewal and pursuit of a hopeful outlook are the winners of the modern market.
We Girls is a rare masterpiece that deserves its high rating. It is a film that transforms the struggle for survival into a beautiful, sun-drenched act of defiance.
Trends 2026: The Rise of "Resilience 2.0": A Proactive Social Response
The film exemplifies the dominant cinematic themes of 2025, where resilience is the primary aesthetic and mutual aid is the primary plot driver.
Key Pillar 1: Anti-Tragedy Realism. A decisive shift away from "evoking sympathy" toward portraying characters who "bravely confront difficult circumstances."
Key Pillar 2: Disability as Narrative Engine. Using non-verbal communication (sign language) as a "unique perspective" on human connection.
Key Pillar 3: Post-Incarceration Rebirth. A focus on the "struggle for survival after being released" as the new frontier of the crime genre.
Key Pillar 4: The Coolness of Confrontation. Vocalizing feelings and tackling challenges head-on as a new form of cinematic "cool."
Insights: The New Narrative Logic
In 2025, the "coolest" films are those that showcase "fists breaking the chains of fate." This logic rewards action that is driven by a deep sense of social injustice.
Industry Insight: Realistic Portrayal of Marginalization. Authenticity in portraying marginalized groups is now the baseline for critical success.Consumer Insights: Mutual Aid as Content. There is a booming market for content that depicts "sisterhood flourishing even in the face of adversity."Insights for Brands: Empowerment Marketing. Brands must shift from "helping" their customers to "empowering" them to tackle their own challenges.
Implication for Entertainment Industry
The industry must adapt to a world where "hope" is not a cliché, but a hard-won tactical advantage.
Implication 1: Diversity will be measured by "unique highlights" within characters rather than quota-based casting.
Implication 2: Emotional impact will be driven by "confronting injustice" rather than manufactured melodrama.
Implication 3: Pacing will become faster and more aggressive to match the "no delay" preference of younger viewers.
Implication 4: Cinematic "sisterhood" will replace romantic love as the primary emotional anchor for female audiences.
The future of film belongs to those who "refuse to bow down."