Director shares behind-the-scenes stories of hot film Her Story

Director and screenwriter Shao Yihui Monday shared experiences behind the scenes and sincerely appreciated the audience's encouragement and recognition for Her Story, the new Chinese comedy film which earned rave reviews by telling authentic stories from a largely female perspective.

Her Story unfolds around the life and growth of the fiercely independent single mom Wang Tiemei and her new neighbor Xiao Ye, the "romantic fool". They are completely different in personality yet accompany each other through various relationship challenges. The movie breaks away from the conventional romance or self-help narration and stands out from the rest of the genre by bringing out exquisite, multidimensional portrayal of women via sharp, humorous lines.

Its broad and thrilling resonance partly attributes to location shooting. Shao made big efforts in finding and negotiating for perfect real-life sites.

"I think the architectural style of Shanghai decides the unique lifestyle there. Like many modern tenants in those old villas, they share some activity space and have close ties with their neighbors," Shao said.

Shao devoted the same strictness and responsibility to the casting process. Wang Tiemei is designed to be a warm, positive and chill single mom. And Chinese actress Song Jia popped up into her mind when she was still writing the script.

"She's a perfect match. She is refreshing and elegant in daily life. Although she later told me that she was a bit worried during acting because she was used to portraying roles that are quite different from her own. When the role is very similar to herself, she felt unsure," said Shao.

And she chose Chinese actress Elaine Zhong Chuxi to be the moon-struck but rational Xiao Ye because she saw their similarities.

"I did not know her very well at the beginning. Her past TV shows gave me an independent and mature impression. And she has a bright and beautiful face. But after chatting with her, I found that she's kind and delicate, considerate to the mood of others, bearing some resemblance to Xiao Ye. So I hope to dig out and display that part of her, in contrast to her past," Shao said.

So far, Her Story is rated at 9.1 out of 10 points on Douban, China's leading film-rating platform. Over 140,000 audience have commented on the movie.

While some have compared Her Story to a Chinese counterpart to Barbie, a 2023 global hit from Warner Bros., for its whimsical yet incisive tone, many argue that it presents a distinctly Chinese perspective on gender issues.

Shao remains modest about her great success.

"I know there is still room for improvement, but the audience have been tolerant to us. I think it's because my movie delivers something different from others, showing some novelty, so people like it. That makes up for our shortcomings. I think there's also good luck in the movie's success," Shao said.

Her Story is set to hit the big screens in the United States, Australia, New Zealand and other countries and regions on Wednesday.

Director shares behind-the-scenes stories of hot film Her Story

Taiwan's representatives emphasized the need to enhance cross-Strait integration during a group meeting at the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing on Sunday.

The "two sessions" are the annual meetings of China's supreme organ of state power, the NPC, and its top political advisory body, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Both bodies serve five-year terms and hold a plenary session each year.

The fourth session of the 14th NPC and the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC kicked off in Beijing on March 5 and March 4, respectively.

Despite Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities' attempts to stir up tension and create confrontation, cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation have navigated those obstacles and made significant progress, said the representatives.

"In the past year, personnel exchanges across the Strait exceeded 5 million, reaching a new high in nearly six years. The facts demonstrate that people on both sides of the Strait are one family, and no one can sever the bonds that unite family members," said Yan Ke, an NPC deputy from Taiwan.

"I believe that the national identity of the Taiwanese compatriots is rooted in the shared history and culture of both sides of the Taiwan Strait, deeply connected by kinship and blood ties. This is something that no amount of political manipulation can break," said Zhou Qi, another NPC deputy from Taiwan.

The representatives also highlighted the cultural identity Taiwanese youths share with the mainland, encouraging them to pursue their life goals on the mainland.

"Despite the long-term influence of misguided historical education and 'de-Sinicization' attempts in Taiwan, many Taiwanese youth still long to visit their ancestral homeland on the mainland. This represents a return to kinship and an awakening of cultural identit," said Zeng Liqun, an NPC deputy from Taiwan.

"As long as you have talent, capability and an understanding of your strengths, you will achieve your lifelong dreams during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030)," said Chen Yunying, another NPC deputy from Taiwan.

NPC deputies from Taiwan advocate for strengthening cross-Strait integration