What’s Wrong With China’s Latest Feminist Film?
China’s most talked-about summer films, a chapter of Hong Kong’s popular culture closed with the passing of writer Chua Lam, how a rural fashion show captured global attention, and more
Hello TWOC readers!
With July underway, China’s film market has entered one of its fiercest battlegrounds—the summer season. While last year’s performance was underwhelming, there were still a few standouts, like Successor, which grossed over 3 billion yuan. This year, though, we’re still waiting for that one big breakout hit. Some of the most anticipated domestic productions, such as the star-studded She’s Got No Name, have flopped both critically and commercially, drawing criticism as a “fake feminist film.”
Imported films, on the other hand, have had a stronger showing this summer, bringing a wider variety to the screen. We’ve seen everything from classic Hollywood blockbusters like F1: The Movie, Ballerina, and Jurassic World: Rebirth, to live-action remakes of fan favorites like How to Train Your Dragon and Lilo & Stitch. On top of that, there’s been a nostalgic wave with re-releases of iconic Japanese anime films, including Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Art World Tales and Crayon Shin Chan: The Adult Empire Strikes Back.
TWOC has rounded up a few of the most talked-about films that have caught our eye. Read on to find out.
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Currently in Theaters: Four New Summer Films to Catch
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The Last Talent: Chua Lam’s Passing Closes a Chapter in Hong Kong Culture
On June 25, 2025, renowned writer and food connoisseur Chua Lam (also known as Cai Lan) passed away in Hong Kong at the age of 83. To many, his death marked the end of an era, as he was the last surviving member of the “Four Talents of Hong Kong,” alongside his close friends Jin Yong, Huang Zhan, and Ni Kuang. TWOC has put together a quick snapshot of their life stories, so you can decide for yourself what to make of this “end of an era.” Read more
A Village Fashion Show Brings Ethnic Clothing into the Spotlight
Known as the “Village Runway Show (村T),” a weekly event in a remote village in Guizhou has gone viral, drawing tourists from across the country, and attention from around the fashion world. Read more
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Over 1,800 years ago, the Battle of Red Cliffs was fought, paving the way for the Three Kingdoms stalemate. It has been closely studied by historians and military strategists for centuries as a classic example of the weak defeating the strong, and has also inspired countless poems and literary works. Learn idioms of eloquence, trickery, and deceit, all inspired by this classic battle.
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