We Girls (2025 film)
| We Girls | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Simplified Chinese | 向阳·花 |
| Literal meaning | Sunny Flowers |
| Hanyu Pinyin | Xiàngyáng·huā |
| Directed by | Feng Xiaogang |
| Written by |
|
| Produced by | Zuo Yi |
| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Florian Zinke |
| Edited by | Fan Zhaoshuo |
| Music by | Wang Qianting |
Production companies |
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Release date |
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Running time | 124 minutes |
| Country | China |
| Language | Mandarin |
| Box office | US$28.9 million[1] |
We Girls (Chinese: 向阳·花) is a 2025 Chinese crime drama film directed by Feng Xiaogang.[2] It stars Zhao Liying, Lan Xiya, Chuai Ni, Naomi Wang, and Cheng Xiao as a group of female prisoners who rebuild their lives after reentering society. The film was theatrically released on April 4, 2025.[3]
Synopsis
In order to buy a ¥200,000 cochlear implant for her daughter, Gao Yuexiang takes a desperate risk and ends up being sentenced to prison. Through this experience, she meets Heimei, Deng Hong, Hu Ping, and Guo Aimei. Though each of them has a different personality, they all share a defiant attitude toward life, refusing to give in or accept fate. Together, they face life's challenges, support one another through adversity, and strive to live with hope and resilience.
Cast
- Zhao Liying as Gao Yuexiang
- Lan Xiya as Heimei
- Chuai Ni as Deng Hong
- Naomi Wang as Hu Ping
- Cheng Xiao as Guo Aimei
Production
On July 22, 2024, the production side released a concept poster, announcing that the film is directed by Feng Xiaogang and stars Zhao Liying in the lead role, and that filming is currently underway.[4] We Girls was shot on location across various parts of Hunan, including Changsha, Zhuzhou, and Liuyang.[5]
Release
On March 3, 2025, a release date poster was unveiled, announcing that the film will be released on April 4.[6]
Reception
Box office
The film's total box office exceeded ¥100 million on April 9, 2025, six days after its release, making it the first domestic film to reach the milestone since the Chinese New Year period.[7] As of July 9, 2025, the film had earned a cumulative global box office total of ¥230 million.[2]
Critical response
We Girls received positive reviews for its depiction of female ex-prisoners struggling with stigma and survival in modern China. Critics highlighted the chemistry between Zhao Liying and Lan Xiya, as well as the film's blend of gritty realism and emotional storytelling, despite some implausible plot points.[8]
References
- ^ "We Girls (向阳·花) (2025)". The Numbers. Nash Information Services, LLC. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
- ^ a b "向阳·花". Maoyan. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
- ^ "冯小刚电影《向阳·花》定档4月4日：赵丽颖领衔主演". Sina. March 3, 2025. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
- ^ "正在拍摄！赵丽颖领衔主演冯小刚新片《向阳·花》：概念海报出炉". Sina. July 22, 2024. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
- ^ "赵丽颖新片《向阳·花》票房破亿，株洲取景地曝光！". Sohu. April 11, 2025. Retrieved June 8, 2025.
- ^ "电影《向阳花》定档4月4日". NetEase. March 3, 2025. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
- ^ "赵丽颖主演《向阳·花》上映第6天累计票房破亿 成为2025年春节档后首部票房破亿的国产片". Sohu. April 9, 2025. Retrieved June 8, 2025.
- ^ "'We Girls' review: Feng Xiaogang and Zhao Liying unite for teary ex-con drama". Screen International. April 7, 2025. Retrieved June 9, 2025.