Ma Li: From comedy queen to dumpling queen

Comedy star Ma Li's new film, "The Dumpling Queen," will be released on April 30 — but this time, audiences are more likely to be moved to tears than rolling in the aisles.

Actor Ma Li on stage at the premiere of "The Dumpling Queen" in Beijing, April 25, 2025. [Photo courtesy of CMC Pictures]

Directed by Andrew Lau, this tearjerker biopic chronicles the inspiring yet heart-wrenching journey of Zang Jianhe, founder of the iconic Wanchai Ferry dumpling brand, and her struggle singlehandedly raising two daughters after moving to Hong Kong from Shandong province and suffering through a failed marriage.

Zang's inspiring story helps emotionally drained viewers regain confidence. Despite harassment from her ex-husband's family and doubts from those around her, she affirmed: "My destiny is in my hands." Through sheer determination and unyielding courage, she managed to rewrite her fate. 

Ma Li, drawing parallels with her own experiences, shared insights she gained from the role: "Be the author of your own story. Every person should live with self-confidence, self-reliance and independence — live for yourself."

The actor expressed deep gratitude for the director's trust, describing their collaboration as a mutual journey of commitment. "I felt tremendous pressure throughout," she admitted. "Whether drawing from my own life or my mother's experiences, it meant reopening old wounds for this film."

Ma revealed that she finds the creative process a constant challenge. "While acting fulfills me profoundly," she said, "I grew up as an intensely insecure child — ever since my parents' divorce, when classroom whispers seemed to turn against me. Friends gradually drifted away, and that isolation bred deep self-doubt. 

"Years of entrepreneurship in Beijing brought countless setbacks, much like Ms. Zang's struggles. Yet through it all — just as in her story — unexpected benefactors appeared to guide me," she added. "Without them, there would be no Ma Li as I am today. This is how life works — because I've been through storms and carried wounds, I've grown strong enough to hold umbrellas for others now."

At the premiere, director Andrew Lau shared his inspiration for the film. "Having received so much kindness in my own life, I wanted to channel that love into this movie and pass it on to others," he said.

Cast and crew of "The Dumpling Queen" pose for a photo at the film's premiere in Beijing, April 25, 2025. [Photo courtesy of CMC Pictures]

One of the night's highlights was the surprise appearance of Ma Li's mother, who shared an emotional exchange with her daughter. Both Ma's mother and Lau's mother became central themes in the tribute and served as key inspirations for the director. "Zang Jianhe's character reflects traits of both my mother and Ma Li's mother," he revealed.

Ma Li then tearfully acknowledged her mother's influence: "The strength in my heart comes from my mother. It was she who roused me from my lowest moments."

The household-name comedian from the Mahua Fun Age comedy brand has now embarked on a new path, focusing more on emotional performances. Ma produced and starred in another touching film centered on a female theme, "Better Me, Better You," which competed recently at the Tiantan Award and ultimately earned recognition with a best supporting actor honor for Hai Yitian on April 26 at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival.