7. "Like a Rolling Stone"

A poster for "Like a Rolling Stone." [Image courtesy of Huace Pictures]

"Like a Rolling Stone," directed by Yin Lichuan and starring Yong Mei, is a powerful film about a woman's journey of self-awakening and independence, challenging traditional gender roles and societal expectations. Based on the real-life experiences of Su Min, a woman who left behind her family and the constraints of marriage to embark on a four-year journey across China at the age of 56, the film explores themes of personal liberation and a quest for identity. 

Through a restrained and realistic approach, the film reveals the gender inequalities hidden within everyday lives, particularly in marriage. Yong Mei's portrayal captures the emotional depth of a woman rediscovering herself, while the film also challenges the concept of a "good husband" and societal double standards surrounding gender. With a narrative that does not offer simple answers, "Like a Rolling Stone" encourages reflection on the pressures women face and their struggle for freedom, making it a thought-provoking and relevant film in contemporary Chinese cinema.