We Girls Review: Zhao Liying’s Darkest Chinese Movie Yet

We Girls review explores its raw realism, feminist undertones, powerful performances, and why the film stands out among recent Chinese social dramas worldwide impact. We Girls is a hard-hitting Chinese noir drama led by Zhao Liying, portraying deaf women, ex-convicts, and social outsiders struggling to survive.

This article contains minimal spoilers. However, if you are sensitive to plot details, consider reading it after watching the movie.

Chinese Movie Review: We Girls

This chinese movie review focuses on Zhao Liying’s powerful and uncompromising performance. She delivers a role filled with dignity, restraint, and emotional strength. The film is a dark, noir-style social drama that portrays people living in society’s shadows, including deaf individuals, former prisoners, and marginalized women.

Through raw realism, the story highlights how these characters struggle to survive in an unforgiving world.

Staff & Cast

• Country / Year: China, 2025
• Runtime: 124 minutes
• Director: Feng Xiaogang
• Cast: Zhao Liying, Lan Xiya, Chui Ni, Naomi Wang (Wang Ju), Cheng Xiao, Wang Xiaoyu

Synopsis

Gao Yuexiang (Zhao Liying), who communicates using sign language, meets deaf inmate Mao Amei (Lan Xiya) in a women’s prison. After their release, neither woman has a place to go.

As a female ex-convict and a disabled woman, they receive no support from society. Therefore, they are forced to rely on each other. Over time, their fight for survival pushes them into even harsher and more dangerous situations.

Review

This chinese movie review centers on Zhao Liying’s intense and pride-driven performance. While the term “noir” may sound exaggerated, the film fully embraces a noir worldview. Five women stand alone, with no safety net, struggling at the edge of social collapse.

Although the final scene offers a slight sense of hope, that hope does not come from outside help. Instead, it grows from the women’s own determination and inner strength.

Despite promotional images showing five characters, the emotional core belongs to Gao Yuexiang and Mao Amei. Gao commits a crime to afford a cochlear implant for her daughter. At the same time, she is trapped by poverty, a disabled brother, and an unemployed husband.

Meanwhile, Mao Amei, an orphan, survives through exploitation and pickpocketing. She has never experienced stability or protection.

Social Reality and Performances

The film honestly depicts the harsh reality faced by disabled former inmates. Even after release, they are often abandoned without assistance. This issue extends beyond China, making the story universally relevant.

Zhao Liying, known for glamorous historical roles, continues her transformation by portraying marginalized women. With minimal makeup and rough dialogue, her performance feels deeply committed and socially aware.

Naomi Wang also delivers a striking performance as Hu Ping. Her raw, unpolished acting leaves a lasting impact. Director Feng Xiaogang maintains strong pacing, balancing heavy themes without slowing the narrative.

Final Thoughts

As a chinese movie review, We Girls stands out as a bold and emotionally powerful social drama. Whether viewed as a feminist statement or a realist portrayal of systemic injustice, the film offers a compelling and unforgettable experience.