Core Viewpoint - The short drama "Eighteen-Year-Old Great-Grandma Arrives, Restoring Family Glory" has gained immense popularity since its release on June 6, topping various short drama charts and achieving significant viewership on platforms like iQIYI. The show features a unique storyline that combines elements of family dynamics, historical context, and female empowerment [1][3]. Summary by Sections Popularity and Reception - The drama has consistently ranked first on multiple short drama charts and has achieved dual championships on iQIYI's hot broadcast and rising charts. The actress portraying the "18-year-old great-grandma," Li Ke, gained 400,000 followers within 72 hours, becoming a leading figure in the short drama industry [1]. Plot Overview - The storyline revolves around a professor who unexpectedly dies in 1955 and finds herself in the body of an 18-year-old high school girl 70 years later. The character, who was a distinguished scientist, embodies a strong sense of national pride and responsibility, reflecting the historical context of her era [3][4]. Themes of Female Empowerment - The character of the "great-grandma" represents a departure from traditional female roles, showcasing a strong sense of agency and independence. The narrative challenges typical portrayals of women in short dramas, where female success is often tied to romantic relationships [4][5]. Societal Commentary - The drama reflects on the historical struggles of women in China, particularly during the mid-20th century, and critiques the modern portrayal of women in media. It highlights the tension between traditional family roles and the pursuit of individual identity and professional success [5][6]. Character Dynamics - The character dynamics in the drama, particularly the interactions between the "great-grandma" and her descendants, emphasize themes of respect and authority within family structures. The show critiques the reliance on patriarchal values while simultaneously presenting a strong female lead [7][8]. Conclusion on Female Identity - The narrative ultimately explores the complexities of female identity, suggesting that the character's resurrection as a young woman allows her to navigate the challenges of motherhood, career, and personal fulfillment, thus embodying an idealized version of female empowerment [9].

Core Viewpoint - The design of female characters in micro-dramas appears diverse but ultimately falls into fixed templates characterized by enthusiasm, coldness, youthfulness, and heroism, leading to a superficial portrayal that relies on exaggerated performances and visual appeal rather than depth [1] Group 1: Analysis of Female Characters - The portrayal of female leads often relies on exaggerated and superficial traits, such as heavy makeup and overtly flirtatious behavior, which detracts from their character depth and relatability [2][4] - The use of direct and crude dialogue contributes to a lack of respect for female characters, often reducing them to mere objects of desire rather than complex individuals [8][12] - The reliance on sexual themes and shallow interactions in plotlines reflects a broader issue of objectification and a lack of meaningful character development [10][20] Group 2: Market Trends and Audience Reception - The prevalence of female competition narratives in micro-dramas reflects a patriarchal framework that commodifies women, with a significant percentage of female character interactions centered around male characters [20] - Data indicates a growing discontent among female viewers regarding traditional competition themes, with a notable increase in the rejection of such narratives from 32% in 2015 to 68% in 2023 [20] - The adaptation of novels into micro-dramas often leads to a disconnect between the original character portrayals and their on-screen representations, resulting in a perception of "character collapse" [22][24] Group 3: Future Directions for Female Representation - The concept of "strong female leads" is evolving, emphasizing characters who are intelligent, resilient, and independent, rather than merely defined by their relationships with men [26] - There is a call for more nuanced storytelling that focuses on women's emotional and spiritual needs, moving away from one-dimensional portrayals that reduce female characters to mere romantic interests [28] - The industry is encouraged to ensure that adaptations maintain the integrity of character development and narrative depth, avoiding the pitfalls of superficiality and objectification [28]