Core Insights - The 2025 Chinese film market is characterized by a significant focus on "female stories," which have garnered attention but faced challenges in commercial success and critical reception [1][3][6] - The emergence of female-directed films has not translated into box office success, with many films receiving mixed reviews despite addressing important social issues [3][6][11] Group 1: Film Trends and Themes - The year 2025 saw a concentration of female-themed films, yet they failed to replicate the artistic and commercial breakthroughs of previous years [6][20] - Films like "想飞的女孩" (Girl Who Wants to Fly) and "下一个台风" (The Next Typhoon) tackle sensitive issues such as domestic violence and sexual trauma but often compress complex narratives into limited timeframes, leading to a lack of character depth [4][8][12] - A notable trend is the emergence of a "female suffering" narrative paradigm, where stories focus on oppression and trauma, often at the expense of exploring broader female experiences [12][13] Group 2: Audience Reception and Expectations - There is a growing fatigue among female audiences regarding repetitive "suffering narratives," leading to a demand for fresher, more diverse female stories that reflect contemporary experiences [13][15] - The expectations of middle-class female viewers are shaping the definition of what constitutes "relevant" female narratives, often sidelining the ongoing struggles of women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds [15][17] Group 3: Industry Challenges and Gender Dynamics - The film industry is experiencing a "glass cliff" phenomenon, where female creators are often placed in high-risk positions during crises, leading to higher failure rates and harsher scrutiny [27][29] - Despite an increase in female ticket buyers, the representation of female directors and creators in the industry remains disproportionately low, highlighting a disconnect between audience demand and industry support [36][39] - The current industrial structure often limits the creative freedom of female filmmakers, forcing them to navigate between the demands for "correct" narratives and the need for commercial viability [20][21][40]

《金雅妹：走向世界的浙江女子》，楼薇宁著，上海交通大学出版社，2024年1月出版，336页，98.00 元 近日我意外发现《金雅妹：走向世界的浙江女子》一书。作者楼薇宁是一名英语教师，多年来致力于译 介金大夫的生平，确实做了一件颇有意义的事。她将美国大豆研究中心二十多年前整理的文字、照片、 绘画与小说等资料，几乎原样收录于书的后半部分，这种汉英对照的编排方式，或许也便于中国读者阅 读与理解。 看得出，编著者已尽力理解原文并加以诠释，但由于缺乏史学与医学方面的系统训练，对素材的消化， 以及与相关史料的融通仍显不足。本书的一大亮点在于书名立意：将重心置于"走向世界"，也就是现代 化启蒙这一关键议题。相较于一些围绕金雅妹（1864-1934）的写作，仅停留在她有限的医学履历之 上，而忽略其自觉承担中西文化交流使命的贡献，本书仍可谓有所推进，尽管整体叙述的厚度与力度尚 显单薄。 金雅妹/金韵梅，1914年。 金雅妹幼年不幸，父母双亡后被传教士麦嘉缔（Divie McCartee，1820-1900）夫妇收养。一个失孤女童 未取正式汉名，在当时的中国并不罕见，也因此，她在不同文献中的称谓与拼写长期不一。但这并不影 响学 ...

【编者按】为什么女性永远觉得自己不够美？ 初版于1991年的《美貌的神话》比以往任何时刻都振聋发聩。在这本畅销30年的女性主义经典中，作者 娜奥米·沃尔夫批判了虚构的完美身体标准对女性的压迫及其背后的权力关系。三十四年后的今天，尽 管女性地位的提升和性别观念的进步使主体性审美成为可能，但商业与技术仍然使越来越多的人卷入身 体商品化之中。 经出版社授权，第一财经节选第七章《暴力》，以飨读者。 女性的丑陋之病及其治疗 在束缚女性的所有枷锁中，对美貌的苛求或许是最顽固、最隐秘、最难以摆脱的一个。 维多利亚时代和现代医疗系统都把健康女性特征的某些方面重新分类为奇怪的异常。维多利亚时代的医 学"把怀孕和更年期视为疾病，把月经视为一种慢性紊乱，把分娩视为一场手术"。一位月经期的女性接 受泻药治疗，被强制用药，接受坐浴治疗和水蛭疗法。过度追求月经管理，就像今天过度追求女性的脂 肪管理一样："正确地稳固住月经功能被认为对女性心理健康必不可少，不论是在青春期还是在女性的 整个生命周期，都是必要的。"维持生殖就像维持"美貌"一样，被看作非常重要的女性功能：恰似他们 今天所做的那样，医生于是帮助维多利亚时代的女性"在几乎压倒性的身 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes that true feminism is not about opposing men but rather confronting the conditioned self, advocating for women to embrace their desires and strengths to achieve spiritual freedom [1][5]. Group 1: Virginia Woolf's Influence - Virginia Woolf is recommended as essential reading for women over 30, as her life and writings profoundly resonate with the themes of freedom, independence, and authenticity [6][7]. - Woolf's life was marked by trauma, including the loss of her mother and sexual abuse, which shaped her perspective on women's independence and the need for personal space [10][12]. - Her assertion that true independence begins with having "a room of one's own" highlights the importance of economic independence for women [12][89]. Group 2: Themes in Woolf's Work - Woolf's ideal life for women includes earning enough money to travel, think, read, and dream, emphasizing the importance of personal fulfillment [13][103]. - The article discusses how Woolf's writings continue to resonate with modern discussions on women's circumstances, self-identity, and spiritual freedom, remaining relevant a century later [14][29]. - Woolf's insights on societal expectations and the pressure on women to conform to perfection are highlighted, encouraging women to confront and reject these imposed ideals [32][90]. Group 3: Modern Reception and Legacy - Woolf's works are celebrated by contemporary readers and creators, indicating her lasting impact on literature and feminist thought [20][36]. - The article mentions various public figures who have expressed admiration for Woolf, showcasing her influence across generations [18][21]. - The ongoing relevance of Woolf's ideas is illustrated by the emotional responses they evoke in readers, particularly those seeking acceptance and courage in their struggles [23][36]. Group 4: Recommended Reading - The article promotes a collection of Woolf's works as essential reading for women seeking financial freedom and spiritual independence, describing it as a "life enlightenment book" [44][45]. - The collection is presented as a beautifully crafted edition, making it an attractive gift or personal possession [69][76]. - The article emphasizes the importance of choosing the right edition of Woolf's works, highlighting a new translation that captures her poetic and incisive style [124][126].

Core Viewpoint - True feminism is not about opposing men, but about confronting the conditioned self [1] Group 1: Virginia Woolf's Influence - Virginia Woolf is recommended for every woman over 30 to read, as her works encapsulate the essence of "freedom," "independence," and "authenticity" [6][7] - Woolf's life was marked by trauma, including the loss of her mother and sexual abuse, leading to her struggles with mental health [10][12] - Her seminal work, "A Room of One's Own," emphasizes that true independence for women begins with having financial autonomy and personal space [12][89] Group 2: Themes in Woolf's Works - Woolf advocates for women to earn enough money to travel, think, and dream, thus achieving a life of freedom [13][103] - Her writings resonate with contemporary discussions on women's circumstances, self-identity, and spiritual freedom, remaining relevant a century later [14][29] - Woolf's insights challenge societal expectations of women, urging them to confront their desires and anger rather than conform to the idealized image of self-sacrifice [32][90] Group 3: Modern Reception and Legacy - Woolf's works continue to inspire a wide range of readers, including notable figures in literature and media, who find solace and empowerment in her words [20][23][36] - The ongoing popularity of her writings on social media platforms indicates a strong connection with modern audiences seeking self-acceptance and independence [23][56] - Woolf's message of economic independence as a source of personal freedom is echoed in the experiences of contemporary women, reinforcing her relevance [119][121]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise of the "evil woman" trope in Korean dramas, particularly focusing on the new series "Dear X," which portrays the complex journey of a character shaped by trauma and revenge [5][10][12]. Group 1: Overview of "Dear X" - "Dear X" features the character Bai Yazhen, played by Kim Yoo-jung, who presents a stark contrast between her innocent appearance and her ruthless personality, showcasing her climb to the top of the entertainment industry [5][6]. - The series is based on a popular webtoon and directed by Lee Eung-bok, known for successful dramas, marking Tving's first major global entry [5][6]. - Following its release, "Dear X" quickly gained popularity, topping new paid user contributions for five consecutive weeks and ranking high on global OTT platforms [5][6]. Group 2: Character Analysis - Bai Yazhen is depicted as a product of severe childhood trauma, leading to her development of antisocial personality traits, where she uses her charm to manipulate others for her gain [6][7]. - Kim Yoo-jung's performance has been praised for capturing the character's duality, portraying her as both innocent and malevolent [7][8]. - The character's journey reflects a broader commentary on the impact of familial abuse and societal neglect, challenging traditional moral narratives [12]. Group 3: Trends in Korean Dramas - The article notes a growing trend in Korean dramas to explore themes of revenge and the complexities of female characters, as seen in other successful series like "The Glory" and "Pandora: The Manipulated Paradise" [10][11]. - These narratives often highlight the struggles of women against societal oppression and personal trauma, resonating with contemporary audiences [10][12]. - The portrayal of "evil women" serves as a vehicle for exploring deeper societal issues, although it risks falling into clichés if not handled with nuance [12].

Core Viewpoint - "Dear X" is a significant entry for the South Korean streaming platform Tving as it marks its first foray into the global market, showcasing a dark narrative that explores the rise of a female character shaped by trauma and revenge [4][5]. Group 1: Overview of "Dear X" - "Dear X" is based on a popular webtoon and directed by Lee Eung-bok, known for his work on hit dramas, which has contributed to its initial success [4]. - The series has topped new paid user contributions for five consecutive weeks and ranks highly among global OTT platforms, indicating strong viewer engagement [4]. - The protagonist, Baek Ah-jin, portrayed by Kim Yoo-jung, presents a stark contrast between her innocent appearance and her ruthless ambition, embodying the "evil woman" trope prevalent in recent Korean dramas [3][5]. Group 2: Themes and Character Analysis - The character Baek Ah-jin is depicted as having a complex psychological profile, shaped by childhood trauma and abuse, leading to her development of an antisocial personality [5][7]. - The narrative draws parallels with other works, such as Higashino Keigo's "Byakuyako," emphasizing the dark aspects of human nature and the consequences of a traumatic upbringing [5]. - Kim Yoo-jung's performance has been critically acclaimed for capturing the duality of her character, showcasing both innocence and malice [7][8]. Group 3: Trends in Korean Dramas - The rise of "evil woman" narratives in Korean dramas reflects a shift in storytelling, moving away from traditional "good female lead" archetypes to more complex characters driven by revenge and personal growth [11]. - Recent successful dramas like "The Glory" have set a precedent for this genre, highlighting societal issues such as bullying and the struggles of women in patriarchal settings [9][10]. - The portrayal of female characters with traumatic backgrounds challenges conventional moral narratives, inviting viewers to empathize with their journeys while questioning societal norms [11][12].

Group 1 - The article discusses the evolving perception of marriage among young people, particularly women, who view it as a systemic dilemma rather than a sanctuary [1][2] - It highlights the author's personal journey from rejecting traditional marriage to creating a "contract marriage" with their partner, emphasizing the fluidity of love and relationships [2][3] - The narrative illustrates the emotional struggles and societal pressures faced by individuals who choose non-traditional relationship structures, including family expectations and societal norms [3][19] Group 2 - The author reflects on the societal implications of marriage, particularly how it can reinforce gender roles and expectations, leading to a sense of entrapment [1][4] - The concept of "contract marriage" is introduced as a means to navigate familial pressures while attempting to retain autonomy over personal relationships [2][26] - The article also touches on the complexities of maintaining a relationship amidst external pressures, including family dynamics and societal expectations regarding marriage [19][20][23] Group 3 - The narrative reveals the emotional toll of societal expectations on individuals, particularly women, who face double standards in relationship choices [20][21] - It discusses the challenges of balancing personal desires with familial obligations, leading to conflicts and emotional distress [19][22] - The author concludes with a reflection on the potential for relationships to evolve beyond traditional labels, suggesting a future where legal marriage may not define the nature of the relationship [30][31]

Core Argument - The core argument of Ueno Chizuko's work is a critical reflection on the failures and successes of past social movements in Japan, particularly focusing on the leftist movements of the 1960s and 1970s, and their implications for the current generation [4]. Group 1: Social Movements and Their Impact - Ueno highlights that while the leftist movements of the past contributed to discussions on gender equality and social justice, they ultimately failed to achieve systemic change [4]. - The author critiques the blind spots of these movements, particularly their neglect of differences among various social groups and their overly idealistic goals that led to a disconnect from reality [4]. Group 2: Vision for the Future - Ueno envisions a society where the weak can be respected for their vulnerability, rather than being pressured to conform to traditional notions of strength [4]. - The author questions the authority of the older generation to instruct the youth on the future of Japan, given the current state of the world, emphasizing the need for accountability [4].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution of online literature, particularly focusing on female-oriented narratives and their impact on readers, especially women, highlighting the psychological needs and societal changes reflected in these works [3][6][10]. Group 1: Influence of Online Literature - Online literature, especially female-oriented works, resonates with women's psychological needs and reflects societal changes [6][10]. - The journey of a researcher, Xue Jing, who transitioned from a reader of online literature to an academic, illustrates the growing acceptance and academic interest in this genre [10][11]. Group 2: Reader Engagement and Themes - Readers often engage with online literature as a means of emotional expression and connection, creating a shared cultural experience among them [9][10]. - The themes in female-oriented online literature have evolved from traditional romantic ideals to more complex narratives involving power dynamics and emotional struggles [13][20]. Group 3: Academic Recognition - The establishment of academic courses on online literature at prestigious institutions marks a significant shift in the perception of this genre, legitimizing its study [10][11]. - Xue Jing's research explores various sub-genres, including "霸总文" (domineering CEO narratives) and "虐恋文" (abusive love stories), analyzing their implications on female identity and societal expectations [11][13]. Group 4: Changing Narratives - The narrative structures in female-oriented online literature have shifted, with a notable rise in "爱女文学" (love for women literature), which challenges traditional gender roles and promotes female empowerment [22][24]. - The portrayal of female characters has become more diverse, reflecting a spectrum of experiences and societal pressures, moving beyond simplistic archetypes [29][33]. Group 5: Societal Reflections - The article suggests that online literature serves as a sociological lens, revealing underlying desires and societal issues faced by women today [25][41]. - The changing dynamics in reader expectations and character portrayals indicate a broader cultural shift towards recognizing and addressing women's multifaceted roles in society [30][36].