‘Her Story’: China’s answer to ‘Barbie’ becomes latest smash hit. But some men are not amused

Director-screenwriter Shao Yihui, and actors Elaine Zhong Chuxi, Zeng Mumei and Zhang Yu attend the premiere of “Her Story” on November 18, 2024 in Beijing.

Since its release on November 22, “Her Story” has raked in more than 680 million yuan ($93 million), according to ticket platform Maoyan, as it became mainland China’s top-grossing movie for 17 straight days.

But its witty critique of gender norms has also offended some men on Chinese social media, who have accused it of provoking “gender antagonism” – a phrase often used by state media to police online feminist discourse that authorities deem to have “crossed the line.”