• Drama

The Dumpling Queen 2025

“The Dumpling Queen” (水饺皇后) is a 2025 biographical drama directed by Hong Kong veteran Andrew Lau (co-director of Infernal Affairs), starring Ma Li as Zang Jianhe—better known as Madame Chong—the real-life founder of the iconic Wanchai Ferry dumpling empire .🎬 Story overview Plot: Starting in the late 1970s, Zang Jianhe travels from Qingdao to Hong Kong to reunite with her husband, only to discover he'd taken another wife for a son. Stranded, she labors as a dishwasher and car cleaner before borrowing HK$500 to launch a humble dumpling stall at Wan Chai Wharf. Through perseverance, recipe refinement, and community support, she grows her business into the multinational Wanchai Ferry brand. Character Arc: The film emphasizes female empowerment, focusing on the bond between Zang and women like landlady Sister Hong (Kara Wai) and vendor “Sugar‑Water Uncle” (Ben Yuen), whose solidarity helps her triumph. Cultural Shift: Highlights include her insistence on preserving the authenticity of her brand against foreign pressures—refusing rebranding for Japanese supermarkets—and eventual partnership with General Mills (via Pillsbury) in 1997.💰 Critics & Reviews Box Office: Opened April 30 (Mainland) / May 2 (HK, US), earning ¥20M RMB opening day and topping China’s holiday box office with RMB 46.9M (~US$6.5M weekend); global total ~US$853K in limited overseas runs . Critical Response: Generally seen as an inspiring but formulaic biopic—praised for Ma Li’s heartfelt performance and its nostalgic portrayal of 1970s HK, yet criticized for melodrama and soap-opera flourishes. Audience: Rotten Tomatoes boasts a positive Tomatometer (~3 critic reviews) and favorable user impressions (stories of resilience and nostalgia). Awards: Won Weibo Movie Night awards for “Most Anticipated” and technical achievements.✅ Should You Watch It? Why you might enjoy it: Uplifting underdog story rooted in a true entrepreneurial journey. Strong lead performance and emotional depth. Touching cultural snapshot of migrant life and female empowerment in 1970s–80s Hong Kong. Points to consider: A conventional narrative with TV‑style emotional beats and slow‑motion teases. Minimal focus on post‑1997 corporate expansion. Some critics feel it glosses over deeper struggles in favor of polish .💰 Box Office Performance Here’s a detailed breakdown of The Dumpling Queen box office performance:🎯 China (Mainland) May Day holiday (May 1–5, 2025): Led the box office with ¥192 million during the 5-day period, part of the ¥747 million total across all films that week. In its first six days (from April 30), it grossed around ¥214 million. Earlier markers included hitting ¥100 million by May 2. Some reports suggest a slightly higher figure of ¥123.3 million from April 30–May 4.🏮 Hong Kong & Overseas Hong Kong debut (May 1–4): Opened to HK$222,110, and totalled approximately HK$768,749 in Asia‑Pacific markets. UK: Limited release grossed US$13,483 opening weekend.🌍 Worldwide Total According to Box Office Mojo, the film has earned US$853,555 globally, including all international runs.🌟 Conclusion The Dumpling Queen is a heartfelt and inspiring biopic that celebrates resilience, female empowerment, and the spirit of entrepreneurship. While its storytelling leans into melodrama and familiar beats, it shines through a powerful performance by Ma Li and a rich portrayal of 1970s–80s Hong Kong life. If you enjoy uplifting underdog stories and culturally rooted dramas, this film is a worthwhile watch—especially for fans of food, family, and determination. Read More

• 2025
• 2 h
• 190 views
• 6.258
• PG