The Disappointing Reign of the Wonton Queen

The film's director, Liu Weiqiang, is known for his fast-paced shooting style, but he may not be suitable for directing biographical films. His previous film, "The Chinese Captain," was also a biographical film, but it was criticized for being too formulaic and lacking depth. The marketing strategy for "The Wonton Queen" also focused too much on Ma Li's crying scenes and the film's sentimental value, which may have misled audiences' expectations. The film's script and direction have been criticized for being too simplistic and lacking nuance. The story of Awang Jianhe's rise to success is reduced to a series of sentimental and tear-jerking scenes, without much depth or analysis.

One of the standout aspects of the film is Ma Li's outstanding acting skills, which completely subvert her previous comedic image. She masterfully portrays the tenacity, stubbornness, and gentleness of Zang Jian's life, bringing a depth and nuance to the character that is both captivating and authentic. Furthermore, the film's attention to detail in recreating Zang Jian's life experiences is impressive, offering a genuine and unvarnished look at the challenges of her era. By shedding light on this remarkable woman's story, "The Wonton Queen" provides a compelling and inspiring cinematic experience that resonates with audiences.

However, the film's drawbacks lie in its storytelling, which focuses heavily on the characters' hardships, resulting in a narrative that feels overly bland. The editing and emphasis on the struggles also make the movie feel like a missed opportunity, as it fails to fully showcase the business legend of Zhāng Jiàn and his wife. The cinematography and character development, while well-intentioned, are overshadowed by the relentless portrayal of suffering, leaving the viewer with a sense of monotony. Furthermore, the film's inability to balance the characters' struggles with their triumphs and entrepreneurial spirit makes it feel like an incomplete tribute to the inspiring true story that it is based on.

The film's box office performance and ratings have been commendable, yet it still leaves much to be desired. The strengths of the movie lie in the acting prowess of its lead, Ma Li, and the faithful recreation of the life experiences of Zang Jian and his wife. However, the weaknesses are evident in the storytelling focus and editing. The subject matter itself may not have been as compelling as anticipated, with the legendary story of the founder of Wanzai Dock, a brand known for its frozen dumplings, being overhyped. In comparison to other influential female figures, Zang's story seems less captivating.

The Wanzai Dock brand, while having a first-mover advantage in the high-end market, lacks the brand influence and popularity of other brands. The issue with frozen dumplings, in general, is that they are often seen as a convenience food rather than a culinary delight, making them highly replaceable. This is in stark contrast to products like Lao Gan Ma chili sauce, which has had a profound impact on the culinary preferences of several generations. The film's failure to capture a broad audience can be attributed to the specific and perhaps less universally appealing subject matter it deals with. In summary, while "The Dumpling Queen" has its moments, particularly in its portrayal of characters and certain life events, it falls short due to its narrative focus and the inherent limitations of its subject matter.