She's Got No Name: A Haunting True Crime Drama Set to Shake Chinese Cinema
The upcoming film "She's Got No Name" has generated significant buzz due to its combination of historical significance, strong cast, acclaimed director, and its treatment of a controversial true crime case that shocked Shanghai nearly 80 years ago. Based on one of the four major cases from Republican China era, the Jiangyanlong Murder Case that occurred in 1945, the story follows Zhan Zhou Shi, who kills and dismembers her abusive husband after years of suffering domestic violence. The case became a sensational murder mystery in Shanghai during that period, and the film's release is highly anticipated.
3 June 2025
Directed by Chen Kaige, the film features an ensemble cast including Zhang Ziyi, Lei Jiayin, Wang Chuanjun, and Jackson Yee. The film will be released in two parts due to the complexity and scope of the story, with Part 1 'The Murder Case' scheduled to release on June 21, 2025. It will be the opening film at the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival and has already premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Set against the backdrop of Japanese occupation in 1940s Shanghai, the film explores themes of justice, domestic violence, and societal changes across different periods, spanning from the Anti-Japanese War era through to the 1990s.
The film has generated significant social media attention, with 462 hot topics on Weibo and 30 times reaching #1 trending. The all-star cast has created strong audience interest, although some fans have expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to release the film in two parts, sparking debate among viewers. Yi Yangqianxi's transformation has received particular praise, with viewers calling him a "chameleon actor" for his unrecognizable appearance. The film's long production period of 7 years and Chen Kaige's meticulous attention to detail have been highlighted, although some early viewers at Cannes expressed concerns about the 150-minute runtime and narrative pacing.
The fact that the film is based on a true Republican-era case has generated intrigue, with the murder mystery elements and period setting appearing to be major drawing points for potential viewers. Overall sentiment appears largely positive, with high anticipation, although some concerns exist about the two-part format and pacing. The star-studded cast and historical mystery elements are the most positively discussed aspects.
The film's release represents a significant moment for Chinese cinema, potentially setting new benchmarks for how major productions can balance artistic ambition with commercial viability in a changing market landscape. It represents a bold experiment in the Chinese film market, particularly notable for its high-profile cast and investment during a cautious period in the industry. The film has achieved remarkable pre-release buzz, demonstrating strong marketing potential even before release, and serves as an important sample case for how to successfully operate big-budget productions with star-studded casts in the current market environment.
The film's performance could influence future investment patterns, coming at a time when the industry faces challenges, with major players like Bona Film Group reporting losses. The film arrives during a period of audience preference shifts, where viewers demand higher quality content while being more selective with their entertainment spending. It represents a test case for serious dramatic content competing with more cost-effective entertainment forms like web dramas and short-form content. As an adaptation of one of the four major criminal cases from Republican-era China, it connects historical storytelling with contemporary social discourse, demonstrating the industry's growing confidence in tackling complex historical narratives and serious subject matter. Director Chen Kaige's approach of examining major historical events through the lens of ordinary individuals reflects an evolution in how Chinese cinema addresses historical topics.