Hard Makeup

A former opera singer, now working in a beauty salon, tries to reconnect with her estranged son. She hopes to build a bridge between them through shared memories of opera, but her efforts are complicated by her past and the societal pressures she faces. The film explores themes of family, identity, and the lingering impact of artistic dreams.

Hard Makeup received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its sensitive portrayal of a complex mother-son relationship and the lead actress's performance. The film was noted for its quiet emotional intensity and its exploration of themes often underrepresented in cinema.

• Praised for its subtle emotional depth and nuanced character study.

• The lead performance is a standout, conveying a range of complex emotions.

• Explores poignant themes of familial estrangement and artistic longing.

Google audience: Information not available.

Screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2014.

The film's director, Ying Liang, often draws inspiration from everyday life and the struggles of ordinary people in contemporary China.