I Am Not Madame Bovary
I Am Not Madame Bovary

Movie spotlight

I Am Not Madame Bovary

2016
Movie
128 min
Mandarin

Li Xuelian, a woman from the countryside is falsely accused by her husband of having an affair. To defend herself, Li moves from her small town to the big city until she reached the capital.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes86%
Metacritic74/100
Google Users89%
Director: Feng XiaogangGenres: Comedy-drama

Plot Summary

A rural Chinese woman spends a decade trying to right a legal wrong. After her divorce from her husband is invalidated, she embarks on a long and frustrating journey through the Chinese justice system, encountering numerous setbacks and absurd situations. Her unwavering pursuit of justice becomes a national spectacle, highlighting flaws in the legal system and the resilience of the human spirit.

Critical Reception

The film received critical acclaim, particularly for Fan Bingbing's performance and Feng Xiaogang's unique directorial style. It was praised for its satirical take on Chinese bureaucracy and social issues, though some found its narrative pacing to be uneven. Audience reception was generally positive, resonating with its themes of perseverance and social commentary.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Fan Bingbing's powerful and nuanced performance.

  • Commended for its sharp social satire and commentary on the Chinese legal system.

  • Appreciated for Feng Xiaogang's distinctive and artistic directorial vision.

Google audience: Google users largely praised the film for its strong lead performance, its thought-provoking social commentary, and its engaging, albeit sometimes frustrating, narrative. Many felt the film was a significant and memorable work that effectively conveyed its message.

Awards & Accolades

Fan Bingbing won Best Actress at the San Sebastián International Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival. The film also won Best Film at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film utilizes a circular aspect ratio for certain scenes, a stylistic choice intended to reflect the protagonist's unchanging perspective and the cyclical nature of her struggle.

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