# Sister (2021 film)

Sister, also known as My Sister (Chinese: 我的姐姐), is a 2021 Chinese coming-of-age drama film directed by Yin Ruoxi and written by You Xiaoying [zh]. It stars Zhang Zifeng in the titular lead role, with Xiao Yang, Zhu Yuanyuan, Duan Bowen, and Connor Leong as the other cast members. It was released in China on 2 April 2021. The film grossed US$52.8 million in its opening weekend, replacing Godzilla vs. Kong as the top film at the weekend Chinese box office.
The film has received positive reviews, with acclaim for Zhang's performance, and has sparked discussion about gender roles and traditional values in modern Chinese society.

## Premise

The film tells a story about the bond between an older sister and her younger brother. It was written and directed by You Xiaoying and Yin Ruoxi, both young female filmmakers. It examines themes of traditionalism in Chinese society, patriarchy, the traditional preference for sons over daughters, and filial piety.

## Plot

Elder sister An Ran was born into a family that desperately wanted a son. To obtain permission for another child, her parents falsely reported that she had a disability, claiming she was a cripple. Even when inspectors discovered the truth about her good health, her father brutally beat her to maintain the deception.
When applying for college, An Ran initially chose a clinical medicine program in Beijing, hoping to pursue a better future. However, her parents secretly altered her application to a nursing program in their hometown, believing that as a girl, she should start earning money and supporting the family as soon as possible. Determined to break free, An Ran saw pursuing a master's degree in Beijing as her only way out.
However, her carefully planned future is shattered when her parents die in a traffic accident, leaving behind her six-year-old younger brother. An Ran must decide whether to pursue her independence or bring up her 6-year-old half-brother.

## Cast

| Performer | Character | Description |
| Zhang Zifeng | An Ran | an older sister |
| Xiao Yang | Wu Dongfeng | An Ran's uncle |
| Zhu Yuanyuan | An Rongrong | An Ran's aunt |
| Duan Bowen | Zhong Yong | driver in the accident |
| Connor Leong | Zhao Ming | An Ran's boyfriend |
| Jin Yaoyuan | An Ziheng | An Ran's younger brother |

## Production

A small-budget film, Sister was shot in Chengdu from July to September 2020. Like Farewell, My Lad (再见，少年), the film is a collaboration between Zhang Zifeng and Yin Ruoxi.
The main theme song, "Sister", written by Zhang Chu and sung by Roy Wang, was released on 17 March 2021.

## Box office

The film was released on 2 April 2021, Qingming Festival weekend. In its opening weekend, the film grossed US$52.8 million, surpassing Godzilla vs. Kong's earnings in China the same weekend. The film's success has drawn comparisons to Hi, Mom, another woman-written and woman-directed family-focused film that exceeded expectations at the box office earlier the same year.

## Reception

The film received a 100 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on five reviews, with an average rating of 7.5/10.
The film was well received by critics and audiences upon its release. Its themes sparked discussion about traditional values, gender roles, and the role of women in China. Sociologist Li Yinhe, who studies gender roles in China, called the movie "a profound work based on solid social reality" and noted the conflict between individualism and traditional family values. Zhang Zifeng's performance was especially cited as the highlight of the film by critics, with some calling it a "breakthrough" and a "tour de force". James Marsh of the South China Morning Post praised the film's acting and its "progressive stance" tackling social issues like gender inequality.

## Awards and nominations

| Year | Awards ceremony | Category | Nominee | Result |
| 2021 | Huading Award | Best Supporting Actress | Zhu Yuanyuan | Won |
| 2021 | Huading Award | Best Actress | Zhang Zifeng | Nominated |
| 2021 | Huading Award | Best New Director | Yin Ruoxi | Nominated |
| 2021 | Huading Award | Best Song | Roy Wang | Nominated |
| 2021 | Huading Award | Best Supporting Actor | Xiao Yang | Nominated |
| 2021 | Huading Award | Best Writing | You Xiaoying | Nominated |
| 2021 | Huading Award | Best New Performer | Jin Yaoyuan | Nominated |
| 2021 | 15th Asian Film Awards | Best Actress | Zhang Zifeng | Nominated |
| 2021 | 15th Asian Film Awards | Best New Director | Yin Ruoxi | Nominated |
| 2021 | 15th Asian Film Awards | Best Screenplay | You Xiaoying | Nominated |
| 2021 | 34th Golden Rooster Awards | Best Picture | Sister | Nominated |
| 2021 | 34th Golden Rooster Awards | Best Actress | Zhang Zifeng | Nominated |
| 2021 | 34th Golden Rooster Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Xiao Yang | Nominated |
| 2021 | 34th Golden Rooster Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Zhu Yuanyuan | Won |
| 2021 | 34th Golden Rooster Awards | Best Music | Gao Xiaoyang | Nominated |
| 2021 | 34th Golden Rooster Awards | Best Sound Recording | Zhou Lei and Wu Lei | Nominated |