Feminism in East Asian Film

By: Anyi Li

For centuries, women in the East Asian countries enjoyed few legal rights over inheritance, marriage, and personal liberty. That is not to say they had no rights protecting their interests at all, but their rights were very minimal. Though marriages in countries like China, Japan, and the two Koreas are monogamous in most circumstances, the legal existence of concubines and their sons’ rights to inheritance decided the ancient East Asian marriages were polygynous in nature. In fact, polygyny in China was not banned until the founding of the current People’s Republic of China.  Women under these ancient feudal societies were expected to fulfill men’s image of ideal women: humble, submissive, reserved, chaste, faithful, devoted, voiceless, fertile, and absolutely unjealous. Though there were a few talented, incredible, independent, and powerful women in every dynasty, the overwhelming majority of women skewed their self-awareness and self-worth to become compatible with societal expectations to survive in a men’s world. 

Such distorted psychology generates long-lasting impacts until today. Many families, especially among the under-educated population, favor sons over daughters. Parents even name their daughters “Zhaodi” (means “attract a little brother”) or “Laidi” (means “come a little brother”). In dramas and movies, the theme of a handsome, strong, intelligent, and wealthy male lead appears, falls in love with the innocent female lead, and protects from every adversary and hardship in her life is prominent in the plotlines. The definition of successful women in these thematic productions always involves attracting an unfailing love interest, gaining acceptance from her love interest’s family, and producing a son. Many scriptwriters and novelists use rape and have a cheater husband to punish female characters they define as villains. Some dramas even portray sexual harassment, kidnap, and rape as love. Not only that, but systematic discrimination’s against women also continue to exist. On the ground of upholding imperial traditions, the Japanese imperial family bans princesses from claiming the throne whatsoever, and they have to forfeit royal status if they choose to marry a commoner. Empress Consort Masako, whose husband ascended to the throne in 2019, was barred from attending the enthronement ceremony.

However, in recent years, progress has occurred. There is now a more significant emphasis on personal improvements and women’s inner strength. Dramas and movies, the reflection of societal philosophical shifts, instead of presenting women as dependents of men, show women’s inner psychology, strength, struggles, independence, and aspirations. More movies and books begin to teach women how to protect their legal rights and advocate against sexual harassment. In general, the East Asian society is changing its views and perspectives on what defines a remarkable woman. However, systematic discrimination, such as the Japanese succession issue is still in debate. There are still many battles that need to be fought by women in East Asia to achieve gender equality.