The Construction of Female Identity in Chinese Biographical Film Anita Through the Lens of Male Gaze

Abstract

Anita 《梅艳芳》 is a biopic newly released in 2021, chronicling her journey from a child performer to one of most recognized music idols in China and Southeast Asia. Mui began her singing career as a little girl, giving shows at an amusement park. Known as “Asian Madonna”, she kicked off her career by winning a singing contest in Hong Kong in 1982. Meanwhile, Mui also gained fame as an actress. She starred in more than 40 movies over 20 years, winning Taiwan’s Golden Horse award for best actress in 1987 for her role as a tormented ghost in the movie “Rouge.” She was also known for her charity work, setting up the Anita Mui Charity Foundation in 1990s.