Why What Women Want (2011) is a Hidden Gem: Andy Lau’s Charming Exploration of Gender Dynamics
If you’re searching for a film that blends romantic comedy with sharp social commentary—and offers a uniquely Chinese perspective on modern gender politics—What Women Want (《我知女人心》), starring Andy Lau and Gong Li, is a fascinating cultural artifact that deserves rediscovery. While it’s a remake of Hollywood’s What Women Want (2000), this 2011 adaptation transcends its origins by dissecting workplace sexism, generational gaps, and the paradox of “hearing women’s voices” in a society still grappling with gender equality. Here’s why it’s worth your time.
- A Remake with a Cultural Twist: Beijing’s Glossy Corporate World
Unlike Mel Gibson’s playboy ad executive in the original, Andy Lau’s Sun Zigang is a divorced single father navigating Beijing’s cutthroat advertising industry. The film cleverly transplants the story into China’s economic boom era, where globalization clashes with traditional values. Sun’s sudden ability to hear women’s thoughts—triggered by a freak accident—becomes a metaphor for the invisible barriers women face in male-dominated workplaces.
Director Chen Daming (陈大明) uses this supernatural premise to critique corporate hypocrisy. For instance, Gong Li’s character, Li Yilong, a talented executive hired to modernize the company, faces subtle misogyny masked as “pragmatism.” Her ideas are initially dismissed until Sun steals them using his powers, exposing how women’s contributions are often co-opted or undervalued. The film’s glossy visuals—luxury offices, fashion-forward wardrobes—contrast with its gritty commentary on gender inequality.
- Andy Lau vs. Gong Li: A Battle of Wits and Vulnerability
At 50, Andy Lau delivers one of his most nuanced performances. Sun Zigang isn’t a cartoonish womanizer but a flawed antihero wrestling with guilt (he’s estranged from his daughter) and professional insecurity. His journey from exploiting women’s thoughts to empathizing with their struggles feels authentic, especially in scenes where he awkwardly reconnects with his rebellious teenage daughter.
But the film’s soul belongs to Gong Li. Her Li Yilong is no manic pixie dream girl; she’s a pragmatic leader masking vulnerability with stoicism. In a standout scene, she confronts Sun after discovering his plagiarism, delivering a quiet monologue about the exhaustion of “constantly proving oneself in a room full of doubting men”. It’s a masterclass in understated acting that elevates the film beyond its rom-com trappings.
- Beyond Romance: A Snapshot of China’s Gender Revolution
-What Women Want* subtly captures a transitional moment in Chinese society. Through subplots—like a young employee hiding her pregnancy to keep her job or Sun’s daughter rebelling against patriarchal expectations—the film critiques systemic issues rarely addressed in mainstream cinema. The “mind-reading” gimmick becomes a lens to examine:
- The performativity of femininity: Women code-switch to survive workplaces, echoing sociologist Judith Butler’s theories.
- Intergenerational conflict: Sun’s traditional father (played by Wang Deshun) embodies outdated views clashing with his granddaughter’s feminist ideals.
- The commodification of desire: A subplot about a lingerie ad campaign satirizes how capitalism reduces female empowerment to marketable slogans.
- Flaws That Spark Conversation
The film isn’t perfect. Critics rightfully note its uneven pacing and overstuffed subplots (e.g., a forgettable romantic triangle with a barista). Yet these flaws unintentionally mirror the chaos of modern urban life, where personal and professional battles collide. Even the much-mocked product placements—like Italian brand Lotto’s prominent logos—reflect China’s consumerist frenzy in the 2010s.
- A Musical Surprise: Andy Lau’s Soulful Theme Song
Don’t miss the haunting English ballad Slip Away, performed by Lau in the film. Unlike typical romantic serenades, the song—written as Sun’s internal apology to Li Yilong—combines melancholic lyrics with Lau’s gravelly vocals, offering a rare glimpse into his musical versatility. It’s a meta-commentary on the character’s emotional growth: “If I could, I’d change my yesterday / I’d listen to my heart.”
Final Verdict: More Than a Rom-Com
-What Women Want* (2011) transcends its Hollywood blueprint by asking provocative questions: Can men ever truly understand women’s experiences? Is “hearing” the same as listening? While the film’s box office stumbled (grossing just $590k in the U.S.), its themes feel ahead of their time, resonating with today’s global #MeToo conversations.
For Western viewers, it’s a rare portal into China’s evolving gender discourse—and proof that Andy Lau, often typecast as an action hero, shines brightest when playing morally ambiguous characters.
Where to Watch: Available on select streaming platforms with English subtitles. Pair it with the original Hollywood version for a fascinating compare-and-contrast study.
-P.S. Keep an ear out for the film’s witty sound design—the overlapping “female voices” Sun hears are a mix of Mandarin dialects, reflecting China’s diverse urban landscape.