With “Hi, Mom” and recent transformative role, Jia Ling captures hearts and box office glory

In an impressive feat of cinematic success, Jia Ling has become the fourth actress in mainland China to see the cumulative box office gross of her films surpass the monumental figure of 10 billion yuan (US$1.4 billion). This remarkable achievement places her alongside other esteemed actresses such as Ma Li, Zhou Dongyu, and Zhang Xiaofei, who have similarly transcended this threshold, as reported by the Dengta movie industry statistics app.

Jia Ling’s journey to stardom has been both inspiring and unique, evolving from her early days as a cross-talk performer and comic actress in Beijing, to her current status as the world’s highest-grossing woman movie director. Her films, particularly “Hi, Mom” and the recent “Re La Gun Tang” (You Only Live Once), have resonated deeply with audiences, propelling her to unprecedented box office heights.

“Hi, Mom,” Jia Ling’s directorial debut, is a poignant tribute to her mother, who tragically died in a road accident. The film’s heartfelt narrative and Jia’s compelling performance garnered over 5 billion yuan (US$695 million) at the box office. Her follow-up project, “Re La Gun Tang,” adapted from the Japanese film “100 Yen Love,” continued her winning streak, amassing 3.4 billion yuan since its February 10 debut. Jia not only directed but also starred in both films, showcasing her multifaceted talent.

Jia’s recent transformation for “Re La Gun Tang,” where she shed 50kg to authentically portray her character’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment through boxing, has been a focal point of admiration. This drastic physical change further cemented her dedication to her craft and her ability to connect with her audience on a profound level.

While Jia Ling’s box office success has ignited widespread acclaim and support from fans, it has also sparked debate among critics regarding the substance of her work. Despite differing opinions, Jia’s achievements reflect her undeniable impact on the Chinese film industry and her role as a trailblazer for women in cinema.

As Jia Ling continues to explore new projects and stories, her influence extends beyond the box office, inspiring aspiring filmmakers and actors with her perseverance, creativity, and heartfelt storytelling.