Watch I Am Not Madame Bovary

"I Am Not Madame Bovary," is a 2016 Chinese film directed by Feng Xiaogang and starring Chengpeng Dong, Bingbing Fan, and Wei Fan. The movie is based on a novel of the same name by Liu Zhenyun and is a comedy-drama that tells the story of a woman named Li Xuelian who seeks revenge from the Chinese government for calling her a "Madame Bovary."

The plot revolves around Li Xuelian, a woman from a rural village in China who marries her boyfriend in order to obtain a fake divorce certificate. Her plan is to use the certificate to secure a second apartment. However, her husband betrays her, and she loses both the apartment and her reputation. The incident results in her being labeled as a "Madame Bovary," a term used in China to describe a woman who is both unfaithful and selfish.

Li Xuelian is determined to clear her name and regain her lost reputation, and she decides to take legal action. She files a lawsuit against her ex-husband and the village chief, who had refused to help her in her time of need. However, her case is dismissed, and Li Xuelian must take her case to a higher court. Her determination to clear her name leads her to file multiple lawsuits in different courts, even going as far as to travel to Beijing to seek justice.

As Li Xuelian's case makes its way through the courts, she encounters numerous obstacles and setbacks. She faces corruption, bureaucracy, and sexism at every turn. However, she refuses to give up, and her persistence begins to attract media attention. Soon, she becomes a national symbol of justice and courage, and her case becomes a cause célèbre.

"I Am Not Madame Bovary" is a satirical commentary on Chinese bureaucracy and the legal system. The film ridicules the inefficiency and corruption of the Chinese legal system, which Li Xuelian must navigate in order to seek justice. The movie also critiques the way women are treated in Chinese society, highlighting the sexism that Li Xuelian faces throughout her legal battle.

The film is visually stunning, with beautiful cinematography that captures the vast Chinese landscapes and provides a sharp contrast to the scenes of urban life. The movie's pacing is deliberate, mirroring Li Xuelian's slow and methodical legal battle. The film's humor is subtle and ironic, and the themes are universal, making it highly relatable to audiences beyond China.

Chengpeng Dong delivers a standout performance as Li Xuelian, expertly nuanced in her portrayal of a woman wronged by her ex-husband and the Chinese legal system. Bingbing Fan also shines as her friend and confidante who accompanies her on her legal battles. Wei Fan is also noteworthy for his portrayal of the corrupt local official who initiates Li Xuelian's problems.

"I Am Not Madame Bovary" was highly acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, winning the Platform Prize at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival. The film also received numerous other awards, including the Best Actress Award at the San Sebastian International Film Festival for Chengpeng Dong's performance as Li Xuelian.

Overall, "I Am Not Madame Bovary" is a powerful and thought-provoking film that showcases the struggles of a woman seeking justice in the face of corruption and bureaucracy. The film's themes of persistence, justice, and courage are universal and resonate deeply with audiences.

I Am Not Madame Bovary is a 2016 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 65.