Hi, Mom

"Hi, Mom" is a 2021 Chinese comedy-drama directed and co-written by Jia Ling, marking her directorial debut and drawing from her personal experiences. The film follows Jia Xiaoling (Jia Ling), a young woman who, after the tragic death of her mother Li Huanying (Zhang Xiaofei) in 2001, is mysteriously transported back to 1981. In the past, she befriends her young mother, aiming to improve her life by setting her up with the promising young man Shen Guanglin (Shen Teng). However, her attempts to alter the future lead to unforeseen consequences, prompting her to reevaluate her relationship with her mother and understand the depth of her love and sacrifices. The film explores themes of family values, maternal love, and filial piety, blending elements of comedy and drama. Critics praised "Hi, Mom," and its take of more than $848 million made it the third-biggest earner of 2021. No solo female director had a bigger hit until "Barbie" in 2023. The film was honored at the 36th China Popular Film Awards and the 19th China Huabiao Awards.