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Between Family and Society: How Does The Determination to Leave Reconstruct the Gender Power Map?

Author(s)

Lingyao Jiang1, Pinghua Liu2,*

Affiliation(s)

1School of Finance and Economics, Guangdong University of Science and Technology, Dongguan, China 2School of General Education, Guangdong University of Science and Technology, Dongguan, China *Corresponding Author

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the film The Determination to Leave directed by Yin Lichuan and deeply analyzes how the film reconstructs the gender power map. By depicting Li Hong's experience of resource deprivation due to son preference and emotional neglect in her original family, her marriage becomes an intergenerational replication of the original trauma, leading to self-cognition deviation. Through plot elements such as violent scenes and self-driving tours, the film uses pain narrative and symbolic systems to metaphorize women's awakening, achieving a spiritual breakthrough from physical trauma and an identity reconstruction from spatial oppression. The choice of Li Hong's daughter, Sun Xiaoxue, reflects the intergenerational transmission of awakening. With its unique narrative and audio-visual language, the film reveals the issue of gender inequality in family and social structures, providing profound thoughts and inspirations for promoting the innovation of family concepts, gender equality in the workplace, and the inclusive development of society. At the same time, by adding a new chapter titled "Cultural Field: The Implicit Discipline of Gender Power", it further explores the operation mechanism of gender power at the cultural level and deepens the interpretation of the film's theme.

Keywords

The Determination to Leave; Gender Power; Trauma from the Original Family; Women's Awakening; Intergenerational Transmission

References

[1] Li Ting, Yu Haijun. Ethical Changes, Role Reshaping, and the Image in the Mirror: The "Sentimental" Narrative of The Determination to Leave. Film Literature, 2025, (02): 160-164. [2] Rudolf Arnheim. Art and Visual Perception. Sichuan People's Publishing House, 1998. [3] Zhu Wenfang. The Film My Sister from the Feminist Perspective. Home Drama, 2021, (36): 168-169. [4] Wang Zhilei. The Dilemma of Female Identity and Spiritual Crisis in Kim Ji-young, Born in 1982. Appreciation of Masterpieces, 2023, (08): 110-112. [5] Zhan Yanpeng. The Local Construction of the Theory of Female Characters in the Film The Determination to Leave. New Legend, 2024, (36): 7-9. [6] Judith Butler. Bodies That Matter: On the Discursive Limits of "Sex". SDX Joint Publishing Company, 2011. [7] Liu Jing, Li Jing. The Determination to Leave: The Application of Visual Symbols and Color Narration in Female-themed Films. Film Literature, 2025, (01): 123-127. [8] Zeng Tianshan. On the Gender Bias in Textbook Culture. Journal of Northwest Normal University (Social Sciences), 1995, (04): 34-39. [9] Chen Hua. Gender Symbols and Women's Clothing: A Study of Women's Clothing in Films. Journal of Zhongzhou University, 2010, 27(03): 86-87. [10]Chen Jie. The Determination to Leave: The Enlightenment of a Contemporary "Nora" Leaving Home. Film Art, 2024, (06): 88-91.