The Dumpling Queen: A Melodramatic Biopic of Wanchai Ferry’s Founder

In “The Dumpling Queen,” veteran director Andrew Lau Wai-keung attempts to bring to life the remarkable story of Zang Jianhe, the founder of the renowned Hong Kong food brand Wanchai Ferry. However, despite the inspiring real-life backdrop, the film struggles to deliver a compelling narrative, offering a largely uninspired and melodramatic retelling of the rags-to-riches journey. Set in the late 1970s and 1980s, the film follows Zang’s path from a struggling immigrant to the owner of an internationally recognized food brand.

The story begins in 1977 when Zang, a young mother of two daughters, leaves her family in Qingdao to reunite with her husband in Hong Kong. Upon arriving at the border, she learns that her husband has abandoned her for another woman. Heartbroken, Zang decides to leave him and start a new life in the city. With the help of a kind landlady, she finds a place to stay in Causeway Bay and begins working long hours in various menial jobs. After suffering a workplace injury, Zang starts selling her homemade dumplings at the Wan Chai Pier, which eventually leads to her success.

While the basic premise of Zang’s rise to prominence is undoubtedly captivating, the film falters in its execution. The episodic nature of the narrative often feels disjointed, and the film’s attempts to add dramatic flair seem forced and contrived. For instance, a scene in which Zang, armed with a meat cleaver, wins over a gangster boss feels more like a scripted moment from a corporate marketing story than an authentic depiction of her struggle.

The film’s characterization of Zang is similarly one-dimensional, with Ma Li portraying the role without the charm or humor that could have added depth to the character. Zang’s eventual success feels more like a sanitized, feel-good version of events, reminiscent of a brand promotional video. Even the film’s romantic subplot with a sympathetic policeman lacks the emotional engagement needed to elevate the story.

Ultimately, “The Dumpling Queen” offers a surface-level depiction of a remarkable life, but fails to capture the true essence of Zang’s journey. The film’s lack of depth and over-sentimentalization of her story leaves much to be desired, reducing what could have been an inspiring tale into a forgettable biopic.

READ MORE:

• The Dumpling Queen: A Cliché Biopic of Hong Kong’s Wanchai Ferry Founder
• Zang Chaiyuan’s Unique Twist on Traditional Buns Becomes Overnight Sensation
• “No Good Deed”: A Comedy of Secrets, Grief, and Real Estate