Film, this canvas woven of light and shadow, has never been merely a storytelling machine. It is deeply rooted in the soil of a specific culture, breathing the spirit of a nation. Women on screen often become the most sensitive and powerful carriers of this spirit. They are mothers, daughters, rebels, and protectors. Their destinies and inner worlds, like a prism, reflect the texture of national culture, the scars of history, and the tremors and quests faced by the tides of time. This article explores the complex relationship between "roots" and "wings" in film, which both nourishes and competes with each other. A close examination of significant film texts reveals that national culture is more than superficial embellishment. It is hidden in the legends recounted by the elderly, in the complex rituals of weddings and funerals, in the customs nurtured by local conditions, and even more so in the invisible rules and beliefs that constrain people's behavior. These "roots" profoundly influence what women in film can and should do, empowering them while also drawing an invisible circle. Conversely, the women on screen-their bodies, their struggles, their silences or cries-have become the most vivid symbols that speak to, protect, and even challenge these "roots." From being categorized as "virtuous wives and mothers" or "female troublemakers" in the early years to increasingly complex portrayals of women living their own lives, the evolution of female characters is itself a microcosm of the national psyche. Ultimately, understanding the symbiosis and struggle between "roots" and "wings" is not only about understanding film, but also about understanding ourselves. In today's world where globalization threatens to smooth everything over, how can the art of film, through the stories of women, both preserve a nation's unique soul and grow wings for free flight.
Yue Zhang (Thu,) studied this question.