| The Dumpling Queen | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Traditional Chinese | 水餃皇后 |
| Simplified Chinese | 水饺皇后 |
| Hanyu Pinyin | Shuǐjiǎo huánghòu |
| Directed by | Andrew Lau |
| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography |
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| Edited by | Lin Zhuangyu |
| Music by | Chan Kwong-wing |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | CMC Pictures |
Release date |
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Running time | 119 minutes |
| Country | China |
| Languages | Mandarin Cantonese |
| Budget | ¥80 million[1] |
| Box office | US$52.8 million[2] |
The Dumpling Queen (Chinese: 水饺皇后) is a 2025 Chinese biographical drama film co-produced and directed by Andrew Lau.[3] Starring Ma Li as the titular character, the film is adapted from the entrepreneurial journey of Chong Kin-wo, the founder of the Hong Kong frozen food brand, Wanchai Ferry.[4] It tells the story of her struggle from being a single mother who fled to Hong Kong to becoming a well-known entrepreneur. The film was released in China on April 30, 2025.
Synopsis
In the 1980s, at the beginning of China's Reform and opening-up when the economy was rapidly taking off, many entrepreneurs rode the rising wave of commerce. During this time, Chong Kin-wo, who had come from Shandong, was unexpectedly forced to remain in Hong Kong. To make a living, she began selling her family's traditional northern-style dumplings, gradually building what would become a globally popular dumpling brand.
With her two daughters, Madame Chong struggled to survive in a foreign place with no support. Since she had nothing, she resolved to rely on herself to carve out a new life. Despite being deceived by employers, worn down by illness, and crushed by hardship, her unyielding spirit would one day win applause from all who once doubted her. She is also supported by kindhearted neighbors such as Ms. Hung, Mr. Hua, and Uncle Tong sui.
Cast
- Ma Li as Chong Kin-wo
- Kara Wai as Ms. Hung
- Zhu Yawen as Mr. Hua
- Wong Cho-lam as Mr. Gam
- Fiona Sit as Rose
- Michael Tse as Stanry
- Pan Binlong as Ice-cream Bing
- Ben Yuen as Tong sui bo
- Elena Kong as Sister Zan
- Tai Bo as Happy Uncle
- Cheung Tat-ming as Mr. Spicy Tart
- Wang Jiayi as adult Peng Peng
- Ashley Lam as adult Bei Bei
Production
Filming officially started on October 5, 2023, at the Xiqiao National Arts Film Studio in Foshan, Guangdong.[5][6] On November 22, 2023, it was announced that filming had wrapped up.[7]
Accolades
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient(s) | Results | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 38th Golden Rooster Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Ben Yuen | Won | [8][9] |
| Best Supporting Actress | Kara Wai | Nominated | |||
| Best Music | Chen Guangrong, Li Minglang | Nominated |
References
- ^ "沈腾现身马丽新片路演 包场乌龙引爆话题". ent.china.com. 29 April 2025. Archived from the original on 4 May 2025. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
- ^ "The Dumpling Queen". The Numbers. Nash Information Services, LLC. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
- ^ "水饺皇后". Maoyan. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
- ^ "China Box Office: 'The Dumpling Queen' Holds No. 1 for Third Straight Weekend, 'Ne Zha 2' Going Strong". Variety. 19 May 2024. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
- ^ "刘伟强新作《水饺皇后》开机 马丽惠英红演绎传奇女性奋斗史". NetEase. 7 October 2023. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
- ^ "《水饺皇后》开机了！". Sina. 7 October 2023. Archived from the original on 7 October 2023. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
- ^ "马丽、惠英红、朱亚文新片《水饺皇后》杀青，改编自真实故事_传奇_徐美琳_女性". Sohu. 23 November 2023. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
- ^ Ji Zhengpeng (姬政鹏) (26 September 2025). 第38届中国电影金鸡奖提名名单公布，《志愿军：存亡之战》获7项提名领跑. Tencent (in Chinese). Retrieved 6 November 2025.
- ^ Zheng Liang, Wu Jianfeng (15 November 2025). "第38届中国电影金鸡奖揭晓 《好东西》获得最佳故事片奖". Xinhua. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
External links
- The Dumpling Queen at IMDb
