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Begin, Again
Movie

Begin, Again

2019 • Unknown

Woke Score
2
out of 10

Plot

The story tells about a 35-year old woman who has been struggling in the city for over 10 years. She meets a younger woman who dreams of a life in the city and a 7-years younger colleague and with the help of the two, her family and friends, she gradually finds her way back to herself again.

Overall Series Review

The film, a Chinese production originally titled *Dear Happy New Year*, centers on Bai Shujin, a woman in her 30s struggling with career pressures and a breakup in Beijing. The narrative is a slice-of-life drama focused on her journey of self-discovery, supported by a younger female roommate and a younger male colleague. The film's core theme is an individual's emotional and career choices against the backdrop of modern urban life, ultimately concluding with the protagonist choosing to return to her hometown to care for her ailing mother. The story is a personal journey about self-love and finding new purpose, using romance and friendship as a supportive framework for the lead's main life decisions.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics1/10

The movie is a Chinese production focused on the secular struggle of a 'Beijing drifter' (an internal migrant to the city). Character struggles are based on meritocracy, career disappointment, and personal ambition, not on an intersectional hierarchy of race or gender. There is no political lecturing or 'vilification of whiteness' as the cast is entirely Asian/Chinese.

Oikophobia1/10

The central conflict is a personal and economic one—the struggle to succeed in a large, modern city and the burden of high rent and work pressure. The film does not frame its home culture, nation, or ancestors as fundamentally corrupt; instead, the resolution involves the protagonist choosing to prioritize her family by returning to her hometown to care for her mother. The narrative focuses on personal resilience within the national context, not civilizational self-hatred.

Feminism5/10

The female lead is the undisputed center of the story as she pursues self-actualization, while the primary male figures serve supportive roles or are portrayed as flawed (her ex-boyfriend is self-centered and cheats on her). The romantic interest, a younger colleague, is secondary to her personal and professional growth, aligning moderately with the 'Girl Boss' trope that prioritizes the woman's path. However, the protagonist's eventual decision to leave her demanding city career to fulfill her duty to her sick mother is a strong pro-family, anti-career-only message.

LGBTQ+1/10

The narrative centers entirely on normative heterosexual relationships, family dynamics, and platonic female friendship. There is no presence of alternative sexual ideologies, deconstruction of the nuclear family, or focus on gender theory to elevate this score beyond the baseline.

Anti-Theism1/10

The film is a contemporary slice-of-life drama that does not engage with organized religion, spirituality, or theology. The focus is purely secular, addressing ambition, personal ethics, and human connection. The concept of morality is based on interpersonal loyalty and self-discovery rather than a critique of or adherence to any traditional faith structure.