Zhang Li, one of the chorus members, was a motivating factor for Luo to make the film. Zhang had a stable job and happy family life after she graduated from high school, until 2019. That year, she went through a divorce, moved out of her ex-husband's house, struggled for financial independence, and battled personal trauma — for the very first time in her life.
"I had never lived alone. I, a divorced 45-year-old woman, had only 2,000 yuan ($276.2) in my pocket. I had no money, no house, no job. Moreover, I had my teenage daughter and elderly mother to care for. I had to find a way to live, for them and myself," Zhang told Luo.
Luo saw Zhang's determination in the eyes and was encouraged to find Zhang's resolve in her other fellows and eventually, in herself. As she reconnected with her former classmates, she uncovered the winding paths they each walked, through marriage, career, love, family and ambition, to where they are today.
"The stories in Shanghai Girls are the stories of a generation of women. They are your classmates, your friends and your colleagues. They are your wives, mothers and sisters. You pass by them every day on the street," writes Luo about the documentary, describing it as a portrait of a generation, a collection of rarely-told stories of middle-aged women, and a complex chorus of voices in harmony.
Luo fixed her lens on dozens of women in the documentary, among whom Zhang's struggle has impressed and echoed with many audiences. At that time, she was trying hard to rebuild her life and her inner self. Busy with work, yoga lessons and side hustles, she was forced to figure out her goals. Going through loads of ups and downs, about five years after filming, Zhang — who just celebrated her 50th birthday — finally overcame her challenges and is thriving in a new chapter of life as the owner of a sports studio.
"I feel living a life is like walking on a path with an empty pocket, during which you collect your experiences and stories and put them into the pocket to make it full. They are never right nor wrong, but are all your harvests that indicate new possibilities. For me, I see my divorce as a good thing, as it closed one chapter but opened a new one in my life," says Zhang with a bright smile.
Currently teaching yoga and other sports with partner, Zhang enjoys every moment of her life with a sense of accomplishment. Looking back at herself in the documentary, she clearly sees her growth inside and is grateful for the challenges. Previously a hothead, she is now calmer and balanced as she prioritizes health and happiness and finds inner peace.
"The documentary is like a gift for us all. We may go through different situations and have various stories, but we share a similar journey — discovering ourselves. Life is full of possibilities. We never know where our next step will lead us," Zhang tells China Daily. "But there will be a moment or point where you realize that every step you have taken has prepared you for the life ahead and brought you there, eventually and smoothly. We have arrived, as you can see for yourself."
