Zhao Liying's recent role in the new movie We Girls has sparked fierce debate (between those who think she portrays her character as neither clean nor extremely dirty) in her own sly take of gritty thoughts and possibly not-so-good alter ego.

Directed by renowned filmmaker Feng Xiaogang, the film tells the story of Gao Yuexiang, a woman forced to navigate a harsh, unforgiving world in order to provide for her disabled husband and young daughter.

Released during the Qingming Festival, We Girls has grossed over 70 million yuan (approx. 9.7 million USD) in just three days, securing the second spot among holiday releases.

The film is receiving praise for its raw portrayal of resilience and the struggles of women trapped in cycles of poverty, crime, and societal stigma.

Zhao Liying plays Gao Yuexiang, a character who, despite being uneducated and financially destitute, refuses to back down when her family is at stake.

Zhao Liying explained her character better.

Throughout the film, Zhao's character faces bullying, fights back, and works tirelessly to secure a better future for her daughter.

We Girls is a portrait of a woman who breaks every rule to protect her child, but also a woman full of contradictions—tough, yet compassionate," said Zhao Liying, reflecting on the complexity of her role.

"She's a sunflower growing from weeds, constantly seeking light in a dark world."

Zhao's performance has earned widespread acclaim from critics who are calling it one of the best of her career.

Many Weibo users have proclaimed it her most emotionally powerful role to date, noting her ability to transform into a character that is both fierce and deeply human.

Still, others have complained that the film's no-holds-barred depiction of profanity, rapacity and duplicity are also troubling.

Some viewers argue that the film's tone is too harsh, and the character's frequent profanity crosses the line into excess.

One critic remarked, "Zhao's role feels a bit too extreme, pushing the boundaries of realism into an uncomfortable place."

Despite these concerns, We Girls' success at the box office has been undeniable, with its modest production budget of 15 million yuan already well surpassed.

Zhao, who also served as a producer on the film, reportedly declined an actor's fee, choosing instead to invest her earnings into the project.

Its brazen themes combined with its raw, unflinching nature have brought it both acclaim and controversy, leading some to wonder whether or not the nature of this content will have ramifications for the film's box office legs in the coming weeks.

Representations of the female characters, especially that of Gao Yuexiang, thinks beyond the typical with Zhao Liying embracing the complexity of the suffering woman while also rejecting the more traditional narratives that seem to have boxed in her past roles.

In interviews, Zhao Liying acknowledged the controversy surrounding the film but stood by her decision to take on the role.

"I wanted to do something different," she said.

"It's not just about playing the good or the beautiful. It's about showing the raw, real parts of life."

We Girls is expected to continue its box office run, and the ongoing conversation surrounding Zhao Liying's performance shows no signs of dying down.