Girlfriends
Girlfriends (2025), directed by Tracy Choi, is a Cantonese-language coming-of-age LGBTQ romance film that explores the journey of self-discovery through the protagonist, Lok, across three distinct periods of her life at ages 17, 22, and 34. Set against the backdrops of Macau, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, the movie delves into Lok's queer relationships and her evolving understanding of identity, love, and societal expectations. The film has been described as an intimate drama focusing on emotional growth, navigating complex relationships, and the search for an authentic self. While critically acclaimed for its performances and narrative, it contains mature themes and explicit sexual content.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighThe film is centrally an LGBTQ romance, explicitly portraying multiple same-sex relationships involving the protagonist, Lok, across different stages of her life. Themes of self-acceptance and navigating societal and familial pressures related to queer identity are integral to the plot.
Lok, at 34, lives with her girlfriend Bei Bei in Hong Kong, and their relationship is a central point of conflict regarding conventional life choices. At 22, Lok (as 'Choi') is depicted in a 'passionate sex life' with her girlfriend Kai-ching in Taiwan. The film also highlights the 'denial of Lok's parents to acknowledge her orientation' in the Taiwan chapter, underscoring the social pressures faced by queer individuals.
Romance and Sexual Content
HighThe film contains explicit and daring depictions of intimate relationships between same-sex partners. Reviews specifically mention 'passionate sex life' and 'large-scale erotic scenes,' for which a professional intimacy coordinator was utilized during production.
The middle chapter, featuring Lok at age 22 (as 'Choi') and her girlfriend Kai-ching, 'turns particularly steamy, with no fewer than three sex scenes.' Actors Deng Tao and Han Ning, who portray Choi and Kai-ching, engaged in 'daring intimate scenes' and 'passionate kissing scenes' that garnered significant attention.
Profanity
MediumThe film includes at least mild profanity, as evidenced by a character's quote expressing defiance or resignation. While not described as pervasive, its presence is noted in key moments of self-realization.
The protagonist, Lok, explicitly states 'She decides—screw it. She'll live happily with Bei Bei, and continue forging her own extraordinary path,' indicating the use of mild profanity.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumWhile not a horror film, 'Girlfriends (2025)' explores emotionally intense themes related to identity, complex relationships, heartbreak, and internal struggles. The protagonist's journey involves significant emotional turmoil and societal pressures.
Lok's journey involves 'heartbreak, growth, and the enduring courage to love again' through her three relationships. She also 'struggles under the weight of stalled ambitions and a relationship... who yearns for stability,' creating emotional tension. The 'denial of Lok's parents to acknowledge her orientation' also contributes to the film's emotional intensity.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe film features instances of characters displaying defiance against societal norms and expectations. This includes a character's participation in a social protest and the protagonist's overarching decision to pursue a life path that challenges conventional ideas of happiness and stability.
At 22, Lok (as 'Choi') 'shows her assertive side on campus by protesting the closure of the city's legal brothels.' Lok's ultimate decision to 'embrace her true self and being carefree' and 'live happily with Bei Bei, and continue forging her own extraordinary path' can be interpreted as a rebellion against societal pressures for a more conventional heterosexual and settled life.
Violence
LowNo instances of graphic physical violence, fight scenes, gore, or war are mentioned in the available plot summaries or reviews. The conflicts within the film are primarily emotional and psychological, focusing on relationship dynamics and internal struggles.
There are no verified examples of physical violence in the film's description or reviews.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere is no information suggesting the presence of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, spells, or supernatural elements within the narrative of the film.
No verified examples of witchcraft or occult content were found in the available film descriptions or reviews.
Substance Use
LowThe available plot summaries and reviews for 'Girlfriends (2025)' do not mention any instances of alcohol consumption, drug use, smoking, or themes of addiction.
No verified examples of substance use were found in the available information.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThere is no indication of anti-Christian themes, explicit criticism, mockery of Christian beliefs, or the depiction of sacrilegious acts in the film's plot or reviews. The narrative appears to operate within a secular framework.
No verified examples of anti-Christian themes were found in the available information.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Age 17+ (Mature Teens and Adults). This recommendation is based on the film's explicit portrayal of same-sex romantic relationships, including passionate and daring intimate scenes. Additionally, the narrative addresses complex emotional struggles, societal pressures regarding LGBTQ identity, and themes of self-discovery that are best suited for more mature audiences.
Additional Notes
It is important to note that there are other films and a miniseries released in 2025 with similar titles (e.g., 'The Girlfriend' a Telugu romantic drama, and 'The Girlfriend' a psychological thriller miniseries). This analysis strictly pertains to the Cantonese-language coming-of-age LGBTQ romance film 'Girlfriends (2025)' (女孩不平凡) directed by Tracy Choi. The film's official rating in Hong Kong is IIB, meaning 'Not suitable for young children, some content may be disturbing.'
Related Reviews
Is Girlfriends right for your family?
These concerns are a starting point — what many Christian parents care about. Want to screen for other themes? Define your own concerns.
Screen any book, movie, or show — even titles no one else has reviewed.
“StoryScanner gives us clarity and confidence. It's become our go-to for checking books at the library and movies on family night.”
— Cristi & Brian, Dallas TX
“StoryScanner has been such a BLESSING for researching books for our children. You can set filters for your concerns, enter a book title, and it lets you know what's present.”
— Christian Book Reviews for Families (Facebook)
No credit card required