In the great TikTok-to-RedNote migration—also known as the latest trend among TikTok refugees—Xiaohongshu (aka RedNote) has become a haven for meaningful discussions, aesthetic inspiration, and, most importantly, women-centric narratives. Unlike TikTok’s, RedNote fosters a community that’s deeply aligned with feminism, self-expression, and empowerment.
On RedNote, a new term has popped up—Man-Splained Cinema (Lao Deng Cinema). It’s a cheeky twist on "Chick Flick," poking fun at male-dominated films full of machismo and sidelined women. The term flips the script, using humor to call out how these films often push women to the background while putting men front and center. It is lighthearted but sharp, reminding us that stories should be for everyone, not just one gender.
What Does Lao Deng Really Mean?
In Chinese, Lao Deng is a slang term with a mocking edge, used to describe men with “dad energy”—patronizing, opinionated, and always sure they’re right. When combined with “cinema,” it becomes a sharp critique of films that prioritize male perspectives while sidelining women.
On RedNote, feminists aren’t just pointing out the problem—they’re reclaiming it with humor and satire, turning these tropes into a conversation worth laughing at and challenging.
Man-Splained Cinema: Grand Narratives, Male Gaze, and Ego Trips
We all know the films. The Godfather. Braveheart. The Great Gatsby. These are the cinematic monoliths of male heroism, where men are the architects of history, destiny, and everything in between. Women? They’re lucky to show up as love interests, muses, or sacrificial lambs.
These movies thrive on machismo and the male gaze, offering “universal” stories that are anything but inclusive. They’re called “epic,” but let’s be real—they’re just epics for men, often framed around male suffering, glory, and legacy.
RedNote users have no qualms about dismantling these so-called masterpieces. Why? Because their narratives are built on the backs of women who never got the chance to tell their stories.
Chick Flicks: Glittery but Groundbreaking
Ah, Chick Flicks—the genre everyone loves to underestimate. These films have been unfairly dismissed as frivolous “guilty pleasures,” but their cultural and feminist value is undeniable.
Take Legally Blonde. On the surface, it’s a bubbly comedy about a pink-clad Harvard Law student. Beneath the glitter, it’s a sharp critique of stereotypes and a celebration of women’s agency.
What makes Chick Flicks revolutionary is their focus on personal, relational, and emotional growth—an antidote to the grandiosity of Man-Splained Cinema. As RedNote users point out, these films normalize female ambition, resilience, and self-discovery, making them essential in the fight against the male gaze.
Why Empowered Women’s Cinema Matter: Feminism with Flair
Empowered Women’s Cinema—what some might call chick flicks—goes far beyond lighthearted entertainment. These films focus on women’s stories, breaking away from traditional male-dominated narratives. They celebrate emotional honesty and show that personal, intimate stories can be just as powerful as epic, action-packed dramas.
On RedNote, many users highlight how these films cleverly deconstruct stereotypes. They challenge societal norms and reimagine what it means to be strong and feminine at the same time.
A Lesbian Twist on the Genre
For lesbian audiences, these films hold an even deeper meaning. Movies like But I’m a Cheerleader and Carol bring the emotional depth of women’s cinema to stories of sapphic love and empowerment. They don’t just push back against the male gaze—they completely rewrite the narrative, showing women as multi-dimensional, loved, and celebrated.
From the Big Screen to the Bedroom: Eros Song’s Connection
At Eros Song, we believe empowerment should extend beyond the screen. As a lesbian-centric brand, we’re here to rewrite the narrative—from the male-dominated to the female-focused, from objectification to celebration.
Our products are designed to center women’s pleasure, emotional connection, and agency. Because whether it’s a movie or a moment of intimacy, women deserve to be at the center of the story. Dive into our blogs and uncover the stories that empower our community.
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