Her Heart Beats in its Cage

Her Heart Beats in its Cage (2025)



监狱来的妈妈

0.0 2025 86 min China

Director: Qin Xiaoyu

Cast: Zhao Xiaohong, Jingqi Zhang, Junyan Wang, Zhang Haoyu, Liu Shuyi

Drama
After serving a decade behind bars for her husband’s death, Hong is granted a surprising chance to shorten her sentence—thanks to her work in the prison’s art program. Meanwhile, her son Lele has grown up under his grandmother’s care, never ready for the day his mother would come back. When they finally reunite, Lele meets her with nothing but distance and coldness. Caught between a lonely grandmother desperate to keep him and a world quick to judge former inmates, can Hong ever break free from the invisible chains of her past and find her own happiness?

More About This Film

Her Heart Beats in its Cage is a family drama directed by Qin Xiaoyu, featuring a screenplay co-written by Qin Xiaoyu, Su Jingyuan, and Tang Xiaobai. The film stars Zhao Xiaohong, Zhang Haoyu, and Liu Shuyi in key roles. It tells the story of Hong, who serves a ten-year prison sentence for killing her husband. Due to her contributions to an inmate art troupe, she receives a reduced sentence. Her son, Lele, has been raised by his grandmother and struggles to reconnect with her upon their reunion, often treating her with coldness amidst a society that remains unsympathetic to former inmates.

  • The production team presented the film at the 73rd San Sebastian International Film Festival on September 24, 2025.
  • The movie was officially scheduled for theatrical release in mainland China on May 30, 2026.
  • It is produced by Shanghai Zhijiu Film & Television Media Co., Ltd., Beijing Shengshi Turen Film, and Shanghai Elephant Partner Film Industry.
  • The film runs for 86 minutes and is presented in Mandarin.

Where to Watch

As of the latest available information, the theatrical release and distribution details for this title are subject to change due to reported industry updates regarding its scheduling.

  • IMDb – Official listing and credits information
  • Douban – Chinese film database and user reviews
  • Fandango – Theatrical ticket availability (subject to release confirmation)
  • Apple TV – Rental or purchase options (pending digital release)
  • Netflix – Streaming availability (pending regional licensing)