The Dating Game: China's Millionaire Men Seek Love Amid Gender Imbalance

With millions of single men competing for love in China, the documentary "The Dating Game" explores how a dating camp led by coach Hao aims to help them find connections. Amid societal expectations and pressures, participants grapple with the implications of a changing landscape in marriage and relationships.

In China, the search for love has become increasingly challenging for men, with an astonishing surplus of 30 million more men than women. As highlighted in the new documentary "The Dating Game," directed by Violet Du Feng, single men in China are turning to unconventional methods, such as dating camps, to improve their chances of finding a partner. The documentary follows Hao, a dating coach with over 3,000 clients, and his three participants—Li, Wu, and Zhou—as they undergo a week-long training program designed to enhance their dating skills.

The film delves into the men's backgrounds, focusing on the aftermath of the one-child policy established in 1980, which has contributed significantly to the gender disparity. With traditional preferences for male children leading to numerous social issues, today's generation faces immense pressure to marry, especially with societal expectations surrounding financial and social status. Dr. Zheng Mu from the National University of Singapore underscores how these pressures create a stigma for men deemed "unmarriageable," increasing their mental strain.

As the men navigate their dating experience in Chongqing, one of China's largest cities, they undergo makeovers and practice questionable dating strategies, such as the "push and pull" technique. However, their journeys to create appealing online personas raise ethical concerns about authenticity. Zhou expresses discomfort with the fabricated image crafted by Hao, leading to a broader discussion about authenticity in the digital age.

Additionally, the documentary touches on the phenomenon of virtual boyfriends, reflecting the inadequacies of real-life dating and the emotional toll it takes on women. With many young Chinese women finding solace in online relationships rather than traditional courtship, the film showcases the challenges of balancing modern romance with societal norms.

Ultimately, "The Dating Game" portrays a poignant narrative of self-discovery for the men involved, emphasizing the collective crisis of loneliness they face. As they learn to embrace their identities and navigate the complexities of dating, the film concludes with a hopeful message about connection and understandings within the harsh realities of modern love. The documentary is currently screening in select UK cinemas this autumn, sparking conversations about relationships in contemporary China.