As millions of single men in China navigate a dating landscape fraught with challenges, a documentary titled "The Dating Game" follows the journey of participants in a dating camp led by a dating coach. With a staggering surplus of men due to historical social policies, the film delves into the personal and societal factors that shape their experiences in seeking love in a rapidly changing China.
Bridging the Gap: China's Surplus Men Seek Love Through Dating Camp

Bridging the Gap: China's Surplus Men Seek Love Through Dating Camp
A new documentary unpacks the struggles of single men in China amidst a stark gender imbalance, exploring the social pressures they face and their quest for romance through the unconventional setting of a dating camp.
China is facing an overwhelming challenge: with approximately 30 million more men than women, many single men find themselves struggling to connect with potential partners. "The Dating Game," a documentary directed by Violet Du Feng, highlights the personal journeys of three men—Li, Wu, and Zhou—who attend a week-long dating camp led by renowned dating coach Hao. Participants are guided through a series of makeover sessions and unconventional dating techniques meant to boost their confidence and appeal to women.
The documentary sheds light on the broader issues affecting these men, particularly the remnants of China's one-child policy, which has resulted in a significant gender imbalance. The policy, initiated in 1980, created enduring social repercussions that can still be felt today in this environment of heightened male competitiveness for affection and marriage.
Coach Hao, who boasts a successful romantic relationship of his own, offers his clients strategies to improve their dating prospects, including a mix of charm and humor—despite their discomfort with the authenticity of some of his methods. Zhou, in particular, grapples with feelings of guilt as he's prompted to represent himself in ways that don’t align with his true character.
In a cultural context where societal expectations press heavily upon men to marry and provide, the documentary captures not just the humorous but also the poignant struggles of its protagonists as they try to forge meaningful connections with women. Dr. Zheng Mu from the National University of Singapore elaborates on the stigma faced by unmarried men, describing the financial and emotional pressures they endure.
Furthermore, the film touches on the implications of technology in modern dating, exploring the rise of virtual boyfriends as an alternative for many women who find real-life connections too taxing. As women increasingly turn to digital companionship, Du Feng highlights the challenges men face in meeting evolving romantic expectations amidst traditional gender norms.
As the men embark on their dating adventures, they confront their insecurities and confront deeply rooted familial issues, with the context of their upbringing playing a significant role in their ability to connect with others. The film promotes a message of resilience and the importance of self-acceptance as the men navigate the trials of love and self-discovery.
In the end, "The Dating Game" serves as both a comedic and heartfelt exploration into the lives of these men, as well as a commentary on the contemporary social climate in China. With its premiere in UK cinemas this autumn, audiences are left reflecting on the universal themes of connection, acceptance, and the pursuit of love in an increasingly lonely world.