Ye Rutang (Siqin Gaowa), a single-living woman in her late fifties, struggles to maintain a dignified life amid the dangers of Shanghai.

Living alone in an apartment, she endures gossipy neighbor Mrs Shui (Lisa Lu) and her pampered cat.

She is pragmatic, frugal and self-reliant, but her old-fashionedness and trusting nature make it difficult for her to fit into Shanghai society.

She decides to leave Shanghai to live with her working-class husband and cook daughter (Zhao Wei) in Anshan, Liaoning.

[1] Perry Lam of Muse gave the film a very positive review: "The Postmodern Life of My Aunt is that rare thing in Hong Kong cinema, one that occupies the shadow land between tragedy and comedy.