Michelle Yeoh returns to Chinese-language cinema with inspiring comedy

Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh is returning to Chinese-language cinema with It's My Time, an uplifting comedy inspired by a true story that celebrates perseverance and the courage to embrace new challenges.

Scheduled to open in Chinese mainland theaters on July 3, the film stars Yeoh as Zhao Yanhong, an elderly woman who moves into a nursing home after falling ill. There, she unexpectedly discovers a passion for solving the Rubik's Cube after taking lessons from a young instructor (portrayed by actor Liu Haoran) hired by the facility.

Showing an extraordinary aptitude for the puzzle, Zhao soon attracts the attention of a talent agency eager to turn her into an overnight internet sensation. Subjected to grueling training sessions lasting up to 18 hours a day, she is pushed to the brink of physical exhaustion. Ultimately, however, her genuine love for "speedcubing" and the encouragement of her young teacher helped her reclaim her confidence and return to competition on her own terms.

The film's Beijing premiere was held earlier this month, bringing together Yeoh, the cast and crew, Zhao Wenying, and the real-life Rubik's Cube enthusiast whose story inspired the production.

Born in Lishui, Zhejiang province, Zhao, now 70, was once a mathematics teacher. She first learned to solve the Rubik's Cube in 2014 after her granddaughter sparked her interest, using online tutorials to teach herself solving techniques.

Her persistence paid off. In 2021, at 65, she became the world's oldest person to pass the professional B-level speedcubing certification. She also holds the world record in the over-60 age category for solving a 3x3 Rubik's Cube blindfolded, completing the challenge in just 3 minutes and 33 seconds.

Watching the film for a second time at the premiere, Zhao said she was deeply touched by it. "The film is full of passion, warmth and touching relationships between family members, teachers and students. I feel very fortunate that my story has inspired such a wonderful movie," she said.

Yeoh, visibly moved by Zhao's remarks, said the real-life story had inspired her as well. "Her story gave me hope and the courage to keep acting," she said. "Life is like a Rubik's Cube. It takes courage to scramble it and wisdom to put it back together. As long as you never give up, you can always rely on yourself to create endless possibilities."