Stirring drama about coping with illness a Golden Goblet contender

By Joyce Xu

Chinese drama film “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” a heartwarming story about mentally challenged people, is vying for this year's Golden Goblet Awards Main Competition at the 26th Shanghai International Film Festival. 

The cast of the movie met with media on June 16 to share stories about their production. 

The film is helmed by post ‘90s generation director Wei Shujun, whose credits include “Only the River Flows” and “Ripples of Life.”

Its story revolves around a mentally challenged man who lives a happy life with his optimistic mother. But after she is diagnosed with severe cancer, the man chooses to react differently than his elder brother and try to save her.

Veteran actor Huang Xiaoming spent more than a month dining, talking and studying with mentally challenged people in preparation for the role.

He also gained over 15kg in weight and paid visits to the families of persons with intellectual disability to better portray the role.

“I am a family-oriented person,” said Huang. “I love this script and the story of this special group of people touched me.”

He spoke highly of young director Wei’s distinct expressive approach to the story and characters, adding that it had been his long-time wish to cooperate with him.

Though many of his former works are critically acclaimed, director Wei said he is eager to make new breakthroughs with each film project.

“I hope to tell stories with new creative approaches,” said Wei. “I will continue my exploration in scriptwriting and cinematography.”