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๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ผ Taiwan /Culture & Society

Gigi Leung Plays Bankrupt Tycoon in Uplifting Futsal Film 'Zero to Hero'

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • Gigi Leung stars as a bankrupt businesswoman in the inspirational film "Zero to Hero."
  • The movie, based on a true story, follows underprivileged children using futsal to change their destinies.
  • Leung endured intense heat while filming soccer scenes under the summer sun.

Actress Gigi Leung takes on the role of a once-successful entrepreneur who loses everything in the inspirational film "Zero to Hero." The movie, adapted from a true story, centers on a group of children from disadvantaged backgrounds who strive to alter their fates through the sport of futsal. The narrative uses the challenges of the soccer field to mirror life's obstacles, highlighting the children's resilience and their pursuit of dreams against adversity.

Directors seem to like arranging for me to play characters who have fallen on hard times, which naturally creates a sense of comedy.

โ€” Gigi LeungLeung discusses her role as a bankrupt businesswoman and her comedic portrayal.

"Zero to Hero" features five young actors, including Joey Chuk, a current player for the Hong Kong U16 soccer team, whose authentic skills enhance the film's realism. Also appearing is Lin Nok, who previously won Best New Performer at the Hong Kong Film Awards for "The Sparring Partner," and Chen Ting-no, known as the "genius young drummer." Their performances are expected to bring sincerity and vibrant energy to the film.

Leung described her character as a "strong businesswoman" who experiences a dramatic downfall after trusting the wrong people. She found humor in playing a character who, despite bankruptcy, maintains a powerful demeanor, especially appearing in a suit on the soccer field. Leung noted that directors often cast her in roles of characters facing hardship, which she feels naturally lends itself to comedic effect, recalling a similar experience in "Love is a Many-to-One Thing."

We often filmed in temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. The adults were almost dried out by the sun, feeling dizzy from the heat, but the children had endless energy.

โ€” Gigi LeungLeung describes the challenging filming conditions under the summer sun.

Filming took place during the summer holidays to accommodate the child actors' school schedules, requiring extensive shooting under the blazing sun. Leung recalled the intense heat, often exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, which left the adults feeling drained. Despite the conditions, the children maintained boundless energy, playing in the sun even after filming wrapped. Leung also shared that if her own daughter wished to pursue a career as a singer or dancer, she would fully support her, emphasizing that career success ultimately depends on fate.

If she wants to be a singer or dancer in the future, I will support her in doing what she loves. As for whether she can become a professional, that depends on fate.

โ€” Gigi LeungLeung expresses her support for her daughter's potential career aspirations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.