Patrick's 'Soul Returns' in "His Soul and His Bookstore," Dancing in the Rain After Battling Leukemia

Actor Patrick brings a character back from the dead in the Da Ai drama "His Soul and His Bookstore," offering a moment of unexpected joy. His character, Huang Wantong, previously 'departed' after a battle with leukemia, leaving audiences in tears. Now, his 'soul returns' for a scene that pivots from tragedy to a vibrant, almost magical realism.

In a striking departure from his illness, Patrick's character appears in a torrential downpour outside the bookstore run by his co-star, played by Tseng Shao-tsung. Donning a black umbrella, he launches into a lively song-and-dance routine, a clear homage to the 1953 musical film "The Band Wagon." While Patrick is a dancer, he adapted his style for the role, performing without music and relying on his inner rhythm. The rain, rather than hindering him, became part of the performance, its sound providing a natural beat.

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I removed all the dance styles I knew. And actually, there was no music on set, so I had to imagine it in my heart. So it was quite challenging.

The scene takes a heartwarming turn when Patrick's character announces his intention to publish his anti-cancer journey, documented on his blog, into a book. He even plans a book signing. This surge of optimism from the 'spiritual world' illuminates the doctor's own life struggles, leading to a shared promise to 'work hard together.' This 'soul reunion' offers a deeply touching moment.

Director Lin Chih-ju employs this 'magical realism' to address themes of life and death lightly. He believes this approach can transform the will of the deceased into a driving force for the living. Patrick's rain-soaked performance not only showcases his acting prowess but also serves as an encouragement to those experiencing loss and pain, suggesting that an exit can be found even in despair. The drama airs its 16 episodes starting July 6 on Da Ai TV.

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The sound of the rain hitting the umbrella and the ground was my beat. I just followed my heart. There was no specially arranged dance. The director actually liked it.