Zero to Hero (2021)

Even if you start at a disadvantage, you can still be first across the finish line

Zero to Hero is an inspiring biopic about twelve-time Paralympic medalist So Wa Wai. So was the first para-athlete from Hong Kong to win gold and still holds the record in the 200m sprint. Zero to Hero is a feel good movie that also doesn't shy away from it's characters' faults and harsh reality.

So Wa Wai was born with haemolytic jaundice which resulted in cerebral palsy. His mother was told he would never walk or be able to hold chopsticks. And he would only be able to hear 10-20%. She carried him on her back, literally, until he was four. In a desperate life or death moment, the mother challenged him to walk. As he gained more ability, they learned he may not walk well, but he could run.

As a teenager he joined the para-athlete's association and trained to run in competitions. The way to his success did not always run smoothly. His family was poor and used desperately needed funds to help him achieve his success. The movie highlighted how difficult it was for Paralympic athletes to continue training and competing with few subsidies from the government.

The true heart of this movie was the mother-son relationship. Sandra Ng gave a beautiful performance as the resolute mother who refused to give up on her child and sacrificed greatly to ensure he became all he could be and that he would have a financially secure future after she was gone. This created conflict with Wa Wai as he worried she was using him at one point and with his younger brother who felt at times that his only role was to be Wa Wai's future caretaker. Though perhaps flawed, the strength of this mother's love and determination to gain the best for her son and for him to overcome his limitations shined through. "Run to me at the finish line."

Leung Chung Hang's performance never felt patronizing. He poignantly portrayed a child dependent on his mother who grew into a man with his own goals and need to help his family. Yet in the end, it was the love for his dedicated mother that gave him the strength to attain those goals.

Heartwarming and inspirational with enough realistic edge to keep it from being treacly, Zero to Hero is a winner.

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Inspirational and heart warming

It was great to know So Wa wai, his personal and professional life. This movie is a classic example of story writing done well. when real-life hits the screen (biopic) makers always sugarcoat reality, portray leads as nothing but good characters, and justify their wrongdoings. In this one, the audience is left to make their own judgments. The story starts on a strong note with mother's love for her child and her conviction to make him better. I cried and laughed at every So Wa wai's accomplishments like a proud mom. They shed light on the huge pay gap between Olympic and paralympic athletes when the effort they make is same. It is sad that potential sportsmen are unable to compete due to financial circumstances. Also validated Asian parents insecurities and their intervening nature accurately.
Everyone acted well and perfect fit for their roles. Actors who played So Wa wai in every phase of his life are brilliant to the point I had to search if they casted someone with disability.

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