Childhood Cancer Film Shows Spirit of Courage and Humor

More than 20 years ago, director Wei Te-sheng heard a heartbreaking statement from a young cancer patient he was interviewing.

The child said that during more than a year of staying in the children’s ward, he had never met a child who did not want to live; every child believed that he could overcome the disease and live a long life.

Deeply moved by this feeling, which the director describes as the embodiment of the power of life, Wei began filming a film about children with cancer in 2021.

Movie, BIGhas been showing in cinemas across mainland China since Saturday, becoming one of the highest-rated films this month.

The action takes place in the children’s oncology ward No. 816 (this number is the Chinese name of the film). The story revolves around six children battling cancer. It follows how these young people, along with their families and hospital staff, navigate the challenges of diagnosis and treatment while finding moments of joy and hope in their lives.

At the film’s premiere in Beijing on October 16, Wei said he hoped the film would give viewers strength and allow them to face challenges with greater resilience.

The film’s innovative feature is its use of 2D animation to depict children’s imaginary battles with cancer. In several scenes, children are transformed into warriors fighting giants representing disease.

Wei said he hired an outstanding team to create the 2D animation scenes, including Takumi Tanji, the art director of Japanese director Makoto Shinkai’s acclaimed films. your name And Suzumealong with other talented people from Japan and Italy.

The film currently has a high rating of 8.0 out of 10 on the country’s popular review site Douban.