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Maths Teacher Becomes Rubik's Cube Champion
13 Oct
Summary
- Michelle Yeoh plays a former maths teacher turned puzzle champion.
- The film follows a predictable sports-movie formula with a twist.
- Zhao Yanhong, the protagonist, is a foul-tempered nursing home resident.
A former maths teacher's journey to becoming a Rubik's Cube champion in retirement is depicted in a new Chinese drama. The true story is adapted to fit a conventional sports-film narrative, resulting in a tale that is amusing and engaging in parts but ultimately predictable.
Michelle Yeoh delivers a strong performance as Zhao Yanhong, a blunt and temperamental woman residing in a nursing home. Following a stroke, Zhao's life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Wu Youwei, a former cubing champion offering a tutorial. This encounter sparks Zhao's natural talent for the Rubik's Cube, initiating a classic sports-movie arc involving intense training and competition.
The film explores Zhao's rise, including her viral fame as 'Grandma Zhao' and how she challenges stereotypes of the elderly. While Yeoh’s portrayal injects intelligence into the role, the film's narrative softens considerably, offering a feel-good, albeit unoriginal, conclusion. The story highlights the surprising popularity of competitive cubing, complete with its own world championships.
