Directed by Huang Xiuping and starring You Xuexiu, Zhong Xueying, and Wu Zhiyao, the film “Watch How I Speak Today” has officially announced its release date of February 20 across Hong Kong. Prior to this, advance screenings have already started for fans to get a sneak peek, and additional screenings are scheduled to take place during the Lunar New Year period starting from the 29th day of the month, allowing the film to capture the festive season! The officially scheduled poster and the latest trailer were also revealed today (January 20)!
After Chung Shuet-Ying courageously won the Best Actress at the Golden Horse Awards and the film was awarded the Audience Choice Award at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival, “Look at How I Speak Today” recently achieved another milestone by being selected as one of this year’s ten “Recommended Films” at the 31st Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards. This has solidified its status as a must-see masterpiece in the eyes of film critics. Both Ah Hsiu and Ah Shuet received special mentions commending their performances, which have garnered unanimous praise. The film has received consistent professional recognition, and with several preliminary screenings held earlier that received positive reviews and saw tickets selling out quickly, it has built strong anticipation for its upcoming public release and heightened fans’ expectations for this year’s Academy Awards nominations.
“Look at How I Speak Today” is the new work released by director Huang Xiuping after a three-year hiatus. Regarding this piece, he hopes to convey a message of humility to the outside world, encouraging viewers to observe the world of the deaf with a humble heart. This humility stems from respect, which is not synonymous with deliberate pity but is about viewing them with equality and recognizing our own preconceived notions and biases.
Last November, the 61st Golden Horse Awards ceremony took place, reigniting discussions around the Best Actress competition. This included two Taiwanese actresses, Sylvia Chang and Hsieh Yu-ting, as well as three actors from Hong Kong: Sandra Ng, Gigi Leung, and Chung Hsiao-ying. Emerging actress Chung Hsiao-ying, who competed for Best Actress last year with “Fill Words L,” is once again vying for the title this year with her new film “Watch How I Speak Today.” Being nominated for Best Actress in consecutive years has brought her renewed attention.
Zhong Xueying plays the hearing-impaired girl “Su’en” in “See How I Speak Today.” She not only had to practice sign language and a speech impediment style of performance but also delve into the emotional depth of the character. For a newcomer in the acting field, this was indeed a significant challenge. However, Zhong Xueying showcased her unique qualities and delicate acting skills, ultimately interpreting the character with a different level of depth, which once again earned her recognition and the title of Golden Horse Best Actress.
Earlier, Wong Siu-Ping also spoke about the two main characters, Yau Hak-Sau and Ng Chi-Ho, sharing the story behind their casting. He mentioned, “Initially, I had already decided that the deaf character must be played by a deaf actor. In the end, through the introduction of a deaf sign language teacher, I found Marco (Ng Chi-Ho). I felt that his personality, image, and passion for acting made him very suitable for the role of Alan, even though he is an amateur.”
As for the choice of Yu Hsiao-Hsiu to portray the role of Zihsin, Huang Hsiu-Ping revealed, “For Yu Hsiao-Hsiu, a hearing individual, to play a deaf character is indeed a significant challenge. I have great confidence in his talent, and his personal experiences and personality align well with the character of Zihsin. Before filming, we were very rigorous and spared no effort in having instructors train Yu Hsiao-Hsiu in sign language. There are different sign language expressions for various contexts, and his style of signing with deaf friends and family is distinct. He took this task very seriously, and the final result was excellent. He received a nomination for Best Actor at the Golden Horse Awards, which is a recognition of his hard work and talent. I am very happy for him.”
Synopsis:
The film “Watch How I Speak Today” tells the story of friendship and life’s challenges among three young deaf individuals. Directed by Huang Xiuping, who has dedicated many years to deaf culture, the narrative follows the female protagonist played by Zhong Xueying, alongside two other main characters portrayed by You Xuexiu and Wu Zhihao. From the perspective of young deaf individuals, they strive to re-enter the “normal” world in their own way, experiencing a journey filled with hardships and ultimately finding a desired life through their encounters with one another. The film subtly reflects the struggles of contemporary youth in Hong Kong, offering viewers an engaging experience.
