Michelle Yeoh takes on one of her most unusual roles yet in It’s My Time, a Chinese comedy-drama that proves you’re never too old to find a new passion in life. Forget martial arts battles and superhero adventures for a moment, because this time Yeoh is taking on the competitive world of the Magic Cube — and she’s determined to show the younger generation how it’s done!
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Bai Xue, the film is inspired by the real-life story of Zhao Wenying, a retired teacher who achieved remarkable success solving a Rubik’s Cube at the age of 70. It’s a great story in itself, and one that gives this film plenty of heart.
Yeoh plays Zhao Yanhong, a fiercely independent grandmother living in a nursing home. She’s outspoken, rebellious and certainly not someone who is prepared to sit quietly and accept that her best days are behind her. When a former Magic Cube champion, Wu Youwei, arrives to teach a class, Zhao discovers she has a real talent for solving the puzzles & she’s not about to let the opportunity pass her by.
Wu, played by Liu Haoran, is a very different character. Once a celebrated champion, he’s now struggling with debt and has lost much of his motivation. Teaching a group of elderly residents initially looks like an easy way to earn some money, but he soon discovers that Zhao is no ordinary student.
The two strike up an unlikely partnership, with Zhao determined to compete and Wu reluctantly stepping into the role of her coach. What follows is a journey that takes them from an unlikely training partnership towards the world of competitive cubing, with plenty of obstacles along the way and it’s this relationship that really makes the film work.
Zhao might be the older of the two, but she has plenty of fight left in her. She refuses to be written off because of her age, and her stubbornness provides much of the film’s comedy. Wu, meanwhile, has to rediscover his own enthusiasm for life as he begins to realise that his student might have something to teach him as well.
Michelle Yeoh is terrific in the lead role. She brings a wonderfully fiery personality to Zhao, making her someone who can be difficult, funny and hugely likeable all at once. There’s a real sense of mischief about the character, and Yeoh clearly enjoys playing someone who refuses to follow the rules simply because that’s what people expect of her.
It’s also good to see Yeoh in a role that allows her to show off a different side of her acting. We all know what she can do when it comes to martial arts and action, but here she carries the film through her personality, comic timing and the emotional moments that gradually emerge as we learn more about Zhao’s life.
Liu Haoran also makes a strong impression as Wu Youwei. His character starts out as someone who has lost his way, and the growing bond between him and Zhao gives the story its emotional foundation. They might come from completely different generations, but they share a need to find something worth fighting for again.
Director Bai Xue keeps the film lively, particularly during the cubing sequences. You might not immediately think that watching someone solve a Magic Cube would make for exciting cinema, but the film brings real energy to the competitions, using quick editing and dynamic camera work to make each twist and turn feel important.
There’s also plenty of humour along the way, with Zhao’s attitude and the reactions of those around her providing some entertaining moments. But the film isn’t afraid to explore the more serious side of her story, either. As we learn more about her past and the difficulties she has faced, the competition becomes about much more than simply winning a championship.
If I have one criticism, it’s that the film sometimes leans a little heavily into the emotional side of the story. There are moments when it feels as though it wants to squeeze every possible tear from the audience. However, the central performances and the remarkable true story behind the film help keep everything grounded.
What I particularly like about It’s My Time is its message. It would have been easy to make this a simple story about an older woman surprising everyone by beating younger competitors, but there’s more to it than that. Zhao is also trying to reclaim her independence, prove her worth and discover that there is still plenty of life left to enjoy.
The film reminds us that age doesn’t have to define what we can achieve, and that sometimes a fresh start comes along when we least expect it. The relationship between Zhao and Wu is at the heart of that message, with both characters learning from each other as they work towards their goal.
For fans of Michelle Yeoh, this is a welcome opportunity to see her tackle something different. And for anyone who enjoys an underdog story, there’s plenty here to get behind.
It’s My Time is a funny, heartfelt and uplifting film about second chances, unlikely friendships and proving that it’s never too late to chase a new dream.
Eastern Film Fans Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
