Zhao Liying and Xin Zhilei, two mainland Chinese actresses, starred in the film “Qiao Yan’s Secrets,” which was recently nominated for the main competition unit of the Tokyo International Film Festival. On the 30th, the director of the film, Zhao Deyin, along with the main cast, appeared at a post-screening Q&A session. Responding to questions from Chinese fans present, Zhao Liying graciously interacted with them, even making heart gestures twice towards the fans.
Adapted from the short story “Big Joe and Little Joe,” the movie “Qiao Yan’s Secrets” revolves around themes of “human nature,” “greed,” and “family love,” uncovering the hidden rules of the entertainment industry. The story follows Qiao Yan (played by Zhao Liying), who grew up in a remote town and eventually became a renowned actress after years of hard work and struggles. At the peak of her life, an anonymous blackmail message disrupts her life, plunging her into a new shadow. Simultaneously, her long-lost sister (portrayed by Xin Zhilei) suddenly reappears.
The reunion of the two sisters in the film reveals the mysterious past of Qiao Yan. Is it fate’s arrangement, or is someone carefully orchestrating behind the scenes? The unfolding events become increasingly intricate and suspenseful. In the official poster, the two sisters sit back to back, symbolizing the emotional barrier and unspeakable secrets between the two individuals with vastly different destinies. The story behind them brims with suspense and thrilling confrontations.
Director Zhao Deyin shared insights into his creative process at the Tokyo Film Festival, mentioning how his family background sparked his interest in adapting the novel into a film. Being born in Myanmar, his mother shouldered more responsibility for supporting the family compared to his father, and his sister worked to put him through school, making him captivated by the novel from a female perspective.
When asked about the most challenging aspect of filming, Zhao Deyin mentioned the over 7-minute-long fight scene at the end shot in a single take, relying on actors’ improvisation and authentic performances, resulting in injuries among the cast, who continued shooting after receiving first aid.
Zhao Liying admitted that her personality differs significantly from her character in the film. As a positive and optimistic person, she faced many challenges in portraying “Qiao Yan.” When asked whether “Qiao Yan’s acting in the film was excellent, or Zhao Liying’s acting in real life was better,” Director Zhao Deyin cleverly responded, “Zhao Liying’s portrayal of Qiao Yan demonstrates excellent acting skills,” eliciting applause from the audience.
Some Chinese netizens have lauded Zhao Liying, a prominent figure in mainland China, for her recent successes in film and television. Transitioning from TV dramas to the big screen, she has already surpassed 5 billion RMB in box office sales by early October. This shift has led fans to redefine Zhao Liying from being labeled as an “idol type” to being recognized as a “powerful performer” in the eyes of many.