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The drama film Mumu, directed by Sha Mo and starring a star-studded cast including Lay Zhang Yixing, Li Luoan, and Zhang Ruonan, has captured the hearts of audiences with its deeply emotional storyline.
With over 106 million yuan (roughly 15 million USD) in box office revenue, it has garnered exceptional reviews, scoring 9.7 on Tao Piao Piao, 9.4 on Maoyan, and 7.0 on Douban.
One of the standout performances in the film is by Zhang Ruonan, who plays the adult Mu Mu, a pivotal character in the film.
During a recent fan meeting at Renmin University of China, Zhang Ruonan shared her insights into her role as a sign language interpreter, a profession that bridges the hearing and deaf worlds.
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As Mu Mu, Zhang's character becomes a sign language interpreter, a role that symbolizes communication beyond words.
The story of Mumu revolves around the relationship between Mu Mu, a cheerful 7-year-old girl growing up in a deaf community with her father, Xiao Ma (played by Zhang Yixing).
Their harmonious life is disrupted when Mu Mu's estranged mother, Xiao Jing, returns, pushing Mu Mu into a world where she struggles to connect.
Amidst the challenges, she learns that love and communication transcend spoken words.
Zhang Ruonan expressed how deeply moved she was by the bond between the deaf characters in the film.
One particularly emotional scene for her was when Xiao Ma tried to take Mu Mu to the hospital but struggled to communicate with the doctor.
"It was a turning point for me in understanding how important the role of a sign language interpreter is in facilitating communication," she said.
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Zhang Ruonan went on to discuss how her character's role as an interpreter serves as a bridge between two different worlds, with the profession not only allowing for the communication of ideas but also giving a voice to the deaf community.
“It’s a role that connects people and helps amplify the voices of those who may not always be heard,” she said, reflecting on the impact the role had on her.
She also highlighted her collaboration with Yuan Ying, a deaf actress in the film, whose performance she described as inspiring.
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“Yuan Ying’s performance was so compelling that it motivated me to dive deeper into my own role. Together, we portrayed the importance of empathy and understanding in a world full of obstacles,” she explained.
The film delivers a heartwarming narrative about love, sacrifice, and the power of non-verbal communication, making it a poignant exploration of the lives of those with hearing impairments.
Zhang Ruonan hopes that the film will open viewers’ eyes to the realities of the deaf community and inspire a broader understanding of their world.
Where to Watch? Mumu will be available in multiple regions starting in April 2025. The film is set to premiere in China on April 3, Malaysia and Singapore on April 10, and North America on April 18.