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| Ai Mi Says Dilraba Dilmurat and Zhang Xiaofei Taught Her the Real Meaning of Professionalism on Kung Fu Soccer. (Photo: Sohu) |
Young actress Ai Mi has shared one of her biggest takeaways from filming Kung Fu Soccer (功夫女足), and it has nothing to do with flashy football tricks or action-packed choreography. Instead, the 17-year-old spoke warmly about learning from co-stars Dilraba Dilmurat and Zhang Xiaofei, saying the experience gave her a first-hand lesson in professionalism, discipline and genuine passion for acting. As Kung Fu Soccer continues to generate positive word of mouth despite ongoing discussion surrounding its Douban score and reported ticket-related controversy, Ai Mi's behind-the-scenes memories are offering fans another reason to appreciate the production.
Speaking in a recent Sohu interview, Ai Mi described working alongside Dilraba Dilmurat and Zhang Xiaofei as both inspiring and enjoyable. Rather than being intimidated by two of China's most established actresses, she found them approachable and generous throughout filming.
"They're both wonderful," Ai Mi said with a smile. "They're very kind people, and every day on set I could feel how much they genuinely love acting. Watching them work made me realise that experience doesn't make someone relax more—it actually makes them expect even more from themselves."
Among all the moments she experienced during production, one scene featuring Zhang Xiaofei has stayed with her the most. The sequence required Zhang to perform a football kicking motion while Ai Mi assisted with the filming. What looked like a straightforward action scene turned into an unexpected acting lesson.
"There was one scene where Sister Xiaofei had to do a kicking move, and I was helping with the shot," Ai Mi recalled.
"She kept asking the director again and again whether the movement looked right, whether the kick looked natural enough and whether it really looked like something a football player would do."
She continued, "She wasn't satisfied after doing it once. She wanted every detail to feel convincing. She kept adjusting the movement because she wanted the audience to believe it completely. Watching that up close really impressed me."
For Ai Mi, it was never simply about perfecting a kick. It became a lesson in how experienced performers approach even the smallest moments with remarkable care.
"From them, I truly felt their love for acting, as well as the incredibly high standards and expectations they set for themselves," she explained. "No matter how small the scene was, they treated it seriously. That attitude is something I want to learn."
Reflecting on the production as a whole, Ai Mi admitted that filming alongside Dilraba Dilmurat and Zhang Xiaofei pushed her to become more disciplined herself.
"I learned that acting isn't only about memorising lines or standing in front of the camera," she said. "It's about constantly asking yourself if you can do better. Seeing senior actresses work so hard reminded me that there's always room to improve."
She added, "I hope I can keep growing little by little. Every project teaches me something new, and working with both of them gave me confidence as well as motivation. I want to become an actress who never stops learning."
Ai Mi also praised the atmosphere behind the scenes, saying the set never felt intimidating despite featuring several well-known performers.
"Everyone was very supportive," she said. "Whenever I had questions or wasn't sure about something, I could observe how they prepared themselves. That became the best classroom I could ask for."
Her comments arrive as Kung Fu Soccer continues to attract attention for reasons both on and off the screen. While online discussion has centred on its mixed Kung Fu Soccer Douban rating and allegations surrounding ticket sales, many viewers have argued those conversations have overshadowed the film's energetic performances, entertaining action sequences and the chemistry shared by its cast.
For plenty of cinema-goers, the film has simply been an enjoyable blockbuster that succeeds at exactly what it sets out to do. Fan reactions to Ai Mi's interview have been mixed but largely supportive.
Many praised her humility and willingness to acknowledge what she learned from more experienced performers, saying her comments reflected maturity beyond her years. Others weren't surprised by her praise, pointing out that Dilraba Dilmurat and Zhang Xiaofei have long been recognised for their strong work ethic.
Some fans even joked that if Zhang Xiaofei analyses every football kick that carefully, nobody should dare complain about missing a penalty in real life.
For many viewers, Ai Mi's reflections have become one of the most refreshing behind-the-scenes stories to emerge from Kung Fu Soccer. Rather than focusing on headlines surrounding ratings or online debate, her interview shines a light on the quiet moments that shape young actors long before audiences see the finished film.
What do you think about Ai Mi's experience, and which member of the Kung Fu Soccer cast impressed you the most?