Everything is possible, Director Jia Ling seeks to prove to audiences through her box office hit, ‘YOLO’ (“You Only Live Once”): A film which charts the transformation of the lead character from a meek and miserable 32-year-old into an empowered woman.
The Du Leying (Jia Ling) that we first encounter is a lost soul whose days pass with little movement or activity. Her inertia is a cause of concern and consternation for her family who decide to enlist the help of a family member to shake her out of her laziness: Cousin Doudou (Yang Zi). Doudou is an intern working on a reality TV show which aims to find a job for its contestants, but she is desperate for the opportunity to secure permanent employment. Leying vehemently refuses to participate, and removes herself from the confrontation and instead seeks comfort from her boyfriend and best friend. Unfortunately, she faces further disappointment from them which continues upon return home, where the protagonist finds herself, through no real fault of her own, in a heated argument-turned altercation with her sister. These events combined become the catalyst for Leying to take control of her life: she leaves the family home, finds a place to live and secures a job as a waitress. As part of this process she becomes entangled in a relationship with one of the fitness coaches at a local gym, Hao Kun (Lei Jiayang), who is something of an outcast in his own way.
As we follow Leying’s journey, the audience rejoices at her victories, and lament when she experiences setbacks. The fresh start she carves out for herself is wonderful, but it’s also humble and modest, to match her personality, and it is impossible not to wish Leying the best. We cheer as we watch Leying take small steps forward. We feel delight as she finds her voice and independence that anyone can relate to. There are various narrative hurdles that Leying needs to overcome before she, and the audience, are rewarded with a heart pounding training montage (one of the best that this viewer has ever enjoyed).
Whilst some may feel that the film would benefit from more ‘punch’ and moves on the slow side, with Leying not so much as picking up a boxing glove until quite late in the story, the pace does pick up as we observe Leying engaging more with the world and the people around her. Most importantly, she does so in a manner that feels comfortable to her, and when she feels ready. The ‘new’ Leying was not an overnight success. Her achievements take a while but there are good developments and twists along the way, which make the otherwise seemingly predictable story of success refreshing and engaging. What the film does not explore is the reason why Leying stopped working, or if there even is one sole reason, but rather, hints at a lifetime of being treated unfairly by those around her, not feeling appreciated and having her kindness and easy nature taken advantage of. It would have been nicer to have seen more of her budding friendship with fellow waitress, but sadly that part of the film was largely left undeveloped.
The success of this film, is largely due to the fact that it is not just a boxing film. There’s actually not as much boxing as you might expect. It is, however, an impactful & rewarding film, that seeks to remind viewers that it’s never too late to change your life. Nor it is ever too late to believe in yourself and to go for what you really want, to overcome your insecurities and fears that are stopping you from spreading your wings. It is a film that champions the pursuit of a dream, and the every day triumph over what we allow to hold us back.
YOLO is a great film for those feeling a little flat and seeking a source of inspiration. Whilst Leying’s physical transformation of something to celebrate, it is her internal transformation that is really poignant. In the end, the outcome of the boxing match itself is largely irrelevant. The film presents a new definition of success: Leying won by finding a purpose, finding her way, and choosing to become the best version of herself.
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Bonus: Did you know that in order to faithfully reflect the story, the Director/Actor put herself through a transformation of her own: first putting on 20 kilos (44 lbs) and then losing a grand total of 50 kilos (110 lbs). This fact is a great example of the grit and dedication that method actors exhibit when they embark on physical transformations for authenticity’s sake.