The acclaimed Chinese mainland film "Dear You," which hit cinemas across the UK and Ireland on Friday, has won the hearts of both overseas Chinese and foreign audiences with its evocative storytelling and profound cultural connotation.
"Dear You," a low-budget film shot largely in the Chaoshan (Teochew) dialect, has become one of China's most unexpected box-office successes this year.
The story follows a debt-ridden young man who travels from the Chaoshan region in south China, one of the major origins of the Nanyang migration, to Thailand in search of his grandfather and uncovers a family secret linked to "qiaopi," letters and remittances sent home by overseas Chinese.
Many viewers were moved to tears by the film's heartfelt story.
"I cried for about half the movie, almost throughout the second half. The themes of mutual help among Chinese people, especially those from the same region, and the shared commitment to language preservation resonated with me deeply," said a movie viewer.
Those who came to the cinema included both older generations of overseas Chinese from Chaoshan who had lived in the UK for many years and younger generations. The story in the film evoked family memories for many viewers.
In addition to overseas Chinese, the film also attracted foreign audiences. Despite the different cultural backgrounds, the film's story, which revolves around family ties, nostalgia, integrity, and perseverance, resonated strongly with them.
"I like the very genuine emotion, it's like based on a true story and stuff as well. Like the details, they just all seemed really, really authentic and I could feel the emotion behind everything," said a movie viewer in the UK.
The movie was officially released in Ireland on the same day. Local Chinese communities launched a postcard relay activity, inviting viewers to write messages to their hometown and relatives.
Hit film "Dear You" resonates with audiences in UK, Ireland
