On September 9, the realism film "Wishing You Happiness!" held its premiere in Beijing. Producers Yin Lu, director Kang Bo, and screenwriter You Xiaoying, along with lead actors Xiao Yang and Song Jia, special guest stars Ni Dahong, Wu Yue, and Wu Yufang, and special appearances by Ding Jiali and Liu Bateer gathered after the screening to share their insights on filming and the audience's experience. The film is set to be released nationwide on September 15.
"Wishing You Happiness!" explores pioneering themes of gender and presents genuine human choices. The story follows a couple, Luo Yu (played by Xiao Yang) and Bai Hui (played by Song Jia), who become embroiled in a custody battle over the embryo of a childless elder (played by Ni Dahong) during their divorce cooling-off period as a lawyer and a doctor. As the end of the cooling-off period approaches, they gradually develop a new understanding of themselves, their marriage, and family.
Still from "Wishing You Happiness!"
At the premiere, screenwriter You Xiaoying shared her thoughts on the creation process: "Choosing to live in the moment, to experience the pains and loves, the wounds and healing in life, is an important lesson." When discussing the inspiration behind the film's title, she candidly noted that while the four characters convey a beautiful meaning, it doesn’t mean everyone will feel happy after watching the movie. "We hope to use this opportunity to encourage more people to overcome their pain together. We believe that everyone deserves happiness and should attain it."
"Every character in this film can find an echo in reality," remarked producer Yin Lu during her speech. "There’s a line in 'Wishing You Happiness!' that says, 'If only one of us can emerge from the ruins, I hope it will be you.' This already explains the significance of our creation. In suffering, everyone is frozen, but we hope that those in the ruins will still have the courage to face life's pains and regrets and bravely step out."
The pervasive sense of loneliness prevalent in middle-aged men is a key aspect of Xiao Yang's portrayal of Luo Yu. "In the story, Luo Yu can't find an exit and has no one to confide in; this profound loneliness becomes a source of his character's charm. His issues don't have ready-made answers; the film presents them through a state, allowing the audience to realize they are not alone in their feelings."
Xiao Yang
In the film, Luo Yu’s wife Bai Hui, faced with pain, has a completely different attitude. Song Jia believes that her character embodies a powerful emotional force: "Bai Hui experiences the deepest suffering in life, and although she tries to escape it, she understands that it does not resolve the issue. The couple's separation is an inevitable choice, and only when she lets go of the past does she truly open a new chapter in her life."
Song Jia
During the interactive session after the screening, director Cao Baoping remarked: "This is a very complex film; it involves many social issues and features such a talented ensemble cast that delivers numerous compelling performances." Director Yang Lina, who has collaborated with producer Yin Lu multiple times, candidly stated that the scene where Xiao Yang and Song Jia pour out their hearts to each other while drunk left her in agony, "Their performances are incredibly moving; even though they let go of their marriage, that deep-rooted love still extends infinitely."
At the end of the premiere, the host suggested that the creators and audience mimic the stress-relief method of the childless parents in the film by collectively "exhaling a breath of stale air." Amid waves of laughter, everyone couldn't help but burst into joyful laughter together.
Still from "Wishing You Happiness!"
