BIG: Wei Te-Sheng’s Heartfelt Journey of Life and Courage Premieres in Canada

Press Release from Chime Canada, With Notes from Fête Chinoise Editorial Team
DIrected by Wei Te-Sheng

The Director and the Lead Actor are Meeting Canadian Audiences during the Premiere Weekend!

Legendary Taiwanese director Wei Te-Sheng brings his acclaimed film BIG to Canada, premiering on November 1, 2024. Known for his blockbuster Cape No. 7, Wei Te-Sheng explores life’s complexities through laughter and tears, highlighting the profound value of living within a hospital. The film blends live-action and animation, featuring the work of Takumi Tanji, the acclaimed animator and art director behind Your Name and Suzume. This heartfelt narrative captures the voices of children navigating life changes alongside their families and fellow patients, conveying joy and sorrow throughout the journey while celebrating the courage to fight until the end.

SYNOPSIS

BIG tells the story of six families from different social backgrounds gathering in a children's hospital ward. Each child bears the mark of a warrior, symbolizing their determination to fight through difficulties. In Room 816, a special space, battles between Jesus and Kṣitigarbha unfold, wheelchair races take place, and children make nightly promises to each other. Filled with love and hope, every moment is precious. The journey of the six families, from initial conflict to mutual support and understanding, blends laughter and tears, revealing the strength of life and rediscovering the beauty of the world. Why is room number 816 changed to BIG, and what does BIG mean? What mysterious mission are they embarking on as they leave the hospital? These questions will be answered in a heartwarming journey for the audience.

The film received nominations in eight categories at the 26th Taipei Film Awards, winning Best New Actor and Best Visual Effects. It has also been nominated for Best New Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Visual Effects at the 61st Golden Horse Awards, which will take place next month.

《BIG》講述來自不同社會背景的六個家庭聚集在兒童病房的故事。每個孩子身上都刻著勇士的標誌，象徵著他們面對困境都繼續戰鬥。在816 號病房這個特殊的空間裡，有耶穌與地藏王的對決，有輪椅上的競賽，更有孩子們間共度每一夜的承諾。這裡充滿了愛與希望，每一個瞬間都彌足珍貴。六個家庭由最初的衝突，到最終互相支持與理解的過程，融合了歡笑和淚水，為觀眾展現出生命的力量，重新感受世界的美好。究竟是誰將病房門上的816數字改為BIG？BIG又意味著什麼？他們又為了什麼神秘任務而離開醫院呢？這些問題將在故事中逐一揭曉，為觀眾帶來一場感動人心的旅程。

BIG Official Trailer

Mandarin with Chinese and English subtitles

DIRECOTR Wei Te-Sheng 導演魏德聖

Wei Te-Sheng is a renowned Taiwanese film director. His 2008 film Cape No. 7 remains as the highest domestic grossing films in Taiwanese cinema history, receiving nine Golden Horse Award nominations and winning six awards. It also won several international awards, including in the United States, Japan, France, and Malaysia. His 2011 film Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale won the Best Feature Film at the 48th Golden Horse Awards. Three of his films rank in the top ten highest domestic grossing Taiwanese films, with Cape No. 7 at #1 and both parts of Warriors of the Rainbow at #2 and #10.

魏德聖為知名台灣電影導演，2008年執導的電影《海角七號》，至今仍是台灣電影史上最賣座的電影，獲當年金馬獎9項提名、6項獎座，並於美國、日本、法國及馬來西亞等國際影展獲得數座大獎；其2011年執導的電影《賽德克·巴萊》，更獲得第48屆金馬獎最佳劇情片。魏導有3部電影雄霸台灣電影票房十強，《海角七號》(#1)及《賽德克·巴萊》上(#2)及下集(#10)。

The film’s premiere weekend will include appearances by director Wei Te-Sheng and lead actor Feifei Cheng, the recipient of the Best New Actor award at the Taipei Film Awards, allowing audiences to connect directly with the talent behind this touching story.

Early bird ticket packages are now available at TheCHIME.ca, including limited-edition animation cards and participation in the “Blessing Action” initiative.

Giveaway! win 2 tickets to BIG and a chance to Meet Director Wei Te-Sheng and Feifei Cheng!

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