Sometimes a story finds you at the perfect time. Watching YOLO was one of those experiences for me. I rarely watch movies, but after watching My Name Is Loh Ki Wan yesterday, I was compelled to watch more. YOLO (Chinese movie) had been on my Netflix watch list for about a year, and its boxing theme piqued my interest as someone who loves the sport. What I didn't expect was how much this movie would relate to my own thoughts on perseverance, transformation, and finding strength in hardship. The movie just blows my mind, and now it becomes one of my favorite movies of all time.
Plot Summary
YOLO tells the story of Leying, an overweight woman struggling with depression and stagnation in her life. She spent her days sleeping excessively and with a lack of motivation to work. Her life began to shatter when she discovered that her best friend had stolen her boyfriend and had the audacity to invite Leying to be the maid of honor at their wedding. To make matters worse, her sister, the self-righteous Ledan, regularly mocks her, despite having her own secrets, including an adulterous affair that produced a daughter.
Despite these challenges, Leying's life unexpectedly changes when she starts working near a boxing gym. Hao Kun, a gym coach, approaches her to sell her a membership, and while she first resists, her decision to train at the gym becomes the catalyst for her transformation. As she trains, Leying loses not only weight but also the self-doubt and defeat that have held her back. Boxing becomes her means of restoring her confidence, strength, and identity. Despite undergoing public humiliation on a job-seeking reality show and being used by her cousin, Doudou, to advance her career, Leying's journey culminates in a boxing match with a professional opponent. While she does not win the fight, her mental and physical transformation reveals she is a winner in far more meaningful ways.
Rediscovering Purpose Through Leying's Journey
The portrayal of Leying as a woman burdened by depression and lethargy was heartbreakingly accurate. The movie's depiction of her despair was subtle and powerful, allowing audiences to witness her challenges without exaggeration. One scene that jumped out to me was after her breakup, when Leying roamed aimlessly across town eating cotton candy, meat skewers, waffles, and ice cream. She did not cry or mourn openly, but her quiet indulgence revealed her feelings of betrayal and rejection.
Leying's narrative was made more painful and complicated by the toxic relationships in her life. Her best friend's betrayal by stealing her boyfriend and then selfishly asking Leying to be her maid of honor (so no one suspected her of stealing Leying's boyfriend)—made me want to reach across the screen and pull her hair out. And there's her sister's continual mockery, despite her own sins, which emphasized the emotional hurdles Leying had to face. These toxic relationships reminded me of how certain people in our lives can unknowingly (or knowingly) push us to our limits, forcing us to confront or break down under the pressures of their selfish actions.
A Transformative Journey for the Body and Mind
Learning to box was a transformative experience for Leying, affecting not just her physical health but also her emotional well-being. The actress, Jia Ling's real-life transformation, which involved losing 50 kg without a body double over the course of a year, is very inspiring. Her transformation from meek and defeated to focused and determined was really amazing. Boxing became her therapy, teaching her discipline, mental strength, and the power of perseverance. It demonstrated how physical activity can heal both the body and the mind. And this also why I'm so in love with the sport and pursuing boxing for fitness. Like Leying, it transforms my mental health and life.
Some of my favorite scenes featured Leying shadowboxing on the streets. The precision of her jabs and exceptional footwork were a homage to her character's (and the actress's) hard work, especially given that Leying began with no previous experience. It was a reminder of how challenges can awaken dormant capabilities within us.
Love as a Catalyst—Not a Distraction
The romance subplot with the pathetic coach Hao Kun, while brief, was a significant driver for Leying's growth. Their relationship, which began with attraction but quickly fizzled, allowed the film to remain focused on Leying's personal journey. This plot shows that not all relationships are meant to be permanent, and some are only stepping stones to self-discovery.
Adversity and Resilience
Leying's battles with hardship were heartbreaking to watch. From dealing with her lecherous boss to being humiliated on national television by her cousin, Doudou, the movie does not shy away from showing the depths of her struggles. Nonetheless, Leying's grit shone through. Her eventual decision to advocate for herself, including punching her boss, was very satisfying to watch. I literally clapped during this scene 👏.
Her climactic boxing fight was a turning point moment. Faced with a professional opponent, Leying's determination and mental toughness were as inspiring as her physical preparedness. Although she did not win the battle, her walk to the ring—literally and metaphorically—was a victory in and of itself. I literally cried while watching this scene. I was so proud of her! It reminded me that success is more than just winning; it's also about turning up, fighting, and refusing to give up.
Misconceptions that Must Be Challenged
One of the most compelling aspects of YOLO was how it tackled common misconceptions about overweight people. Leying's story defied assumptions that portrayed them as lazy, dumb, slow, unmotivated, or unworthy. It was a great reminder that everyone, regardless of looks, has untapped potential and strength waiting to be realized.
Final Reflections
YOLO is a movie about tenacity and rediscovery, not just boxing. It left me feeling deeply inspired and reaffirmed my belief in the transformational power of both physical and emotional strength. Leying's path taught me that, no matter how awful life can be, there is always a way to rebuild, reclaim ourselves, and keep going forward. In many ways, it felt like a mirror of our common struggles and the little wins that made them worthwhile.
If you're searching for a film that honors the human spirit and encourages you to overcome your own obstacles, I highly recommend YOLO. It's a story that sticks with you, encouraging you to become the best version of yourself, one step, one punch, and one moment at a time.
That's it for now. If you read this far, thank you. I appreciate it so much! I'm a non-native English speaker, and English is my third language. Post ideas and content are originally mine. Kindly give me a follow if you like my content. I mostly write about making art, writing, life musings, and our mundane yet charming family life here in Klang Valley, Malaysia.
Note: All images used belong to me unless stated otherwise.
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