Review: I Am Somebody

8th January 2016

Detailing the personal and professional struggles of Hengdian World Studio’s movie extras; I Am Somebody focus on aspiring migrant actor Peng (Wan Guopeng) as he pursues his dream, armed with only hard work and a yearning to learn. As he attempts to learn his new profession we follow him in life and love as he meets those who occupy his new world and their hardships become his reality.

A moving and beautiful, but horribly bittersweet drama, I Am Somebody is the perfect depiction of the life of a movie extra. Starring genuine members of Hengdian World Studios ‘s army of extras I Am Somebody is ripe with insider knowledge and is a triumph in realism mixed with fiction and provides its hard working cast members with a real opportunity to show off their talents. A smattering of A list Hong Kong industry members makes this film flow more easily, but it is the story of those who occupy the credit reel with tales of their hopes and dreams that are the real stars of this film.

The beauty of the love between Peng and Ting (Wang Ting) is simple and pure. It’s difficult not to rout for Peng as he tries to win her over and as he and others try desperately to break the movie industry. The endless list of Hengdianers are remarkably unique, each with their own important and inspiring story, some heart-warming and some heartbreaking. Whether inspired by the extras themselves or simply inspired by life in Hengdian, Tung-Shing Yee (Writer and Director) has created beautiful characters that populate a beautiful setting.

Though it’s individuality may be it’s downfall, with limited appeal to a mainstream audience both in China and worldwide, I Am Somebody is undoubtedly an undiscovered gem. This film will be loved by drama, lovers, comedy lovers and is fantastic for any curious about the life of an actor in ANY part of the world. I Am Somebody i sure to be on my must-watch list of 2015, if not of all time.

You can see the trailer for I Am Somebody below.

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