In a series of exclusive interviews with China.org.cn, stars of the upcoming crime drama "Fireflies in the Sun" said that their film explores just how deep a parent's love for their children can go, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable social injustice.

"The film focuses on a father's deep love," said leading actor Xiao Yang. "It tells how a small family faces the bigger injustices of their social environment. When conflicts occur, a desperate father becomes a criminal for his child. It shows how extremely far a nobody – a grassroots individual – can go for love."

"Fireflies in the Sun" is the newest installment from the acclaimed "Wu Sha" – or "Manslaughter" – film franchise. The first installment, "Sheep Without a Shepherd" which also starred Xiao grossed 1.33 billion yuan at the end of 2019, beating Hollywood epic "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" to become the last box office topper in China's film market before the COVID-19 pandemic closed cinemas around the world. Incidentally, both installments are remakes, with the first being an adaptation of the Indian blockbuster "Drishyam" (2015), and the new one a take on Warner Bros. Pictures' lesser-known "John Q" (2002) starring Denzel Washington. 

"John Q" was critically panned when it was released, garnering a 23% approval rating based on 132 reviews on the film review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. Conversely, however, it has a 78% Audience Score from more than 100,000 users' ratings. Likewise, on China's review aggregator site Douban, 43,992 users rated it 8.4/10. All of which suggests that the dramatic story about a father who, struggling to save his child suffering from heart complications, resorts to hijacking a hospital until his demands are met, resonates more clearly with the public than critics. 

The Chinese version, meanwhile, places a great emphasis on familial relationships, fostering more sympathy for the film's anti-hero while adding a plot twist about corrupt city officials who capitalize on their privilege to steal the heart.

Hong Kong-based veteran actor Simon Yam was so fascinated by the first installment that he began dreaming of playing a cop in the sequel. And a year later, he got that call. "It was like a dream come true for me, I immediately said yes before I even read the script," Yam said. 

In "Fireflies in the Sun," Yam plays an experienced police officer and negotiator who talks down the desperate father played by Xiao, and eventually helps him in the end. And although he's portrayed a cop in numerous classic action movies before, he said this role was quite different. 

"I don't shoot guns and fight in this film. It's all about talking and performing, and overturning the personality of the character I played. I quite like the film's style and aesthetics, set in the background of a Southeast Asian city with high temperatures," Yam said. Likewise, he said he added some personal touches to the character, making him more well-rounded and realistic.

"Parents always have unconditional love for their children. And I hope everyone who finished watching this film can not only get the message of a father's love and protection for their child but also go on to care more about their own parents and family."

Dai Mo, a young actor-director who directed the spin-off online series of the blockbuster franchise "Detective Chinatown" helmed "Fireflies in the Sun" after Malaysian director Sam Quah's success with "Sheep Without a Shepherd." Both Xiao and Yam agreed that they felt more comfortable when digging deep into their own potential under the watch of Dai.

Xiao worked with Dai for "Detective Chinatown," and said that they knew each other well and have hit a collaborative stride. For Yam, the new director gave immediate responses and instructions to the actors on set, and imposed no limits on what they could or couldn't do. "He can make use of the on-site atmosphere to help us create more lively characters."

The premiere screening on Wednesday in Beijing left audiences in tears because of its poignant themes and went on to enjoy rave reviews. During the event, director Dai, executive producer Chen Sicheng and the film's stars also revealed that post-production was an emotional process. 

"I know when everyone may encounter difficulties and hardship in work and in life, many of them will become fireflies to shine their humanity in dire straits. I hope this film can bring kindness and warmth to everyone, and the world can become a better place," said Chen, the architect of the franchise, about the film's title and theme. 

"Fireflies in the Sun" opens Friday and currently leads box office ticket sales for the year-end film season.

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