Michelle Yeoh and Liu Haoran Play with Rubik's Cubes: 'Miss Rubik' Hits Cinemas Across Malaysia on July 23

Led by Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh and acclaimed Chinese actor Liu Haoran, the inspirational comedy film 'Miss Rubik' will officially premiere in cinemas throughout Malaysia on July 23. Produced by renowned producer Wen Muye and directed by Bai Xue, helmer of 'The Crossing,' the film features an all-star cast including Sarina, Bai Ke, Han Tongsheng, Qi Xi, and Liu Yang, with special appearances by Tian Yu, Huang Yao, and Chen Hailin, and joined by talents such as Jiang Qiming and Jin Jing. With a narrative style that conveys strength through humor, the film kick-starts a passionate journey of restarting life across generations.
The film 'Miss Rubik' draws inspiration from the real-life story of Zhao Wenying, the world record holder for 'fastest blindfolded Rubik's Cube solve by an individual over 60.' It focuses on a touching story of a woman in her seventies who stages a stunning comeback in life.

Michelle Yeoh plays Zhao Yanhong, a rebellious grandmother who refuses to bow to age or accept defeat, and is even a bit of a troublemaker—unwilling to let the second act of her life be defined by years. Living a monotonous life in a nursing home, she unexpectedly discovers her astonishing talent for solving Rubik’s Cubes, and crosses paths with Wu Youwei, played by Liu Haoran, a former Rubik’s Cube world champion now sunk into a slump.

One is a headstrong and fearless rookie in her seventies, the other a lazy, sharp-tongued genius fallen on hard times; these two form an unlikely 'mentor-mentee' pair, initially at odds but slowly growing together through bickering and encouragement, striving from scratch to compete in world-class Rubik’s Cube tournaments. Through the Rubik’s Cube, they break stereotypes and boundaries, piecing together their once shattered lives.

After taking home Best Actress at the 95th Academy Awards for 'Everything Everywhere All at Once,' 'Miss Rubik' marks Michelle Yeoh’s return to Chinese-language films. A performer known for embracing a wide range of roles, Yeoh confessed that she was drawn to Zhao Yanhong’s vibrant vitality: 'I have never played such a character before; with each project, I hope to find a new challenge.'

For Yeoh, Zhao Yanhong isn’t someone who deliberately tries to change her life—she simply always keeps her curiosity and passion alive and is willing to start over at any stage. To better inhabit the role, Yeoh immersed herself in the local markets, observing the movements, expressions, and ways of life of older women, aiming to portray Zhao Yanhong as authentically and vividly as possible.

In recent years, Liu Haoran has consistently taken on diverse roles, earning recognition as 'Actor of the Year' at the Weibo Movie Night. In this film, he plays Wu Youwei—the seemingly disillusioned yet secretly sharp Rubik's Cube champion—forming a duo of strong contrasts with Oscar-winner Yeoh. Their witty banter and touching moments of companionship deliver both laughter and tears, bringing a refreshing blend of comedy and heartfelt drama.

The simultaneously released official poster features a lively, retro color palette interwoven with the vibrant hues of the Rubik’s Cube, vividly outlining the film’s diverse cast of characters. The optimistic, energetic tone precisely echoes the film’s central theme: 'Life is never one-dimensional. Every turn brings a new possibility.'