Michelle Yeoh Returns to Chinese Cinema with Miss Rubik, Says Two Years of Rubik's Cube Training Was Tougher Than Action Films

Oscar-winning actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh has returned to Chinese-language cinema with the inspirational comedy Miss Rubik, co-starring Liu Haoran. The film premiered across Malaysia on July 23 and sees Yeoh portraying a spirited 70-year-old grandmother whose life takes an unexpected turn after discovering the Rubik's Cube.

To convincingly portray the role, Yeoh spent nearly two years learning and practicing the Rubik's Cube from scratch. She revealed that she carried one with her throughout filming and practiced whenever she had free time.

Laughing about the experience, Yeoh said mastering the puzzle demanded not only concentration but also speed, coordination and stamina. "It was as exhausting as filming an action movie," she joked.

Inspired by the true story of world-record-holding "Rubik's Cube Grandma" Zhao Wenying, the film follows Zhao Yanhong, who begins as a complete beginner before training under cube prodigy Wu Youwei, played by Liu Haoran, eventually earning a place at the World Cube Championship (WCC).

Yeoh said the film's message—that it's never too late to pursue a dream—perfectly reflects her own outlook on life. She described herself and the character as equally determined, saying she has never allowed age or failure to stop her from chasing new goals.

Reflecting on her training, Yeoh admitted that staying focused was the hardest part. She also compared life to solving a Rubik's Cube, saying that although it constantly becomes scrambled, there is always another way to solve it if people refuse to give up.

Speaking about her first collaboration with Liu Haoran, Yeoh praised the actor for being professional, humble and hardworking. She revealed that Liu spent most of his free time practicing the cube and could even solve it with one hand, leaving her deeply impressed. The two have since become close friends.

Yeoh also shared that one of the film's most emotional moments for her was the hospital scene featuring Bai Ke as her son, highlighting the unconditional support between mother and child.

To prepare for the role, she closely observed the daily habits of elderly people, adjusting her posture, walking pace and body language to portray a grounded, realistic grandmother instead of the agile action heroine audiences are familiar with.

Besides starring in the film, Yeoh also serves as executive producer. She encouraged audiences to watch the movie with their families, hoping its uplifting story will inspire viewers of all ages.