Actor Tong Liya stars as a strong and loving armless woman in a new drama film, learning to perform tasks such as caring for a baby using only her feet and mouth.

A poster for "Till Love Do Us Apart." [Image courtesy of Sichuan Cheering Times Culture & Entertainment]

In "Till Love Do Us Apart," Tong plays an orphan raised in a welfare institution who later cares for an abandoned infant. The film explores themes of disability and maternal love as Tong's character faces a relentless battle to secure legal adoption rights when the welfare institution takes the child away.

At the film's premiere in Beijing on Aug. 21, Tong recalled her interactions with people with similar disabilities during the creative process. "I was deeply touched by the group's tenacious zest for life," she said. These individuals consulted on the film, teaching Tong how to authentically portray daily activities without arms. They demonstrated tasks performed using only feet and mouth, ranging from opening a beer to changing a light bulb.

Tong spent months practicing to eventually master the tasks performed by people without arms. "Actually, they, along with the director, screenwriters, and choreographers, would come together to design my moves and ensure they were performed perfectly on screen while being emotionally gripping," she explained.

The actor's performance wowed the audience at the premiere and received enthusiastic applause. "I played an armless character, but I had help and support from countless hands behind my back," the actor said. "I feel so grateful to have portrayed such a powerful character because of them."

The cast and crew pose for a photo at the premiere of "Till Love Do Us Apart" in Beijing, Aug. 21, 2024. [Photo courtesy of MicroEnt] 

Director Liu Fendou also noted the positive outlook on life and resilience of these disabled individuals after the creative team engaged in deep conversations with them. "We hope that through this movie, we can showcase the power of love and warmth inherent in them, allowing more people to see and feel this extraordinary strength," he said.

"Till Love Do Us Apart" was released nationwide on Aug. 23.

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