Zero to Hero

How "Zero to Hero" Became Hong Kong’s Unexpected Oscar Contender

Hong Kong director Wan Chi-Man’s Zero to Hero (2021) wasn’t just another sports drama—it was a passion project a decade in the making, a film that nearly didn’t happen, and ultimately, the city’s official submission for the 2022 Academy Awards. latestnetflix.com's read is that Behind its underdog story of a wheelchair fencer’s rise to glory lies a production saga almost as dramatic as the film itself.

A Decade-Long Journey to the Screen

Wan Chi-Man spent nearly 10 years developing Zero to Hero, a period marked by funding struggles and creative pivots. In interviews, he revealed the film’s origins traced back to a chance encounter with Hong Kong’s wheelchair fencing team, whose resilience inspired the script . But turning that inspiration into a feature proved arduous. Wan described the process as a "rollercoaster," with financing falling through multiple times before Netflix stepped in as a key backer . The streaming giant’s involvement not only secured the budget but also gave the film a global platform—though Wan admitted he initially hesitated at the idea of a digital-first release, fearing it might dilute the theatrical experience .

The delay had an unexpected silver lining: it allowed Wan to refine the story, incorporating real-life details from the athletes’ lives. Leung Chung-Hang, the Paralympic gold medalist who inspired the protagonist, served as a consultant, even performing some of the fencing sequences himself . The result was a film that blurred the line between fiction and documentary, with Wan calling it "90% real" in interviews .

Sandra Ng’s Gamble on a Comeback Role

For Sandra Ng Kwan-Yu, Zero to Hero marked a career resurgence. The Hong Kong icon, known for her comedic roles, took a risk by playing a stern, no-nonsense coach—a character far removed from her usual persona. Ng later admitted she was terrified of the physical demands, particularly the scenes requiring her to push a wheelchair at high speeds . Her preparation included months of training with Leung, who taught her the nuances of wheelchair fencing .

The gamble paid off. Ng’s performance earned her a Best Actress nomination at the 2022 Hong Kong Film Awards, reigniting industry buzz around her after a string of less memorable projects . In a Q&A, she joked that the role was "the hardest thing I’ve ever done—including childbirth," a line that quickly became a soundbite in Hong Kong media .

The Netflix Effect: A Double-Edged Sword

Zero to Hero’s Netflix release in August 2021 was a turning point, but not without controversy. While the platform’s global reach helped the film find audiences beyond Hong Kong, some local critics argued it deserved a theatrical run in its home market . Wan defended the decision, noting that pandemic restrictions made a traditional release impossible, and that Netflix’s data showed strong engagement from viewers who might never have sought out a Hong Kong film otherwise .

The film’s Oscar campaign added another layer of intrigue. Hong Kong’s selection of Zero to Hero over higher-profile contenders like Drifting sparked debate, with some industry insiders calling it a "safe" choice that aligned with the Academy’s recent push for underrepresented stories . While the film didn’t secure a nomination, its submission alone was a milestone—marking the first time a Hong Kong film centered on disability sports had been put forward for Oscar consideration.

Behind the Scenes: The Cast’s Unconventional Bond

The ensemble cast, many of whom were newcomers or non-actors, brought an authenticity that scripted drama couldn’t replicate. Mason Fung Ho-Yeung, who played the lead, was a former athlete with no acting experience, while Chin Siu-Ho, a veteran action star, took on the role of a wheelchair-bound mentor . The cast trained together for months, with Ng later recalling how the physical demands created an instant camaraderie .

One of the most talked-about moments in production was a scene where the team competes in a rain-soaked tournament. The shoot took place during a Hong Kong downpour, with actors performing stunts in actual wheelchairs—no doubles, no CGI. Leung Chung-Hang, the real-life fencer, reportedly told the crew, "If we can do this in real life, you can do it for the movie," a line that became a rallying cry on set .

The Legacy: More Than Just a Sports Film

Zero to Hero’s impact extended beyond the screen. The film’s success coincided with a surge in interest in Hong Kong’s Paralympic athletes, with local media crediting it for raising awareness about wheelchair fencing . Wan has hinted at a potential sequel, though he’s remained tight-lipped about details, saying only that he’s "not done telling these stories" .

For a film that nearly didn’t get made, Zero to Hero defied expectations—proving that sometimes, the most compelling underdog stories aren’t just on screen, but behind the camera.