Zero to Hero

This short film is an awareness raising tool which was specifically made for www.emilyneedsstemcells.com, however also raises awareness of the need for marrow donations within the Asian community. It does this by having a martial artist physically fight cancer cells, while a, well, less-physical man looks on. After some decent martial arts action and some decent jokes, we get the message. This aspect is surprisingly well done, because although it is a break in the film, it also fits within the tone and style of it, so isn't quite so obvious as to what it is doing – although at the same time it is clear, engaging with its choice of facts, and doesn't just pull of heartstrings etc.

The comedy is broad but quite amusing, thanks in part to the comedic delivery from Lawrence Leung, and also the martial art skills of Trieu (and the unnamed cancer cells, who also have some moves). As a short it is limited and perhaps not as funny as one would have hoped, but it amused me and drew me in enough to then want to follow up, read about Emily in particular, and follow up on some of the other links – so, in terms of the aim of the film to entertain and inform, it was a success on both fronts.