1 . Exhausted, Jia Ling ate five packs of chocolate cookies alone at night by her bed after wrapping up filming for her new film YOLO that day. “Recalling that moment, I felt so great, like a tired soldier claiming the spoils of war,” she said.
By then, she had lost an incredible 50 kilograms, and her entire image had changed. The chubby (胖乎乎的), round and cute comedian Jia Ling was gone, replaced by a cool, muscular warrior.
Audiences were shocked by her appearance on Chinese New Year’s Day, Feb.10, when the film was first released. Jia had kept everything so secretive, avoiding public appearances for a year, that her new look was only revealed when she appeared on the big screen. Conversations about her high-intensity weight loss training, along with her courage and determination, have become trending topics across China, propelling the film’s box office earnings.
YOLO, which stands for “you only live once,” is the theme Jia aims to tell in her new film. The story follows an overweight, depressed woman who becomes isolated from society. However, after meeting a boxing coach and taking up the sport, she begins to regain her passion and finds her way in life. The filming was divided into five stages. Jia had to gain 20 kilograms at first for the role, moving on to the final stage when she lost a significant amount of weight and became muscular. This method mirrors what some Hollywood stars, such as Christian Bale, have done, but Jia’s effort is jaw-dropping and takes it to an even more extreme level.
Yet, the film’s core goes beyond physical transformation. “This film is not about weight loss, nor is it much about boxing. It’s a film that tells the story of how a kind person finds her true self and learns to love herself,” Jia said.
1. What does the underlined word “propelling” in Paragraph 3 mean?
A.Disturbing. | B.Restoring. | C.Driving. | D.Slowing. |
2. Which of the following can best describe Jia?
A.Generous and funny. | B.Determined and courageous. |
C.Creative and sensitive. | D.Ambitious and enthusiastic. |
3. What is the movie YOLO mainly about?
A.A woman’s pursuit of boxing glory. |
B.A woman’s journey through weight loss. |
C.A woman’s struggle with social pressure. |
D.A woman’s discovery of self-love and acceptance. |
4. What message does Jia want to convey through the movie?
A.The early bird catches the worm. | B.Actions speak louder than words. |
C.It’s never too late to change. | D.Don’t cry over spilled milk. |