The inaugural Asian Culture Festival concluded on a memorable note at Westgate Magic Cinema last Saturday with a screening of the 2023 Chinese dance drama One and Only. While the film's dialogue remained firmly rooted in Mandarin with English subtitles, it quickly became apparent that language was only a temporary barrier. By the time the dance battles intensified and the emotional stakes reached their peak, the Harare audience was fully invested in the story.
There was a noticeable hesitation during the opening scenes as viewers adjusted to reading subtitles while following the unfolding narrative. Conversations in the cinema were minimal, but the audience's initial distance reflected the challenge of engaging with a foreign-language film rather than any shortcoming in the production itself. As the film gathered momentum, however, the universal languages of dance, ambition and betrayal took over.
Directed by Dapeng, One and Only tells the story of Chen Shuo, played with remarkable energy and sincerity by Wang Yibo. A young dancer pursuing his dream against considerable odds, Chen embodies perseverance in the face of rejection, financial hardship and self-doubt. His journey is both inspiring and relatable, reminding audiences that success is rarely handed to anyone without sacrifice.
The emotional heartbeat of the film lies in the relationship between Chen and his veteran coach, Ding Lei, portrayed by Huang Bo. Ding is a mentor who refuses to surrender his passion despite setbacks that have left his team struggling for recognition. His belief in Chen becomes the foundation upon which the young dancer builds his confidence, creating one of the film's strongest emotional threads.
Adding tension to the narrative is Super Kevin, played by Casper Chu, whose ruthless ambition makes him the story's principal antagonist. His willingness to undermine teammates and show complete disregard for his former coach transforms the dance competitions into more than displays of choreography. They become battles of character. As Kevin's betrayal unfolds, the audience at Westgate found itself firmly behind Chen Shuo, willing him to overcome both personal and professional obstacles.
The choreography is undoubtedly the film's greatest strength. Every dance sequence is executed with remarkable precision, athleticism and creativity, blending street dance with cinematic storytelling. Rather than serving merely as entertainment, each performance advances the plot, revealing the emotions, frustrations and determination of the dancers more effectively than dialogue ever could.
It would be tempting to compare One and Only with American dance classics such as Save the Last Dance or the Step Up franchise. Yet doing so would miss the point entirely. Those films often place romance at the centre of their narratives, with dance acting as the vehicle through which relationships develop. One and Only is driven instead by resilience, discipline and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Chen Shuo's journey is less about falling in love than refusing to abandon his dream despite overwhelming obstacles.
That distinction gives the film its own identity. It celebrates perseverance over glamour and teamwork over individual glory, while quietly reminding viewers that genuine success demands humility, sacrifice and unwavering commitment.
The screening of the 2023 production also reinforced the broader objectives of the Asian Culture Festival. Organised in partnership with the embassies of China, Japan, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Republic of Korea, the inaugural festival demonstrated how cinema can bridge cultures as effectively as music, dance and cuisine. The film's message of pursuing one's dreams resonated with Zimbabwean audiences despite linguistic differences, proving that compelling storytelling can transcend national boundaries.
As the inaugural Asian Culture Festival closed after days of performances, exhibitions, cuisine and international cinema, One and Only proved to be a fitting finale. It left audiences entertained, inspired and reminded that while languages may differ, determination, loyalty and the courage to pursue one's passion are values understood everywhere.