In ‘Mumu: I Hear You, Papa’, silence is not empty—it’s deeply expressive.
This Chinese drama, directed by Sha Mo and opening in SM Cinemas on June 11, is a poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and resilience, told through the heartfelt bond between a deaf father and his daughter.
Lay Zhang (Zhang Yixing) sheds his pop idol image to take on the challenging role of Xiao Ma, a deaf single father raising his bright and joyful daughter Mumu (Li Luoan) in a close-knit hearing-impaired community. Xiao Ma’s entire world revolves around Mumu—his every move grounded in giving her a brighter future. But their quiet, loving life is disrupted when he falls victim to a scam and Mumu’s estranged mother (Huang Yao) resurfaces, threatening to upend the only world Mumu has ever known.
What sets Mumu apart is its emotional authenticity. Zhang’s performance is a revelation. Communicating through sign language, body language, and expressive eyes alone, he captures the pain, fear, and fierce love of a father determined to protect his child. The fact that he trained in sign language and immersed himself in deaf communities for the role only adds weight to his performance.
Li Luoan, the young actress who plays Mumu, is equally compelling. Her chemistry with Zhang is the beating heart of the film—genuine, tender, and heartbreaking all at once.
Visually, Mumu is a masterclass in contrast. Warm orange hues during tender moments give way to chilling blues and shadows in darker scenes. The film’s use of silence—particularly during high-stakes moments—draws the audience into Xiao Ma’s world, allowing viewers to feel rather than simply observe the emotional gravity of the story.
The film also deserves praise for its authentic representation. More than 30 members of the deaf community appear in the film—many with no prior acting experience—bringing an unmatched realism to each scene.
However, the script doesn’t quite match the emotional and visual strengths of the film. Critics have pointed out some narrative weaknesses and overly convenient plot twists that strain believability.
Still, the cast’s sincere performances elevate the material. Director Sha Mo succeeds in his goal to raise awareness about the deaf community while delivering an emotionally resonant film that goes beyond surface-level storytelling.
At its core, ‘Mumu: I Hear You, Papa’ is a touching reminder that the most powerful expressions of love often need no words. It’s a film that doesn’t just ask you to watch—it asks you to feel.
LionhearTV‘s Verdict: A quiet triumph. Moving performances and heartfelt storytelling outweigh the script’s minor missteps. Bring tissues—and maybe learn a bit of sign language too.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
