Tell me about your favorite movie.
My favourite movie is Life of Pi, a visually stunning and emotionally profound film directed by Ang Lee.
What captivates me most is the way the story blends adventure with spirituality. On the surface, it’s about a young man who survives a shipwreck and shares a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. But on a deeper level, it’s a meditation on belief, resilience and the stories we rely on to make sense of the world.
I first watched it in the cinema when I was a teenager, and I remember being blown away by the breathtaking visuals — the ocean scenes, the bioluminescent sea creatures, and the surreal moments that blur the line between imagination and reality. Even today, the cinematography still feels ahead of its time.
What also makes the film unforgettable is the emotional impact. The relationship between Pi and the tiger is tense yet strangely touching. It pushes the audience to question what is real and whether the truth always matters more than a meaningful story. That final twist stayed with me for years and sparked a lot of reflection on how people cope with trauma.
Another reason I love this movie is that every time I rewatch it, I discover something new — a symbol I overlooked, a detail that suddenly makes sense, or a line that resonates differently as I grow older. To me, that’s the mark of a truly great film.
Overall, Life of Pi is not just visually impressive but also deeply philosophical. It’s a movie that entertains you, challenges you, and stays with you long after the credits roll. That’s why it has remained my favourite film for so many years.
Bengal tiger /ˈbɛŋɡəl ˌtaɪɡər/
Recommend a book you like
One book I always recommend to people is Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari.
It’s a thought-provoking non-fiction book that explores how our species evolved, how societies were formed, and why humans ended up dominating the planet.
What makes this book truly special is the way Harari explains complicated ideas in a completely accessible manner. He takes huge historical trends — like the Agricultural Revolution, the rise of capitalism and the development of scientific thinking — and turns them into vivid, engaging stories. Instead of feeling like a textbook, it reads more like a journey through the human mind.
Another reason I recommend it is the way it challenges your assumptions. Many chapters forced me to rethink things I had taken for granted, such as why people believe in nations, religions or even money. The book argues that much of what we consider “reality” is actually built upon shared imagination, and that idea alone was eye-opening for me.
I also appreciate how relevant the book feels today. It doesn’t just focus on the past; it raises questions about the future — artificial intelligence, genetic engineering and the possibility that humans might eventually redesign themselves. These ideas sound abstract, but Harari connects them to our daily lives in a surprisingly practical way.
Overall, I love Sapiens because it’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish it. It broadens your worldview, deepens your understanding of society, and gives you a fresh lens to interpret everything around you. If someone wants a book that is both intellectually stimulating and genuinely enjoyable to read, Sapiens is the one I’d wholeheartedly recommend.
Do you have an idol you admire?
Yes, I do. I really admire Ang Lee, the world-renowned film director who has created some of the most influential movies of our time.
What inspires me most about him is not just his talent, but his patience and determination. He spent years in relative obscurity, facing rejection after rejection, yet he never gave up on filmmaking. That persistence alone is admirable.
Another reason I look up to him is the extraordinary range of his films. He’s one of the very few directors who can move effortlessly between genres — from family drama and martial arts to fantasy adventure and even superhero films. Each work feels completely different, yet equally thoughtful and emotionally powerful. This versatility is something I find incredibly impressive.
What also resonates with me is his humility. Despite winning multiple Oscars and receiving global recognition, he remains soft-spoken and grounded. In interviews, he often talks about how he still feels insecure before shooting every new film, and how he keeps learning with each project. I think it takes real courage for someone so accomplished to admit that.
More personally, Ang Lee shaped my own dream of becoming a director one day. Watching his movies made me realise how storytelling can transcend cultures and connect people in the most unexpected ways. He proved that you don’t need to be loud or flamboyant to create something meaningful — you just need dedication, empathy and a strong sense of curiosity.
So yes, Ang Lee is definitely the person I admire the most. His work and his character both remind me of the kind of person I hope to become in the future.
Do you prefer outdoor or indoor activities?
I definitely prefer outdoor activities, mainly because being outside gives me a sense of freedom that indoor spaces simply can’t offer.
Whenever I’m outdoors, surrounded by open fields or fresh air, I feel more relaxed and present. It’s almost like my mind resets itself, and whatever stress I’m carrying just melts away.
Another reason I enjoy outdoor activities is the physical and mental benefits. Even something as simple as taking a walk can boost my mood, sharpen my focus and give me more energy for the rest of the day. I also like the unpredictability of nature — the changing weather, the sounds, the scenery — which makes every experience feel slightly different and more alive.
In contrast, indoor activities sometimes feel a bit limiting. They’re comfortable, of course, but they don’t provide the same sense of openness or inspiration. When I need to think, reflect or simply breathe, going outside is always my first choice.
So overall, I naturally gravitate towards outdoor activities because they offer both relaxation and a refreshing sense of space.
Why is it important to understand different culture?
Understanding different cultures is essential because we live in an increasingly interconnected world where people, ideas and resources move across borders more freely than ever.
Without cultural awareness, misunderstandings can easily arise and even small differences in values or communication styles can lead to unnecessary conflict.
Another reason it matters is that cultural understanding helps us develop empathy. When we learn why people think or behave in certain ways, we naturally become more open-minded and less judgmental. This not only improves interpersonal relationships but also contributes to a more harmonious society, especially in multicultural countries.
From a practical standpoint, knowing about other cultures is also crucial in global cooperation. Whether it’s international business, academic research or diplomatic negotiations, success often depends on the ability to interpret cultural signals accurately and avoid unintentionally offending others. Many partnerships fail not because of technical issues, but because people can’t bridge cultural differences.
On a personal level, understanding diverse cultures enriches our worldview. It exposes us to new perspectives, creative ideas and alternative ways of solving problems. In a sense, it expands the limits of our thinking and helps us grow as individuals.
So overall, cultural understanding isn’t just a soft skill — it’s a fundamental requirement for living, working and thriving in a globalized world.
英语口语陪练 