Sprinter Liu Changchun was the first Chinese to take part in the Olympic Games.

The new movie, "One Man's Olympics", is based on the story of the athlete and his struggles against Japanese invaders to represent China in the 1932 Los Angeles games.

The film is currently being shown throughout China and has attracted audience nationwide. Du Lijun reports.

One Man's Olympics [photo source: ezhun.com]

In 1908, exactly a hundred years ago, the then most influential New Youth Magazine raised a question which was a reflection of the public mood: when will China take part in the Olympic Games?

The answer to that question can be found in the new movie called One Man's Olympics, which has made its debut in China.

Born in Dalian in northeast China, Liu Changchun was good at running in his childhood. Later, as a college student, he defeated the then powerhouse Japan and won the sprint championship in a tournament held in north China. This inspired his strong will to take part in an Olympic Games.

However, the athlete had to call a halt to his career due to Japanese invasion of his hometown in 1931.

But his dream of participating in the Olympics did not vanish. Later, with the courage and help from all concerned parties, Liu Changchun overcame various difficulties and made it to the Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

Liu Changchun took part in the 100 and 200-meter sprint. Although trying very hard, he was still eliminated during the first round of the competition.

The final results was not that important. Liu Changchun's optimism and patriotism inspired many of his countrymen to follow his footsteps.

The audience members were moved by the heroism shown in the movie.

"We are inspired by the story. He is a representative of the Chinese people who are strong enough to face all difficulties. We hope that the people in the earthquake-hit areas have the spirit and will rebuild their homes."

"We young people are inspired by the movie. I want to tell everybody, especially people in the disaster-hit areas to hold on and be strong in the spirit of the Olympics."

"One Man's Olympics" has also inspired many critics too. They say that the country lacks good sports films but this one surprised them.

The spirit of forging ahead in unity conveyed in the movie has made it a new breakthrough in China's sports film production.

Critic Weng Yanran, a senior editor at Beijing-based Film magazine, says he has been inspired by the movie, which has also stimulated his thinking.

"The story displays the spiritual development of the athlete, as well as the whole nation. The athlete strived to be strong and independent facing Japanese invaders. I was so moved by the scene and when I saw him running in the Olympic Games, I wanted to run with him. He gained the lead at first during the competition but was lagged behind. It is imitation of Hollywood movies, but this one is totally uncontrived."

Hou Yong is the director of the movie.

"To hold the first Olympic Games in Beijing is tough as it was for Liu Changchun to be the first Chinese athlete in the games."
Li Zhaolin, a graduate from China's Central Academy of Drama, starred as the leading role. He is recognized as the most suitable actor to play Liu Changchun since he also holds a certification of national athlete of the second grade.

Upon hearing about the massive earthquake in Sichuan, Li Zhaolin offers his condolences to the victims and encourages survivors to hold on.

"We should retain Liu Changchun's spirit, the never-say-die attitude. I hope the Beijing Olympics will be successful and people in the quake-hit areas can rebuild their homes and start living happy lives soon."

The film is currently playing in big theatres around China. English subtitles are also available.