ARTS / MUSIC
Biopic on Chinese pianist Lang Lang to be directed by Ron Howard
Published: Sep 24, 2020 02:13 PM

Lang Lang Photo: Courtesy of the Universal Music



Internationally renowned Chinese pianist Lang Lang announced on Wednesday that he has given Hollywood the go-ahead to produce a biopic on his life that will be directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Ron Howard.

Michelle Mulroney and Kieran Mulroney have been announced as the scriptwriters for the film.

The film will be based on Lang's autobiography and shot both in China and the US. It will mainly focus on the life story of the pianist from his childhood in Shenyang, Northeast China's Liaoning Province.

Lang thanked Howard in his post on China's Twitter-like Sina Weibo, "I would like to thank the director for bringing my story to the big screen. I hope this film can inspire all young people to pursue their dreams bravely and never forget that they are unique."

"Lang Lang's story is one of determination, passion, sacrifice, and finding the inner strength to beat the odds," said Howard and film producer Brian Grazer in a joint statement. 

"This film is a bridge between two cultures that share universal truths about the gauntlets we face in the pursuit of greatness."

Many Chinese netizens said they were proud of the pianist for having a biopic at 38 years of age. 

"I am so looking forward to seeing the film. I hope more people can get to know this brilliant pianist," one netizen commented on Sina Weibo.

The film will also delve into Lang's family background. Despite his family's precarious financial situation, Lang's family sacrificed almost everything to help the talented young boy succeed.

Lang's latest album Goldberg Variations, released on September 4, climbed to the top of the classical music chart on Amazon in Britain, Spain and France after its first two days of sales, an employee of Universal Music surnamed Zhang told the Global Times.