HK actress Michelle Wai reflects on life lessons from ‘The Last Dance’ role

Hong Kong actress Michelle Wai Sze-nga opened up about her experience starring in local drama film The Last Dance, which taught her empathy and the importance of not judging others’ experiences without understanding their pain.

Set in the city, The Last Dance tells a story of the encounter and partnership between Dominic, a wedding planner-turned-funeral director during the pandemic, and Taoist conservative priest, Master Man in the funeral business.

In the movie dealing with themes of love, death and family traditions, Wai portrays Yuet, a paramedic, who struggles to deal with the patriarchal worldview of her father, Master Man.

In an inclusive interview with Sing Tao Daily, The Standard’s sister newspaper, Wai recalled growing up in a loving family, which left her often struggling to understand why some people hold resentment towards their loved ones.

However, through portraying Yuet, a character wrestling with family conflicts, she learned a profound lesson: “Unless you’ve lived someone else’s pain, don’t tell them how to heal.”

The film’s message also deeply resonated with audiences. The actress shared heartfelt stories from viewers, including a young woman who reconciled with her estranged father after decades and another who found closure for a childhood tragedy.

“We simply strive to do our best, and we are grateful that this movie has helped so many people. In just two hours, the film has reached and touched more lives than a two-hour lecture on cherishing the people around you ever could,” Wai said.

Wai’s journey as an actress is marked by relentless learning and dedication. Her preparation for The Last Dance began months before the film was confirmed, during which she bought props for the Taoist funeral ritual to practice her role.

Now, after 17 years in the industry, Wai embraces both her successes and setbacks with gratitude. Her career has likely reached new heights, as she has been nominated for Best Actress at the upcoming Hong Kong Film Awards for her role in The Last Dance.

Whether the honor comes or not, she is determined to refine her craft and face life with resilience, always striving for more. As she puts it: “You don’t persist because you see hope -- you see hope because you persist.”