Michelle Yeoh stars in the Chinese drama "It’s My Time," portraying Zhao Yanhong, a former mathematics teacher who discovers a late-in-life talent for solving the Rubik’s Cube. The film, which opens in UK cinemas on October 16, is loosely based on Zhao’s real-life story but adopts a familiar sports-movie formula, blending humor with predictable narrative beats.

Yeoh reportedly dedicated two years to mastering the Rubik’s Cube in preparation for the role. In the film, Zhao is a blunt and sharp-tongued woman living in a nursing home after suffering a stroke. She is depicted as a formidable presence among residents, known for her rebellious antics, such as attacking a robot caregiver and making unauthorized outings. Her hidden gift emerges when Wu Youwei, a former cubing champion played by Haoran Liu, visits the nursing facility to offer training sessions.

The story follows Zhao’s journey from novice to competitor, featuring typical elements of training montages, qualifying rounds, and a focus on overcoming physical limitations. Despite the cerebral nature of the Rubik’s Cube, the film emphasizes physical endurance, with Wu asserting that Zhao’s stamina is her weakest point and encouraging her to engage in strenuous exercise, including running.

Yeoh delivers a compelling portrayal of Zhao, balancing her character’s gruff exterior with moments that subvert stereotypes of older adults. The film explores how Zhao’s online fan base, nicknaming her “Grandma Zhao,” and younger competitors initially misjudge her capabilities due to her age. However, critics note that although the character is crafted as irascible and sharp, the film ultimately softens her portrayal to fit a sentimental arc.

While "It’s My Time" offers insight into the niche world of competitive cubing through the lens of an unlikely champion, the plot’s predictability and formulaic structure may limit its impact. The film also highlights the surprising popularity of cubing, which has evolved into a competitive sport with its own world championships.

The narrative’s blend of fact and fiction raises curiosity about other real-life cubing prodigies, including a recently publicized six-year-old Chinese girl who set a new world record by solving the Rubik’s Cube in just over four seconds.