Overseasidol.com — The premiere of My Friend An Delie became a heartfelt moment as Dong Zijian and Liu Haoran opened up about their deep friendship and the creative journey behind the movie.
Beyond the story on screen, the bond between the director and lead actor added an emotional layer that resonated strongly with audiences.
Liu Haoran recalled that his first official meeting with Dong Zijian felt surprisingly familiar.
Sitting side by side and talking, it didn’t feel like a first encounter at all, but rather a continuation of a long-standing friendship.
He described Dong as someone who matured early, possessing a strong understanding of the film industry that helped guide him when he was still new to the field.
Liu admitted that he initially wondered how Dong would adapt the original novel, especially since the adult portion of the story appeared brief.
However, after reading the full script, he understood how deeply personal the film was.
Themes of drifting memories, a father’s quiet protection, and unspoken emotions all stemmed from Dong’s inner world.
As a first-time director, Dong impressed Liu with his sincerity and courage in laying bare his emotions for the audience, a process that even moved him to tears during the discussion.
Dong Zijian, in turn, expressed his gratitude and affection for Liu Haoran, calling him one of his closest friends.
Creating a film centered on friendship alongside a real-life friend, he said, was a rare and magical experience.
Over the past seven years, Liu has consistently supported and motivated him with positivity and encouragement.
Dong also acknowledged the difficulty of portraying the character Li Mo, whose emotions are largely hidden beneath the surface.
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