Chien-Ming Wang: A Pitcher, a Dreamer, a Fighter

Release Date：Oct/18/2018
Genre：Documentary/Sport
Director：Frank W. Chen
Cast：Chien-ming Wang








Baseball aficionados or not, every Taiwanese rooted for Chien-Ming Wang, aka Ace of Silence, Star of Taiwan and Taiwan lightning, during 2005-2007 before he got hurt. That motivation to get up early, to grab the newspaper early in the morning and every endeavor Taiwanese made about baseball was for him, and that particular emotion was rekindled in 2016 when Wang once again stepped on the hill for Kansas City Royals. Now, if you’re once a Wang’s addict or a Yankee’s enthusiast, here’s the chance to taste that feeling again on the big screen as “Late Life: The Chien-Ming Wang Story” was released on Oct 19, 2018.

Once winning 19 games in both seasons, Chien-Ming Wang’s achievements has put him into every Yankee fan’s heart, and he’s indeed a legend. Being the first and only Taiwanese player for the New York Yankees, Wang held many titles: American League Wins Leader, Olympian, The Pride of Taiwan, Time 100 Most Influential and World Series Champion. He had it all - until a 2008 injury changed the direction of his career forever.

Based on Chien-Ming Wang’s journey trying to fight for a comeback to MLB, “Late Life: The Chien-Ming Wang Story” is named after the late sinking action on his signature pitch - follows the rise and fall of the international icon as he fights his way back into the Major Leagues through endless rehab programs and lengthy periods away from home, carrying the weight of the world on his battered shoulder. As an emotional and personal account of Wang's determined pursuit, “Late Life: The Chien-Ming Wang Story” tells the story of a man who is unwilling to give up and unable to let go.

Even non-baseball lovers feel the determination of Chien-Ming Wang on how much he wanted to go back to the glory. All we could see in the front is that he keeps trying and not wanting to come home even after his injury, but what’s behind the scene is all the effort and hard work he put into the process.

Since “Late Life: The Chien-Ming Wang Story” is a documentary, even if director Frank W. Chen had the script in mind, and knew exactly what shots he wanted, no one would know the ending of this feature film would be. After three years of shooting, the whole crew finally witnessed the moment they had been waiting for: He’s back! And that, is no doubt the most valuable fruit of all time.

It’s not a film to celebrate and praise, but to express respect and pay tribute, so it contains a bunch of trainings, interviews and focus on Wang’s loneliness and sacrifices.

“Late Life: The Chien-Ming Wang Story” is an encouraging, inspirational and motivational flick, and it’s not only about the late life of Chien-Ming Wang’s sinker and his career, but also about an actual pitcher, a real live dreamer, a true fighter, and last but not least, a legend to remember.

Picture Credit: IMDb