Huang Lei.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Later, Huang directed several other TV series. The turning point, to be a film director, finally came thanks to Gu.

"When I was a student at Beijing Film Academy, Yamada was one of my favorite foreign directors. So, I feel honored to remake his film," Huang says.

"Besides, I am a middle-aged man now. Time has given me knowledge, making me better understand the joys and sorrows of life.

"Sometimes, when a couple have been married for many years, a husband may take all what his wife has done for him for granted. He becomes indifferent," he says.

In the movie, Huang plays the role of the eldest son who works for a foreign enterprise, and speaks Chinese with a smattering of English words.

The cast also features Taiwan veteran Lee Li-chun and mainland actresses Hai Qing and Sun Li.

Huang says despite the fact that the film does not feature big stars, the veterans as well as the tale will attract viewers.