Introduction
Sound of Silence is a socially conscious Chinese crime/legal movie highlighting the exploitation of the deaf community through fraud. With a Douban score of 7.4, the film is praised for accurately portraying the daily challenges and communicative struggles of the deaf, using sign language extensively to provide a voice to the marginalized.
When I first read about this movie, I wanted to watch it for the leading actor, Tan Jianci. I watched the leading actress’s performance in another movie, We Girls, which I wrote a review article about. In that movie, Lan Xiya also played a deaf-mute character. Law and slice-of-life genres are not my cup of tea; however, as I started it, I was drawn to Li Qi, the protagonist, as I would write about in the Review/Characterization section.
Movie Info
Movie title: Sound of Silence (Native title: 震耳欲聋)
Alternative titles: Deafening, Zhen Er Yu Long
Genres: Law, Life
Release Date: 4 Oct, 2025
Duration: 2 hr. 5 min.
Director: Wan Li (万力)
Screenwriter: Tang Yu Chen (汤禹辰)
Based partly on the real professional experience of CODA (Hearing Children of Deaf Parents) lawyer Zhang Qi.
Where to watch: Netflix (Asia region, may need VPN) and Viki (PPV)
Awards
Song of Silence film, cast, and crew were nominated in nine categories in various award bodies, and won two of them:
Wan Li, won Best New Director at 2025 Shanghai Film Critics Award.
Lan Xiya, won Best Character Performance in a Motion Picture, Jury Award at Iqiyi TV and Movie Awards. Shared with We Girls.
OST
Tan Jianci himself sings the theme song. The song title is the same as the movie title: 震耳欲聋 (Zhe er yu long), which translates as “ear-splitting,” an idiom for deafening.
Tan Jianci, with his rich and layered vocal performance, articulated the real-life difficulties faced by the hearing-impaired in voicing their struggles. He also interpreted the bittersweet reality of ordinary people compromising and not being able to be themselves, as well as the simple yet profound wish of “wanting to live like a real person.” This song is dedicated to every ordinary person who bravely speaks up for themselves—there are no saviors in this world, you can only be your own hero.
Trailer
Synopsis
While both of his parents are deaf, Li Qi was born with normal hearing. Unfortunately, he often struggled in his childhood, as his family was discriminated against and Li Qi was frequently bullied. Upon reaching adulthood, Li Qi decided to become a lawyer, hoping to make a name for himself in the world and distance himself from the deaf community. However, he accidentally gets tied up in a real estate fraud case targeting deaf people, forcing Li Qi to reckon with his past in a new light. Will Li Qi choose to help defend the deaf, even though it may negatively impact his career, or will he put his personal interests first? This film was based on a true story. (Source: Viki)
Characters
Main Characters
Tan Jian Ci (檀健次) as Li Qi
Lan Xi Ya (兰西雅) as Zhang Xiao Rui
Supporting Characters
Xiao Tang (Wang Ge) – Li Qi’s assistant
Jin Song Feng (Wang Yan Hui) – Businessman
Zhang Qi: The True Story
Zhang Qi (张琪), a CODA Sign Language Attorney, is a partner at the Shanghai Jiuzhoutonghe Law Firm and a member of the Shanghai Lawyers Association Legal Aid Committee. His real-life professional experience served as the core source material for China’s first film focusing on anti-fraud for the deaf community, 震耳欲聋 (Sound of Silence). The career trajectory of the CODA lawyer Li Qi in the film and the case of real estate fraud against deaf individuals are both adapted from cases he handled, specifically the “Dou Mou House Contract Sale Invalidity Case”, for which he provided the case prototype. (Source: Baidu)
Review
Story and Plot
The film explores themes of information asymmetry, CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) identity, and social responsibility. “Deafening,” the English literal translation of the native title 震耳欲聋, reflects that although the deaf world is quiet, the exploitation they face is loud.
The plot centers on a sophisticated financial fraud orchestrated by the antagonist. Unscrupulous developers use deaf testimonials to lure the hearing-impaired community, who are isolated by information barriers.
With a blend of an emotional and suspenseful storyline, the film is a meaningful and thought-provoking exploration of justice for the deaf community, leaving a lasting impression.
Note: There is no romance plot in this movie.
+1.0 for story and plot.
Characterization and Acting
Li Qi/Tan Jian Ci
I started to get interested in the story after watching Li Qi in the beginning of the movie. Initially, he was rational and astute, highly sensitive to wins and losses, and eager to make a name for himself in the upper echelons of the legal world. He tried to distance himself from his background but inadvertently got caught up in a deaf fraud case.
As the case unfolds layer by layer, he is no longer just a lawyer skilled in weighing pros and cons, but an ordinary person torn between conscience and self-interest, gradually becoming a defender willing to take responsibility and speak for the silent.
Tan Jianci’s restrained and delicate performance makes this struggle feel real and palpable, making the movie even more impactful.
Zhang Xiaorui/Lan Xi Ya
Long-term exposure to information asymmetry and social misunderstanding, Zhang Xiaorui could have chosen to remain silent and retreat, but instead, she mustered the courage to stand up and seek legal assistance for herself. Zhang Xiaorui’s appearance shattered Li Qi’s consistently rational and indifferent approach to handling cases. Through her situation and actions, Sound of Silence not only reveals the vulnerabilities and difficulties faced by the deaf community within the social structure but also allows the audience to see the strength and dignity that still exist in a silent world.
Lan Xiya’s portrayal of Zhang Xiaorui is highly praised for being moving and emotionally resonant. She received critical acclaim for her ability to express deep emotion through non-verbal acting and sign language.
+1.0 for characterization/acting
Visualization
Cinematography
The movie captures complex emotional depth through contrasted visuals, blending intense, realistic depictions of community life with stark, polished scenes of glamor.
The 32nd-floor view overlooking the entire city, a dream of the upper class, and the shabby elevator with even the plywood not removed, represent the distance between ideals and reality, yet only a few steps away.
Filming Location
The movie features atmospheric, gritty cinematography filmed on location in Wuhan, China. The film captures the urban grit of Wuhan, utilizing its landscape of rivers, bridges, and old residential neighborhoods to enhance the story’s authenticity.
My Critique
If the production team spent a lot of effort on Li Qi’s character development, making him more relatable to the audience, the antagonist is a stereotypical villain character, with a black-and-white moral setting. The character is created only to generate dramatic conflict, and it reduces the story’s sense of realism.
My Rating
I used my rating system with additional scores of:
+1.0 for story and plot
+1.0 for characterization and acting
+1.0 for the visualization
Total rating: 9.0/10.
Conclusion
With a compelling and realistic plot, Sound of Silence is based on real-life experiences of a sign-language proficient lawyer, tackling the often-ignored topic of fraud targeting the hearing-impaired. It exposes how scammers exploit information asymmetry and trust, highlighting the vulnerability of the deaf community. The stellar acting of the leading actor Tan Jianci and leading actress Lan Xiya are highly praised, specifically for their natural and fluent sign language. The movie uses unique artistic direction, with silence as a symbolic tool to create a deeper, more profound cinematic experience.
