Cast members of the film, including (from left) director Li Fangfang, actress Zhang Ziyi and actors Chen Chusheng, Huang Xiaoming and Chang Chen, attend a promotional event in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The character Huang plays is that of a student Chen Peng in the middle of the last century.

Chen's story showcases the suffering people endured during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76).

In the film, the bashful boy rescues the girl of his dreams from misfortune and later commits himself to the nuclear industry of China.

"I was touched by Chen's story and I found similarities between Chen and me when I read the script," says Huang, explaining why he chose to portray the character.

"I too was shy when it came to expressing myself. I was just like Chen when I was in high school. But I became courageous, confident and outgoing after I experienced the ups and downs in the first 40 years of my life, in much the same way that Chen grew into a mature man who dared to protect his lover and contribute to his country.

"While filming for the movie, I felt I was getting closer to Chen."