Big World is a deeply emotional film that tells the inspiring story of Liu Chunhe, a young man with cerebral palsy who refuses to let his condition define him. Throughout the movie, Chunhe struggles against society’s prejudices, his family’s doubts, and his own fears as he fights for independence and self-respect. One of the most powerful moments in the film is his speech at the town hall meeting, where he speaks about disability rights and challenges people’s perceptions of those with physical limitations. This speech is not just about accessibility—it symbolizes Chunhe’s journey of self-acceptance, resilience, and the determination to be seen as an equal. It is a moment that highlights his growth from someone who constantly has to prove himself to someone who knows his worth and demands to be recognized.
Chunhe’s speech at the town hall meeting is a powerful moment in his journey, symbolizing his fight for respect, recognition, and equality. Throughout his life, he has faced countless barriers—not just physical ones but also societal attitudes that see him as weak or incapable. His speech is not just about accessibility for people with disabilities; it is about demanding to be seen as a person with value. It represents his courage, his determination, and his refusal to be defined by others’ limitations.
Before this moment, Chunhe has spent much of his life being told what he cannot do. His mother, despite loving him, constantly doubts his abilities. Society often views him with pity rather than respect. He has to fight for every opportunity, whether it is applying to university, working at a café, or even being part of a choir. Each step in his journey is a battle against people’s assumptions. His speech is the culmination of everything he has experienced—it is his way of speaking up not only for himself but for everyone who has ever been underestimated.
The words he chooses in his speech reflect his deep frustration and hope. He talks about how society sees people like him as a “short plank” in a barrel, suggesting that many believe those with disabilities are weak links that lower the overall strength of a community. But Chunhe challenges this idea. He argues that instead of pushing people like him aside, society should recognize their potential. His speech forces people to confront their biases and rethink how they view disability. It is not just a plea for accessibility but a demand for respect and equal opportunities.
This moment is especially significant because it marks a turning point in Chunhe’s self-confidence. Up until this point, he has been trying to prove himself through actions—going to school, working, and seeking independence. But the speech is different. It is not just about what he does; it is about who he is and what he believes. It shows that he is no longer just reacting to obstacles but actively fighting against them. It is a declaration of his self-worth, something he has struggled with for so long.
His journey to this moment has been filled with both small victories and painful setbacks. He has faced rejection from his own mother, who believes he cannot live independently. He has struggled to find a place where he belongs, whether in school, at work, or even within his family. But through all of this, he has never given up. His speech is proof that he has found his voice and is ready to use it.
The reaction to Chunhe’s speech is also important. While some people may still hold onto their prejudices, others begin to see him in a new light. He is no longer just a boy with cerebral palsy; he is a young man with intelligence, ambition, and strength. His words challenge the way people think, making them question whether they have been unfairly limiting others like him.
This moment also highlights the emotional depth of his character. Chunhe is not just fighting for practical changes like ramps or job opportunities; he is fighting for dignity. He wants to be treated as an equal, not as someone to be pitied or ignored. His speech is filled with emotion because it comes from years of being overlooked. It is his way of telling the world that he exists, that he matters, and that he will not be silent.
By the end of the film, Chunhe’s speech stands as one of his greatest achievements. It is not just about changing minds—it is about changing his own perception of himself. He no longer needs to prove anything to others; he knows his worth. His journey has been about much more than physical challenges; it has been about self-acceptance, resilience, and the power of speaking up. Big World captures this beautifully, showing that true strength comes not from the body but from the spirit.