When Dr. Ming Wang came to the United States in 1982, at age 21, he had nothing but $50 and a book translated from Chinese to English. He had just survived the violent cultural revolution in China (including the loss of a dear friend) during which the government closed most of the country's universities.
We see this and much more in flashbacks throughout the film “Sight,” which is based on Dr. Wang's autobiography “From Darkness to Sight” and opens this weekend. In it, Dr. Wang (played by Terry Chen) ends up earning MDs from Harvard and MIT (graduating magna cum laude from the latter), while also earning a PhD (laser physics, University of Maryland). He discovers a new way to potentially help blind people see (using amniotic membrane contact lenses if you want to get technical) as he and his medical partner, Dr. Misha Bartnovsky (played by Greg Kinnear), embark on a mission to help orphans regain their vision. view.
The National Library of Medicine estimates that over the past 25 years, more than 20 million eyes were treated with laser eye surgery. Dr. Wang's pioneering medical technique has restored sight to millions of people around the world. As one of the leading experts in the field, Dr. Wang's impact and philanthropy have been recognized in his home state of Tennessee, but his story may not be as well-known. As Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month continues, Wang, who also executive produced the film, wants to contribute to the narrative fabric of this country.
“My main motivation? Asian American stories aren't told too often in mainstream American media. Authentic representation is rare. I wanted to encourage Asian Americans, Chinese Americans and all immigrants to tell our story,” says Wang. “However, I will say that it is a humbling experience.”
Ming Wang at 14 (Ben Wang) and Lili (Sara Ye) in “Sight.”
(Courtesy of Angel Studios)
Chen, a Canadian actor, was not only impressed by Dr. Wang's medical achievements, but also by the general and specific nature of his story.
“It had nothing to do with kung fu or martial arts. He had nothing to do with being a gang member or any of the other tropes Hollywood has stumbled upon. And it also spoke to a broader swath of immigrant history and the broader diaspora that exists outside of Asia,” Chen says.
Directed by Andrew Hyatt and also starring Ben Wang, Fionnula Flanagan and Natasha Mumba, the film had the advantage of having Dr. Wang on set. He was there to help consult on technical jargon and operating room scenes, but many members of the team took advantage of his presence to ask for advice on medical matters. It was a welcome reassurance on a 2020 set that was in the middle of a pandemic.
“Dr. Wang was a great resource,” says Kinnear. “This is the first film I made, that many of us made, after COVID. I had some doubts about the journey, but I felt that when I read Dr. Wang's story , everything was put into perspective very quickly.”
The inspiring nature of the story may have even helped improve the atmosphere on set.
“When you finally go and meet everyone and they slowly take off their masks… I have to say that in the case of this movie, [the substance of the story] it leaked. There was a good inspiring feeling on set,” says Kinnear.
Kajal (Mia Swaminathan), Sister Marie (Fionnula Flanagan) and Dr. Wang (Terry Chen) in “Sight.”
(Courtesy of Angel Studios)
In the film, Dr. Wang attempts to restore sight to a young woman named Kajal (Mia Swaminathan) who is brought to his clinic by a nun (Flanagan). It's one of the many touches in the film that put faith at the center of Dr. Wang's struggles and triumphs. This particular case is one that led him to reveal about using the placenta to create his healing lens, but also It was a case/client that tested his resolve.
“The reason why Kajal was chosen [to be the central case in the film] It was because it was a very challenging case. His injury was so serious that I had to dig deep to find a solution,” says Dr. Wang. “People say there is no common ground between science and faith. Fortunately I did not give up and as a Christian I continued praying.”
Angel Studios, known for its religious films, distributes “Sight.” But the story of Dr. Wang's past and his desire to help blind orphans are equally prominent themes in the film.
“I think the message of the film is about freedom and faith,” says Dr. Wang. “'Sight' is a film that reminds us how precious freedom is. How much we need to appreciate America. “Perhaps the story of an immigrant who did not have freedom is necessary to remind us how blessed we are.”
