Badminton finally has a movie to call its own. "Lee Chong Wei: Rise of the Legend" has just been released in China. The biographical film depicts the plucky Malaysian's journey in beating the odds to become the World No.1 for almost 200 straight weeks.

It all starts with a dream. But one which won't be realised, if not for the time and tested values of discipline, perseverance, and most of all, self-belief. The director of Lee Chong Wei's biographic film hopes to portray an inspiring story of an overseas ethnic Chinese. But above all, he said the movie transcends an individual's success.

TENG BEE MOVIE DIRECTOR "In our society today, in schools, we are taught how to be successful. But no one tells us how to face setbacks. In fact, facing one's failures is more important than chasing success. This film portrays an average kid, who in the pursuit of his dream, has gone through many challenges. But time and time again he has picked himself up to be a world class player."

"Rise of the Legend" marks Malaysia's first ever wholly-owned movie to be included in China's annual imported quota, which was 39 in 2016. With a budget of 1.7 million US dollars, it took almost three years to make. One of the challenges facing the producers was finding the technology to capture the sheer speed of the sport. Also, the uncanny resemblance of senior Lee in the movie is a gift from heaven, he says, after looking at more than three-thousand people for Lee's character.

JOE LEE CHONG WEI'S BROTHER "When we saw how my brother trained, our hearts felt a tinge of pain. It really isn't easy to be a sportsman. But Chong Wei was a man who knew what he wanted. Whenever he lost a tournament, he would continue to train and persevere."

Throughout the movie, one can hear a mishmash of languages and dialects: Chinese, Hokkien, English, and Malay. And, of course, an appearance by the Chinese badminton sensation, Lin Dan, not the real one, though. Indeed, the real Lee only makes a fleeting appearance. His brother says it's because the former World Number One is still focused on getting back to the very top.

LOCAL CHINESE AUDIENCE "The movie represents a spirit where it doesn't matter who wins or losses. After watching it, I feel people with dreams will definitely succeed."

LOCAL CHINESE AUDIENCE "The take-home message for me is, what is lacking isn't opportunities. The spirit of persistence does not apply to just sports, but also to any profession, any race, any country."

WEI LYNN TANG BEIJING "Asian nations have come to dominate badminton in recent decades, yet the sport has never quite had the aura or opportunity to light up the silver screen. It's hoped that this movie, which highlights the qualities of tenacity, determination and NEVER, EVER giving up, will inspire not just badminton fans, but also anyone across all walks of life. WLT, CGTN, BJ."