Sars hero's tragic love story a hit at the box office

More than 240 screenings of The Miracle Box, a love story based on Sars hero Joanna Tse Yuen-man, have been booked out by schools and religious groups.

The 96-minute movie, which opens today, is based on the life of Tse, a doctor who died last year after volunteering to work with Sars patients at Tuen Mun Hospital, and her husband, Albert Chan Hon-hing, a doctor who died of leukaemia in 2002.

The $4 million movie, financed by the Media Evangelism group, stars leading TVB actress Ada Choi Siu-fun as Tse and award-winning actor Tse Kwan-ho as her husband.

The film is being shown in 24 theatres across the city.

Director Adrian Kwan Sun-fai, himself a Christian, said he did not expect such positive feedback. He said he was inspired to make the film when he heard about Tse's death in May.

'It is a touching love story which has the power to change people's lives,' he said.

'Unlike some people who grumble over hardships, Dr Tse demonstrates an optimistic spirit by standing up quickly after her husband's death.'