Book Of Love

Book of Love, originally known as Finding Mr. Right 2 in China, is a 2016 romantic comedy film featuring Tang Wei and Xiubo Wu, with Zhihong Liu in a supporting role. Directed by Xue Xiaolu, this movie is a follow-up to the first Finding Mr. Right (2013), sharing the same musicians and director, yet it is not a direct sequel and has an entirely separate storyline. This light-hearted film intertwines Eastern and Western cultures, making it an interesting watch for viewers all over the globe.

Tang Wei plays the role of Jiao, a casino hostess in Macau who dreams of visiting idyllic Havana, Cuba, based on the image depicted in a cheesily translated Spanish novel she has been reading. Her life takes an unpredictable twist when she falls for a quirky gambler played by Eason Chan. Unfortunately, her romantic dreams are slashed when she finds herself cheated both romantically and financially, and she's left to sort out her life with her pragmatic mainland mom and a newly introduced absentee dad, Daniel, portrayed by Paul Chun.

On the other side of the world, we have Daniel, a handsome, sophisticated real estate broker in Los Angeles, portrayed by Xiubo Wu. He's living a comfortable life with his buoyant fiancée, played by Kara Wai, but when his depleting sales and a failed investment leads him on a quest for new opportunities in Las Vegas, his life takes a shocking turn. This city of chance unveils a long-lost daughter from an earlier relationship to him, complicating his life further.

The two leading characters, Jiao and Daniel, both dealing with their own personal traumas and circumstances, end up connecting through a shared Spanish novel they both are engrossed in. In this fascinating tale of cross-continental circumstances, they both find solace, comfort, and more than just friendly advice in each other's gesticulations which are hilariously lost in translation and errors due to automatic voice recognition and a poorly calibrated translation app.

Tang Wei, as always, delivers a stunning performance, bringing spark to her naturalistic acting. She flawlessly portrays the struggles of a woman dealing with deception and emotional upheaval. Xiubo Wu, on the other hand, captures the audience's attention with his adept portrayal of a distressed man having to cope with the sudden revelation of fatherhood and a strained relationship.

Brilliantly directed by Xue Xiaolu, the movie flourishes in the debonair charm she infuses into these well-rounded characters and deftly balances the comedy, drama, and romance aspects. Zhihong Liu augments the dynamism of the sequences in his supporting role with seasoned ease.

What makes Book of Love stand out from the crowd is its endearing fusion of the visually stunning locales and a culturally diverse narrative. This film weaves together the stories of these two separated individuals in an incredibly touching illustration of human connection and serendipity.

Though the movie shines in the realm of the romantic comedy, it also skillfully conveys profound messages about love, life, fate, and the power of connection that transcend geographical boundaries. Themes of lost love, chance meetings, and coincidences make the film even more heartwarming, portraying universal experiences viewers can relate to.

The cinematography is a visual delight, drawing attention to the grandeur of LA, the charm of Macau, and the allure of London City. The scenes transition smoothly, immersing the audience in the protagonists' environments completely.

Altogether, the Book of Love is an enchanting blend of engaging storytelling, lovely cinematography, warm humor, and excellent acting. Whether you're a fan of romantic comedies or simply appreciate captivating storytelling, this delicately crafted film is worth a watch.

Although the Book of Love is a standalone sequel to Finding Mr. Right, viewers do not need to watch the first film to understand or appreciate the exquisiteness of this film. With its beautifully illustrated narrative, mesmerizing performances, and deep-seated life philosophy, this film undeniably leaves a lasting impact on the viewers and reaffirms one's belief in fate and serendipity.