Call for Love

Call for Love, a 2007 movie directed by Jianya Zhang, stars leading Chinese actors Zheng Xu, Shan Cong, and Bingbing Fan. The film is a clever intertwining of romance, drama, and comedy that showcases the unpredictable game of love and relationships as experienced by an average Joe-like protagonist from Beijing.

The film begins with the story of a mild-mannered government bureaucrat, played charmingly by Zheng Xu, who after suffering several failed relationships, receives a strange phone from a mysterious caller. The call, bizarrely, informs him that he has been chosen to participate in an unforeseen love trial. Xu's character is stunned, and the film takes an unexpected turn when he is granted the power to have seven different types of relationships. This catch, in particular, is that these relationships must be with women who are entirely different from one another in both personality and character traits. As was to be expected, the domino effect that this sudden, surreal event creates forms the crux of this light-hearted romantic comedy.

The narrative gains momentum as Zheng Xu's character sets out on his roller-coaster journey navigating through these diverse relationships. Each woman represents a different archetype, enabling the plot to explore various aspects and nuances of romantic relationships. The women comprise a rich assembly of finely crafted characters, a menagerie of beauties from varying cultural backgrounds and professional fields. Each of them brings a unique set of expectations, attitudes, and behaviours that Zheng Xu's character must bob and weave through in quick succession.

The film's strength lies in the richness of its characters and their interaction. Call for Love scores big with the performance of Bingbing Fan, known for her roles in mega-hit movies like X-Men: Days of Future Past and Iron Man 3. Fan, along with Shan Cong and the rest of the cast, deliver performances that provide both depth and laughter, adding to the film's overall appeal. The intrigue of how Xu navigates his way through the hilarity of his romantic escapades is beautifully juxtapositioned with poignant moments of self-discovery, all while dealing with the pressure and confusion of his unusual and overwhelming predicament.

The film's plot is supported by tastefully curated cinematography, with varied and appealing locales in Beijing and a soundtrack that perfectly balances the emotional narrative. The film effectively places the viewer in the shoes of the protagonist, as he learns more about himself through the "trial" and his interactions with the women he encounters. Call for Love pulls you into its story right from the beginning and keeps you engaged all along, as the protagonist is put through the chaotic wringer of romance, one scenario after another.

Director Jianya Zhang possesses a delicate touch behind the camera, deftly managing both comedy and romance and providing a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Along with its comic elements, Call for Love contains a varied range of emotions, dealing with many of the uncertainties and conflicts experienced in romantic relationships. The movie also provides subtle commentary about the nature of love and companionship, exploring the complexities that come with the search for one's perfect partner in life.

This film is a brilliant blend of humor, romance, and drama. The absurdity of the premise is cleverly utilized to bring to light the idiosyncrasies within romantic relationships and the valuable lessons one can learn from them. Call for Love approaches the overarching theme of love and relationships from several angles, ultimately presenting a protagonist who is transformed by his experiences and comes to understand what truly matters in a relationship.

All in all, Call for Love is a fascinating blend of distinctive storytelling, hilarious comedic episodes, meaningful messages, and engaging performances. The movie gives you a front-row seat to one man's extraordinary journey of love, fraught with its highs and lows, trials and triumphs—making for an immensely entertaining and insightful viewing experience.