It Had to Be You!

It Had to Be You! is a delightful 2005 romantic-comedy film hailing from Hong Kong, deftly featuring prominent actors Ekin Cheng and Karena Kar-Yan Lam in lead roles, with opulent support from the renowned Eric Tsang. Directed by Andrew Loo and Maurice Li, the film imbues the essence of love, destiny, and emotional complexities, stitched together intricaly with sub-plots that ultimately enmesh in a delightful tale of romance.

Ekin Cheng enacts the character of restaurant owner, restaurant owner Yip Kwok Cheung, who reciprocates the loving advances of a resigning employee before she departs to England. The viewers are immediately brought face to face with the captivating aura of Cheung, as he maneuvers through the labyrinth of his professional and personal life with grace and strength. On the other side, we meet bespectacled Karena Kar-Yan Lam, embodying the character of mainland girl called Serena. A purposeful individual with a tint of childish innocence, Serena moves away from home to the bustling city in search of her loved one. The film places heavy emphasis on the drastic cultural and lifestyle differences that exist between these two lives that are about to intersect.

The narrative takes us through a cultural palette and social expanse of Hong Kong, blending the local atmospherics, city vistas, and oriental cuisines with the evolving romance. Common urban situations woven into the narrative, like love at first sight, the pressure of societal expectations, and the fear of commitments, give an authentic taste of the city's dwellers life, making the viewers resonate with the drama, reality, and humor that disguise itself within these circumstances.

As the film progresses, Ekin Cheng and Karena Kar-Yan Lam exhibit their chemistry through a gamut of emotions such as tender love, frustration, anger, and their palpable longing for each other. The duo's unspoken connection is wonderfully highlighted amidst the vivid depiction of daily life in Hong Kong, setting the tone for an emotionally refreshing and charming ride for the audience.

Veteran actor Eric Tsang as Uncle Bill lends significant depth to the narrative. He infuses both comic relief and heartfelt wisdom, making the plot much more engaging. His bond with Cheung is portrayed beautifully and adds a unique dimension to the unfolding story.

The sub-plots in the narrative that intertwine with the main plot make way for some surprises and twists, which keep viewers on edge. Yet, it's the unruffled essence of everyday life that is captured so beautifully in the film that appeals to the audience on a deeper level. It's this 'altitudinal' depiction of normalcy that makes the film stand out, allowing the viewers to connect to the characters and their circumstances on a more intimate and personal level.

As far as technically, It Had to Be You! is a visual treat. The camera works in rhythm with the city of Hong Kong, capturing the subtle nuances and the raw spirit of the city with an aesthetically pleasing approach. The background score settles in with the narration, adding another narrative layer to the characters and their experiences, emotionally binding the audience further with the film.

To sum it up, It Had to Be You! is much more than a romantic comedy. While it may have the blueprint of a love story at its heart, it surpasses the same with its insightful representation of societal norms, pressures, aspirations, and not to forget, the all-encompassing theme of love and destiny. It orchestrates a plethora of human emotions with exceptional performances from its cast, primarily Ekin Cheng and Karena Lam, who breathe life into their respective characters, convincing you to invest in their idiosyncrasies and fall in love with their love. For all those who enjoy intimate storytelling with a touch of humor and romance, this heartwarming Hong Kong flick serves as an impressively engaging watch!