This Is Not What I Expected

This Is Not What I Expected is a charming and lighthearted romantic-comedy released in 2017 that brilliantly brings together heartwarming romance, mouth-watering cuisine, and amusing comic relief in a lively exploration of love, personal growth, and culinary delight. Directed by successful filmmaker Derek Hui, it stars veteran Japanese-Taiwanese actor Takeshi Kaneshiro and rising Mainland Chinese star Dongyu Zhou, with a notable performance by Yi-zhou Sun.

The romantic entanglement of this heartfelt narrative centers around Lu Jin, portrayed by the charismatic Takeshi Kaneshiro, and Gu Shengnan, played by the endearing Dongyu Zhou. Perhaps the most charming aspect of the movie is the way it employs food as a medium to express, communicate, and eventually foster love between the seemingly mismatched pair.

Lu Jin, a wealthy, "by-the-book" CEO of a multinational corporation, happens to be a hard-to-please hotel evaluator with a discerning palate. Lu Jin's cold and mechanical life departs from the standard film portrayal of the successful businessman to expose a character with depth and a relatable sense of loneliness, human vulnerability, and longing for authentic interactions. Kapserous meticulous attention to every detail and his fastidious approach to life make for numerous amusing instances in this romantic comedy.

Dongyu Zhou, on the other hand, embodies the young, innovative sous chef Gu Shengnan, with a clumsy charm. Gu, with her lively and colorful character, reinforces the stereotype of the wild and unruly artist. Her artistic medium just happens to be food, and her colorful, chaotic apartment encapsulates the eccentricity and creativity of her character.

This Is Not What I Expected employs food as a catalyst to bring together these very different individuals, engendering an unanticipated connection. As Lu Jin finds himself being hopelessly drawn towards Gu's cooking, the unusual relationship between them starts blooming. Unaware that the mesmerizing flavors he enjoys come from the eccentric young woman he constantly butts heads with, a comedic tension ensues between their growing attraction and their public discord.

Adding to this main plot and the overall charm of the film is an ensemble of entertaining supporting characters providing comic relief. Yi-zhou Sun, amongst them, supplies memorable moments and adds depth to the narrative with her accomplished acting. The film also tantalizes its audience with visually aesthetic scenes of delectable cuisines prepared with meticulous attention to detail. These sequences are not only a treat to the eye but also instrumental in advancing the story and character development.

Shot on location in Shanghai, China, the film effectively makes use of its urban setting to craft the vibrant and chaotic world of the characters. Whether it's the modern and clean aesthetic of Lu Jin's hotel or the haphazard and colorful chaos of Gu Shengnan's apartment, the location settings brilliantly complement the characters and their contrasting personalities. The cinematography lends the film a visual quality that is aesthetically pleasing, thus adding another layer of enchantment to the delightful narrative.

What stands out about this film is that romance is presented not in an overt, dramatic manner but instead materializes through subtlety, shared hobbies, and passions - in this case, culinary arts. Director Derek Hui creates a lighthearted and cheerful atmosphere, typical of classic romantic comedies while successfully integrating a uniquely engaging culinary element. This Is Not What I Expected could very well be termed as a food-themed love story that promises to make you laugh, cheer, and perhaps leave you a bit hungry for more.

The palpable chemistry between the leads, the heartwarming narrative arc, the adept choreography of shots, and a genuinely funny script are some of the factors that make This Is Not What I Expected a delightful watch.

All in all, This Is Not What I Expected is a breezy romantic comedy that effectively appeals to a sense of taste, humor, and romance. It is a delectable love story, rich in character development, that is expertly cooked up and served with a dash of humor and a generous portion of heart. If you find yourself a fan of romantic comedies, culinary arts, or simply want to immerse yourself in a feel-good film, then This Is Not What I Expected definitely warrants a watch.