Last year I tried to dive into more movies from 2022 and catch up with old ones that I may have missed. The following are my mini reviews of the ones I’ve watched in the romance sector released in 2022. Please continue reading to see which ones I would recommend! Note: all films listed in alphabetical order
0.1% World (好想去你的世界爱你)
Rating: 3.3/5 ★★★☆☆
“0.1% World” is a fantasy romance Chinese movie that stars Zhou Yi Ran (周依然) as An Yi and Patrick Shih (施柏宇) as Gao Ang.
It was released on February 14, 2022, and is about an aspiring architect, An Yi, living in China, and Gao Ang, a pianist currently residing in Germany. Due to a head injury at work, An Yi and Gao Ang’s minds magically become connected. Not only can the two hear each other’s thoughts, but their actions can also physically affect the other person if one of their heart rates rises to 100 bpm.
You can look forward to the comical bickering between An Yi and Gao Ang as they try to figure out the best way to work around their special 0.1% in-the-world connection. From sabotaging each other’s lives to heart-to-heart talks, this film shows that it only takes meaningful conversations to develop feelings for each other.
The film showed the vulnerability of human beings in loneliness and life and how one overcomes them to be stronger. “0.1% World” had several elements that made the film enjoyable. I recommend this film to those looking for a lighthearted fantasy romance with a happy ending. If you would like to read the details of my likes and dislikes of the movie, Movie Review: 0.1% World.
Watch 0.1% World (好想去你的世界爱你) on Fresh Drama’s YouTube.
Almost Love (遇见你)
Rating: 2.5/5 ★★☆☆☆
Almost Love is a Chinese romance film released in August 4, 2022 starring Xu Ruo Han (徐若晗) as Yu Jiao Yang and Li Wen Han (李汶翰) as Zhou Can. The film follows high school sweethearts Yu Jiao Yang and Zhou Can as they support each other and continue their romance into adulthood. As the years pass, Yu Jiao Yang expects Zhou Can to propose so they can start the next chapter of their lives. However, Zhou Can prioritizes his career, causing a rift between them and creating their “almost love” story.
The story follows a typical trope of high school lovers and their relationship through adulthood, exploring how things change, including their jobs, which causes them to drift apart. In this sense, the story feels rushed, with little time to digest the emotions they want viewers to grasp, from the butterflies and highs of the honeymoon period to the anguish of wanting a relationship to work out. The younger years of their relationship are well done in setting up the characters and highlighting themes of being oneself and finding oneself as a teenager.
However, as they delve deeper into the struggles of adult life and wanting different things in their mid to late twenties, it’s hard to feel the complex emotions from Xu Ruo Han and Li Wen Han. The deep love the two should have had throughout the years isn’t fully conveyed, nor are the struggles of each character, especially in realizing the lack of interest in their relationship or not feeling fulfillment in other areas of their lives. As a result, the sadness of their breakup or even the contrived issue that drove them apart isn’t strongly felt.
“Almost Love” is not a film I would rewatch, as there isn’t anything unique or memorable about it. The one aspect I appreciated was the focus on closure in relationships. The characters recognize that it wouldn’t work out and, despite being upset, decide to move on and be happy that they tried their best and made happy memories together. Many films in this trope leave the ending with regrets between the characters. I recommend it to those looking for a melancholic romance between two lovers who drift apart throughout life.
Watch Almost Love (遇见你) on iQiyi, Viki, Apple TV, or Vudu
Close to Love (我们的样子像极了爱情)
Rating: 3/5 ★★★☆☆
“Close to Love” is a film that was released on August 4, 2022 starring Qi Yu Chen (漆昱辰) as Gao Xiao Nan / Gao Fang and Li Xiao Qian (李孝谦) as Xu Yi. The story follows Xu Yi meeting Gao Fang by chance again in college. The two start off on the wrong foot, with Gao Xiao Nan initially giving Xu Yi the cold shoulder, but they gradually warm up to each other. Despite their mutual feelings, their relationship never takes off due to timing and Xu Yi’s lack of courage.
The beginning of the movie was challenging for me to sit through, as both leads didn’t appear likable at first. However, once their relationship warmed up, I found myself intrigued by their dynamics. It may be an unpopular opinion, but I appreciated the story the film was trying to tell. This isn’t a typical sappy romance; instead, it explores the concept of two individuals who are close to entering a romantic relationship.
What stood out to me in the film was the portrayal of emotional scenes from Xu Yi’s perspective. I appreciated seeing a romance story told solely from a male point of view, which is a rarity. However, I wished the film delved deeper into Xu Yi’s feelings and the complexity of his desire to pursue Gao Xiao Nan, balancing his reluctance to make her uncomfortable with his lack of confidence in himself. While the film hinted at Xu Yi’s struggle throughout, it felt somewhat rushed in its execution.
While some might criticize Xu Yi’s perceived “cowardice,” I believe it’s portrayed realistically. Xu Yi doesn’t fit the traditional male lead archetype; instead, he exudes a more “guy friend” energy. As he grows in confidence and attempts to win over Gao Xiao Nan, his transformation is evident. However, he ultimately realizes that he may not be the partner Gao Xiao Nan desires—a partner who is honest, confident, and treats her well.
The story isn’t about winning the girl; it’s about Xu Yi’s journey of first love and silent devotion to Gao Xiao Nan. Despite never confessing his feelings, Xu Yi supports Gao Xiao Nan unconditionally, showcasing his love through friendship. He sacrifices his career in Hong Kong for her without resentment, even though it leaves him personally unfulfilled. Their differences in lifestyle and goals become apparent, indicating that while they could have tried, it might have led to a bittersweet ending.
“Close to Love” didn’t evoke sadness for me; it felt bittersweet. While it didn’t profoundly move me, I appreciated the intention and emotions conveyed. This makes it one of my favorites on this list, and I recommend it to those seeking a poignant, almost-romantic tale about two friends.
Don’t Forget I Love You (不要忘記我愛你)
Rating: 3.5/5 ★★★☆☆
“Don’t Forget I Love You” (不要忘记我爱你) is a Chinese romance film released on February 14, 2022, and is a sequel to “The Stolen Years.” The film stars Gülnezer Bextiyar (古力娜扎) as Xu Xing Yue and Jasper Liu (劉以豪) as Lu Yao. Lu Yao, a composer, suffers from a unique medical condition called anterograde amnesia, where his memory resets daily. He meets Xu Xing Yue, a psychology student pursuing her Ph.D., who takes on Lu Yao as a client for her case study. Together, they develop a relationship that transcends Lu Yao’s amnesia.
While watching the film, two issues caught my attention. Firstly, the portrayal of a doctor engaging in personal affairs with her patient raised ethical concerns. Blurring the lines between professional and personal boundaries, especially in a doctor-patient relationship, can be perceived as taking advantage of the patient’s vulnerability. Secondly, I found Gülnezer Bextiyar’s acting to be mediocre. There were moments where it was challenging to empathize with her character’s emotions and actions as Xu Xing Yue.
However, what elevated the movie for me was Jasper Liu’s portrayal of Lu Yao and his infectious innocent smile. His portrayal of Lu Yao’s confusion and intrigue in navigating each new day without recollection was compelling. His bright and innocent smile added depth to the character and made it easy to fall in love with him.
The film effectively delivers the theme of love transcending memories as a feeling. Xing Yue’s dedication to making their relationship work despite Lu Yao’s condition, and Lu Yao’s daily rediscovery of his love for Xing Yue, is beautifully portrayed. The depiction of such a strong and enduring love, where one is willing to invest effort daily to nurture it, elevated my overall rating of the film.
I would recommend “Don’t Forget I Love You” to those who can overlook the ethical concerns surrounding the relationship dynamics and appreciate the powerful depiction of love between two individuals.
My Blue Summer (暗恋橘生淮南)
Rating: 2.5/5 ★★☆☆☆
“My Blue Summer” is the third Chinese live adaptation of the popular series “An Lian Ju Sheng Huai Nan” (暗恋橘生淮南) written by Ba Yue Chang An (八月长安). This author has brought us popular web series such as “With You” (2016), “My Huckleberry Friends” (2017), “Unrequited Love” (2019), and “Unrequited Love” (2021). In fact, “My Blue Summer” is a movie adaptation of the television series “Unrequited Love.”
The story follows the unrequited love of Luo Zhi for Sheng Huai Nan. Sophie Zhang Xue Ying (张雪迎) portrays Luo Zhi, who meets Sheng Huai Nan as children but falls in love with him in high school. Lacking the courage to reveal her feelings and identity, they part ways until reuniting in college. Xin Yun Lai (辛云来)
plays Sheng Huai Nan, who falls for Luo Zhi without knowing her identity. Eventually, they interact in college while playing leads in a student film but continue to hide their feelings.
This movie has pros and cons for those familiar with the novel or previous adaptations. One-third of the film focuses on their high school story, another on their college relationship, and the final part on the aftermath of their unrequited love.
As someone who has watched both the 2019 and 2021 television dramas, I would rank the adaptations as follows: “Unrequited Love” (2019), “My Blue Summer,” and then “Unrequited Love” (2021).
One change I appreciated was Sheng Huai Nan recognizing Luo Zi and pursuing her in college, rather than Luo Zi continuing to chase him. This change improved their dynamic and addressed the issue of Sheng Huai Nan’s indecisiveness. I also liked the focus on their childhood, which added depth to their characters and explained their future actions. This aspect was lacking in previous adaptations.
Initially, I would rate the film a 2.5, but after considering the pros, it may lean more towards a 3 (with some bias). The flow was somewhat choppy, making it difficult to fully grasp the intense emotions between the characters as they transitioned from young adulthood to adulthood. However, for fans of “Unrequited Love” or youth romance stories, this film provides a satisfying conclusion to Luo Zhi and Sheng Huai Nan’s love story.
Love Can’t Be Said (一直一直都很喜欢你)
Rating: 2.5/5 ★★☆☆☆
Love Can’t Be Said (一直一直都很喜欢你) is a film released on July 22, 2022 starring Zhou Yi Ran (周依然) as Tong Zhi Liao and Wu Nien Hsuan (吳念軒) as Gu Bin. Tong Zhi Liao, a timid veterinary student, harbors feelings for Gu Bin, a Taipei student. Instead of confessing her feelings, Zhi Liao expresses them through letters she never sends to Gu Bin. However, when one of her letters is accidentally delivered to Gu Bin by her roommate, Zhi Liao lies, claiming it was intended for Gu Bin’s friend, Zhou Han Xiao.
The film proved challenging to watch as it felt slow-paced and lacked a unique aspect in its characters or storyline. While the concept of exchanging letters between two people had potential, it needed to be better captured between Zhi Liao and Gu Bin. Improved portrayal of unrequited love, the nervous excitement in front of a crush, and chemistry between the leads could have elevated the movie. Establishing these emotions would have made it easier to empathize with the bitter ending and the sense of missed opportunities between Zhi Liao and Gu Bin.
From the film, I learned the fleeting nature of life and how people can leave unexpectedly. It emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities and leaving one’s mark on the world. Despite my desire to enjoy “Love Can’t Be Said,” it ultimately left me with a rating of 2.5.
Stay With Me (我是真的讨厌异地恋)
Rating: 4/5 ★★★★☆
“Stay With Me” (我是真的讨厌异地恋) is a Chinese film that was released on April 29, 2022 starring Ren Min (任敏) as Zhao Yi Yi and Xin Yun Lai (辛云来) as Xu Jia Shu. Zhao Yi Yi and Xu Jia Shu fall in love during high school and decide to confess their feelings before starting college. The film explores their long-distance relationship between Xiamen and Beijing and the challenges their love faces over the years.
There were many aspects of this film that I found beautiful. Initially, I struggled to grasp their love story. Zhao Yi Yi approaches love by immersing herself deeply in it, which initially puzzled me. However, as the story unfolded, I found her commitment awe-inspiring. It takes immense courage to invest so much time and energy into a relationship, especially one with physical distance. As they grow, they continue to grow together, relying on each other to navigate life’s challenges and proving the strength of their love.
The picturesque shots and the director’s filming style were breathtaking. I could feel the warmth between the characters, from their youthful love to the challenges of maintaining their relationship over distance. The acting and direction effectively conveyed the turmoil within their relationship, particularly in moments like when they stood hand in hand, facing the metaphorical hurdle of a street stretched out before them, holding back their emotions.
I appreciated the portrayal of communication, or lack thereof, within their relationship. While they communicate, not all words are easily shared, and they often hold back their emotions to avoid burdening each other. This dynamic reflects the reality of many relationships, where individuals hesitate to share their true feelings to avoid causing discomfort.
Another positive aspect was that it wasn’t just Zhao Yi Yi who needed Xu Jia Shu; he also needed her. Similarly, Zhao Yi Yi’s growth is evident as she realizes her reliance on Xu Jia Shu. “Stay With Me” breaks stereotypes by showing vulnerability in both male and female characters and depicting the complexities of their relationship.
Despite the film’s length, it provides a conclusive narrative, although some viewers may have wished for more of a sweet romance. I highly recommend “Stay With Me” to those seeking an inspiring love story in long-distance relationships, a realistic portrayal of communication within relationships, and a reminder not to lose oneself in a relationship. It has become one of my favorite films of 2022, earning a solid 4 rating, and I look forward to re-watching it.
Ten Years of Loving You (十年一品温如言)
Rating: 2.5/5 ★★☆☆☆
“Ten Years of Loving You” (十年一品温如言) is a Chinese film released on February 2, 2022, and was adapted from the novel, A Heartwarming Decade (Shi Nian Yi Pin Wen Ru Yan) by Shu Hai Cang Sheng (书海沧生). The film stars Ren Min (任敏) as Wen Heng and Ding Yu Xi (丁禹兮) as Yan Xi, chronicling their ten-year journey. Yan Xi and Wen Heng, both lonely within their families, find solace as high school roommates. However, Yan Xi abruptly leaves, and they reunite years later. Discovering the truth behind Yan Xi’s departure, Wen Heng prepares herself for another heartbreak, determined to stand by Yan Xi’s side.
Many moments between Wen Heng and Yan Xi felt rushed, lacking chemistry. The direction failed to capture the initial reliance they had on each other as youths, which would have intensified the heartbreak at the end. Establishing their connection and chemistry would have helped us understand their ten years of love and why they should end up together. Unfortunately, the film missed this mark, leaving us to imagine their bond as a found family and their love as their first.
The film’s attempt to condense ten years into 90 minutes resulted in a cliché and predictable storyline. However, if you enjoy classic sad romances, this film might appeal to you.
How many of these romance movies have you seen? Or do you plan to watch any of them? Do recommend some of your favorites (from 2022 and beyond) that aren’t on this list, or leave any of your thoughts/comments below!
