Watch This Is Not What I Expected

This Is Not What I Expected is a 2017 Chinese romantic comedy directed by Lu Le. The film stars Takeshi Kaneshiro and Dongyu Zhou in lead roles, with Yi-zhou Sun in a supporting role. The movie follows the story of Lu Jin (played by Takeshi Kaneshiro), a wealthy hotelier who is meticulous about his food and is obsessed with controlling every aspect of his life. Lu Jin is seen tasting dishes in his kitchen and giving feedback to the chefs using his own personal rating system.

However, Lu Jin's perfectly planned life is flipped upside down when he meets Gu Shengnan (played by Dongyu Zhou), a young woman who is training to be a sous chef. Gu Shengnan is clumsy, disorganized, and doesn't adhere to Lu Jin's strictest culinary standards. Initially, the two cannot stand each other, but soon they start to fall for each other in spite of their differences. As the story progresses, we see Lu Jin and Gu Shengnan embark on a love-hate relationship where they help each other grow in ways they never thought possible.

What makes This Is Not What I Expected stand out from other romantic comedies is its unique visual style. The movie is shot in an enthralling, picturesque manner with stunning visuals of the dishes and cooking processes. Every dish that is portrayed in the movie looks so delicious that it's almost impossible not to salivate while watching. The director of photography, Kwok-Man Keung, has done an amazing job of bringing to life the various dishes and the culinary world.

The chemistry between the lead actors also adds to the charm of the movie. Takeshi Kaneshiro delivers a suave and sophisticated performance as Lu Jin, the perfectionist hotelier. His performance is complemented by Dongyu Zhou's enchanting portrayal of Gu Shengnan, who exudes a sense of innocence and vivacity. Yi-zhou Sun also adds to the mix with a strong and powerful acting performance as Lu Jin's former girlfriend, who still lingers in his life.

One of the most striking features of the movie is its soundtrack. The music is catchy, upbeat and helps keep the story flowing. The songs are mostly in Mandarin, with a sprinkling of English tracks. Also, the production design is noteworthy, with the various settings and locations, including Lu Jin's opulent luxury apartment and the bustling kitchens, bringing out the movie's theme of contrasting lifestyles.

The film's screenplay is also well-written, with sharp dialogues and amusing jokes that keep the audience entertained. The story is dotted with moments of humor that are delivered with perfect timing by the actors. The characters in the movie are well-developed, and the story explores Lu Jin's transformation from a rigid control freak to a more relaxed person who starts to care for those close to him.

Overall, This Is Not What I Expected is a delightful romantic comedy that will leave you with a warm feeling after watching. The movie's depiction of culinary arts is visually stunning, and the chemistry between the cast is electrifying. It is a refreshing change from the typical romantic comedies that are formulaic and predictable. If you're looking for a feel-good movie that has it all - great visuals, a charming story, and exceptional performances, then This Is Not What I Expected is a must-watch.

This Is Not What I Expected is a 2017 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.