The renowned Hong Kong filmmaker, Johnnie To, is widely celebrated for his captivating gangster dramas packed with intense gunfights, gripping storylines, and complex characters. Yet, To’s talents extend far beyond that single genre. Among his diverse works, my personal favorite has to be the delightful romantic comedy, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart. Co-directed with his usual partner in creativity, Wai Ka-fai, this film stands out as one of the finest love triangle stories ever told. It’s the perfect flick to snuggle up with during the holidays, especially if you’re in the early, exciting stages of a romance. But here’s the catch: you need to act fast if you want to catch it. It’s leaving Netflix on December 1st, and finding it elsewhere is quite the challenge. There’s no digital rental or purchase option, no other streaming platform has picked it up, and physical copies are either too pricey or incredibly rare.
The film features a charismatic trio at its heart, setting the stage for a real romance treat. The story revolves around Chi-yan, portrayed by the delightful Gao Yuanyuan, a financial analyst recently thrust back into the single life. Torn between two intriguing men, she finds herself in the middle of a compelling tug-of-war: one is a CEO, played by Louis Koo, who previously stood her up, the other is an architect, Daniel Wu, whom she helps regain his footing after a personal crisis.
These two suitors couldn’t be more different, yet each brings his own charm to the table. Koo’s character provides a sense of financial security but can be emotionally distant, while Wu’s character is a romantic at heart, though still piecing his life back together. The choice for Chi-yan isn’t simple, and that’s where the movie shines; it defies the typical "good guy versus bad guy" cliché. To ingeniously sets this romantic dilemma against the backdrop of a financial crisis, equating the search for love to navigating the wild market of dating options. It’s a narrative that resonates, leaving viewers pondering over who they think is the better match. Adding to the intrigue, both men work in the building right across from Chi-yan, leading to one of the film’s sweetest elements: the trio communicates by sticking notes on their vast office windows, crafting smiley faces and trading playful messages. This setup also cleverly plays into the classic rom-com theme of misunderstandings sparking comical antics.
The film is a genuine laugh factory, brimming with visual comedy, snappy dialogue, and physical humor that will leave you in stitches. Combining elements reminiscent of timeless classics like His Girl Friday and Playtime, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart showcases a master director at the peak of his game, beautifully executing the romantic comedy genre.
Remember, if you want to catch Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, you only have until November 30th on Netflix. Don’t miss out on this cinematic gem!
