Movie Review – Love in Disguise [恋爱通告] (Directed by Lee Hom)

I hardly give a thumbs up and feel emotional + touched by mandarin movies.. a.k.a Taiwan movies.. Mainly because I cannot understand much. This movie, it was mostly on body language and their expression, that makes me feel understandable and feel what they feel in a pop star life..

十八般武艺, Lee Hom’s latest album and this movie was shown on the theater in conjunction with the Chinese Valentine’s Day – That’s the new album of Lee Hom.. Famous from an incredibly young age, Du Ming-Han (Wang Lee Hom) has only ever known a celebrity pop star existence. Yet, despite all the glamour, there is still something lacking in his charmed life – true love. With the help of fellow musician and friend Wei Zhi-Bo, Ming-Han disguised himself as a regular Joe in the hope of finding true love. While incognito, both of them stumble across the performance of a classical Chinese orchestra. Ming-Han is immediately captivated by the melodies of the guzheng soloist, Song Xiao Qing (Crystal Liu Yi-Fei), a student at the Shanghai Conservatory, whose affections lie with the accomplished but arrogant claimed top musician student, Mu Fan. In his attempt to spend more time with Xiao Qing, Ming-Han promises to help her get together with Mu Fan. As Ming-han and Xiao Qing grow closer, it becomes increasingly difficult to conceal his identity.

Wang Leehom, dubbed as one of the ‘Three Maestros Of Chinese Pop Music” with his composing skills, good looks and impeccable singing talent, is adding another feather in his cap: film director for his first movie “Love In Disguise”. Many other directors like Jacky Chan gave a thumbs up to it..

Could it be that the other two maestros, Jay Chou and David Tao are venturing into moviemaking, till it spurred Leehom to direct this rom-com? It might be, since the story is based on puppy love between a pop star and a down-to-earth girl. Combining both his favourite elements in music: classical Chinese music and hip-hop, “Love In Disguise” was a awesome creation because of the music scores, all composed by Leehom himself!

“Love In Disguise” tells of Du Ming Han (Wang Leehom), a pop star so popular that everyone wants a piece of him, but only one girl Song Xiao Qing (Crystal Liu), a student at the Far East Music Academy, is oblivious to pop music. He is smitten by her musical skills, thus going through great lengths in posing as a poor villager to enter the music academy, just to be close to her. Roping in his best friend Wei Zhi Bo, played by funnyman Chen Han Dian (“Monga”), both of them weave through their real identity and the impostors in the music academy with much humour.

Even the plot is similar to two music videos done by Jay Chou and Leehom himself! Probably a wish for all the male celebrities: to meet a gorgeous girl without letting her know that you’re a famous star? The movie is also peppered with cheesy lines like “I think you’re my soulmate.” and “Besides you, I couldn’t see anything else.” as well as Leehom-endorsed products.

Leehom himself played Du Ming Han as if he was the star himself, only adding comic relief in his fake identity. Chen Han Dian was in his element, rather than his previous dark character in “Monga”, providing ammo for Leehom to goof around. Crystal Liu’s characters although didn’t shine, but she is constantly bugged by Leehom and at the end when she found out DMH’s real identity, that was where the touching part happens. The highlight of the movie would be Joan Chen (“Lust, Caution”) who was brilliant as the loving yet demanding manager for Du Ming Han. One surprise cameo appearance would be Hong Kong’s singer-composer Khalil Fong, performing a short number in the movie. Besides that, get your attention too towards Joan, DMH’s manager.. She portrayed herself as a caring and understanding manager of him. More like a mother to him that had look after him for more than 10 years.

The movie was a great one directed by him. And I am surely you will not regret watching this..