Starring: Zhou Xun, Tong Dawei, Eileen Zhang
Rating: PG13 (Some Coarse Language and Sexual References)
Language: Mandarin with English and Chinese subtitles
Release date: 5th February 2015
Directed by Kwak Jae Yong, Meet Miss Anxiety is reminiscent of enormously popular Korean film My Sassy Girl, also of the same director. Both have similar plot directions- the female protagonist reigns over the male lead that serves as both servant and punching bag as he gives in to her whims and fancies. Audiences of My Sassy Girl will find Meet Miss Anxiety predictable and less novel than viewers who are new to Kwak’s works.
When university student Qi Jia (Zhou Xun) decides to make her graduation ceremony an unforgettable one by turning up in a wedding gown and proposing to her long time boyfriend in front of the entire cohort, the last thing she expects is an outright rejection from him. This sends her on a downward spiral into depression, which eventually causes her to be diagnosed with early menopause just five years after graduation.
Qi Jia’s doctor prescribes a long list of improvements she needs in her life, and her two best friends, Xiao Ou (Tong Dawei) and Shu’er (Eileen Zhang) step in to try to turn her life around. The idea of menopause, however, is quickly abandoned early on in the film as the focus is shifted to Qi Jia’s college sweetheart and his upcoming wedding.
The rest of the film is pretty much a series of hilarious scenes depicting Xiao Ou and Shu’er well-intentioned but unsuccessful attempts to cure Qi Jia and help her win her ex-boyfriend back. While these scenes are not lacking in the humor department, they seem disjointed as a whole and leave Meet Miss Anxiety with a weak plot that leaves much to be desired.
Fortunately, Meet Miss Anxiety is kept afloat by a cast of noteworthy actors. Zhou Xun’s successful portrayal of Qi Jia as a hot tempered, yet endearing character is complemented by Tong Dawei’s performance as the ever patient and charming Xiao Ou who grapples with his unrequited love for Qi Jia. The earnest yet natural sincerity exuded by Tong Dawei’s Xiao Ou is instantly likeable, and while the chemistry between Tong and Zhou does not sizzle, it is realistic and sweet enough to melt hearts of both singles and couples alike.
Overall, while Meet Miss Anxiety is a largely predictable rom-com, it remains a light-hearted watch with plenty of entertaining moments for this upcoming Valentine’s Day.
Image credits: Clover Films