A Soapy Punch to the Heart

Spoiler alert! I stumbled upon this gem on Netflix after seeing it blow up on TikTok (thanks, random algorithm!). As a first-time viewer of a Taiwanese film, I have to say, I was blown away. Forget Hollywood glam, these actors looked like real people, which made their story feel even more raw and relatable.

The plot follows Ah Cheng played by Taiwanese actor and model Roy Chiu, a rough-around-the-edges debt collector, and Hao Ting, a struggling woman burdened by debt and caring for her sick father. What starts as a peculiar deal – dates to pay off her debt – blossoms into something unexpected. Ah Cheng, a guy you wouldn’t normally associate with mushy feelings, falls head over heels for Hao Ting. And wouldn’t you know it, Taiwanese women know how to play hard to get just like Filipina girls!

But this isn’t your typical rom-com. Twists and turns come aplenty, testing Ah Cheng’s newfound commitment to a life outside the world of gangsters. Despite his golden heart, his past keeps catching up, putting him and Hao Ting through the wringer.

Get ready to shed some serious tears, folks. The scene where Ah Cheng’s brother receives the barbershop sign – the gift he desperately wanted before his untimely death – had me sobbing like a baby. And how Ah Cheng promises Hao Ting he’ll make her feel her father’s presence? I’m not crying; you’re crying!

Man in Love doesn’t shy away from the messy realities of life, but ultimately, it’s a testament to the power of love and redemption. It shows that even the toughest guys can be softened by a good woman and that sometimes, the best choices are made with the purest intentions, even if they’re risky.

So, if you’re looking for a heartfelt drama that’ll punch you right in the feels, give “Man in Love” a chance. Just grab some tissues and maybe a huggable pillow – you’ll need them both!