This Is Not What I Expected (2017)

Proof that opposites can work and that perfectionists are not boring.
Fun and practical where two diametrically opposed individuals begin to quarrel with each other but end up falling in love.
On the one hand, Lu Jin (Takeshi Kaneshiro), the CEO of a multibillion-dollar international company called VN Group, which flies around the world to evaluate the hotels of its competitors in search of buying them or not.
On the other hand, Gu Shengnan (Zhou Dongyu), a junior consultant at the Rosebud boutique hotel in Shanghai, where Lu Jin and his assistant assistant Richard Meng (Sun Yizhou) have just become interested in business.
It is not just your status that is different; Their personalities are so different Lu Jin is a clinically managed individual who prides himself on being a perfectionist; (I am also and I am proud of that too) Whereas Shengnan is generally a free adventurer whose cheerful attitude to life is only disturbed by her recent separation from the general manager of the hotel (douche-bag), Cheng Zixian.
The result is quite contrary, mixing the familiar elements with the ingredients of a culinary comedy that proves to be the inspiration and, even if you feel familiar in the set, there is no denying that the film is refreshing, delicious and often hilarious.
A film that shows and demonstrates confidence, discipline and clarity right from the start, not exhibiting any of the flaws that usually weigh first.
True to its title, "This is not what I expected" is unexpectedly pleasant, the jokes land where they should, the novel is sweet and the presentation is vivid, lively and attractive. He also has a comically sharp timing and excellent chemistry that you'll miss, thanks to the charismatic characters.

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The story is not very elaborate. It's simple and they don't dwell much on back stories of the characters. It's just a story of their "now" and I liked that. Other than that, I really liked the acting for the cast, especially the male lead. He was just more than a prick and had realistic sides to him that showed so. The actress is really pretty and I wasn't annoyed by her one bit. She was the actual reason I chose to watch it by seeing her on the Netflix poster. She looked so pretty and cool, and I wasn't disappointed at all after watching the movie.

Other than these factors, what got me was how aesthetically pleasing this entire movie was. It's a visual treat not only because of the food but also because of the sceneries and the background too.

The romance is realistic in my opinion as well. It's platonic but also emotionally intimate. Their chemistry is pretty good and pulls off that kind of depiction nicely. I miss these kinds of moments and romances. It was indeed refreshing to watch it.

It has rewatchable value (I wouldn't watch it until maybe a few months later, though) and it's also a cute romance movie you can enjoy with the family and the younger crowd. I would also recommend watching when you are having a rough day and need something that isn't too intense and just sweet.

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