As another review suggested, this gave a very similar feel to the film One Day, though the themes that surrounded Us and Them felt a little different in contrast.

Us and Them offers a very realistic, everyday outlook to a couple living in Beijing. They're unlucky financially and do anything they can to make it, with the usual daydreams and goals of becoming successful in their dreams and rich enough to make the other happy. The eventual development of their romantic love towards one another, although couldn't be expressed in the proper 'slow burn' that they clearly wanted to portray (for the sake of screentime, understandably), their close friendship beforehand felt like I was simply watching a pair of best friends living their lives together. And even in the happiest moments of their relationship to the eventual separation, they were real people with real reactions, thought processes and gestures.

Their corresponding personalities were never outright displayed or expressed in a way to make the audience have an idea of what they are directly - instead we are left to assume through small hints and expressions of personality throughout the film, just like what we would achieve from meeting strangers.

This also contributes to the amazing leading cast. Having this be one of my first Chinese films, I was delighted in how amazing the two main leads were in their respective roles. The cinematography made very interesting choices that contributed to how I absorbed the story. The scene when they share their first kiss (and more) where it pans out to reveal how the rest of their 'neighborhood' is spending their New Years was one of my favorites. It really pushes how their story is one of many.

Overall, this is the story of two people who seem to consider each other their 'greatest love.' And even when that love is over and done with, and life has already moved on for them, their fates always seemed to be intertwined just for that perfect closure. The questions that always arise between us, as the audience, and even between our leads as we watch the story come to a close - the What Ifs and the If Onlys that would prompt their happy ending. We tend to forget that the real happy ending doesn't need to involve the both of them together.

Because for Xiao-xiao and Jian-ping, with a love that allowed them to survive even the hardest parts of their lives, they are reminded of the sacrifices and the effort they made for one another and how none of that went to waste. They pay homage to the good times and the bad times of their journey together, and the permanent impact they placed on each other's lives. And I find such a message so, SO important for those who are undergoing heartbreak or tough breakups after separating with someone you once believed would be your 'endgame'.

The end credits with real people sending messages to perhaps their lost Ian/Kelly truly brought tears to my eyes. As if the story of Us and Them has happened to so many people in this world, of any age, gender or race. It was a good touch that I appreciate.

To find our own 'greatest love', and the uncertainty of whether that love will be with you forever. That's what this film promises and delivers in such a bittersweet yet hopeful tone. Although it definitely had its imperfections, and while the story itself was far from original, the expression of such a plot was perfectly done. I definitely recommend it to those who are looking for a realistic love story.