Love in a Puff (2010)

Since 2007, the Hong Kong health authorities have implemented an anti-smoking law that bans people from smoking in all indoor areas, including offices, restaurants, bars, and karaoke ... See full summary »

Director:

Ho-Cheung Pang

Writers:

Heiward Mak, Ho-Cheung Pang

Stars:

Miriam Chin Wah Yeung, Shawn Yue, Singh Hartihan Bitto

4 wins & 13 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Miriam Chin Wah Yeung	...	Cherie
Shawn Yue	...	Jimmy
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Singh Hartihan Bitto	...	Bitto
Jean-Luc Bonefacino	...	Restaurant manager
Yat Ning Chan	...	Isabel
Max Tat-Lun Cheung	...	Cherie's friend (as Tat-Lun Cheung)
Tat-Ming Cheung	...	Joseph
Man Hin Choi	...	Cherie's friend
Matt Chow	...	Health Inspector
Queenie Chu	...	Yan
Tien You Chui	...	Cashier at 7 / 11
Charmaine Fong	...	Patty
Suk-Mei Ho	...	Cherie's friend
Erchun Huo	...	Cherie's friend
Vincent Kok	...	Tak

Storyline

Since 2007, the Hong Kong health authorities have implemented an anti-smoking law that bans people from smoking in all indoor areas, including offices, restaurants, bars, and karaoke lounges. Office smokers now have to take their cigarette breaks on the streets outside, which has led to groups of smokers from the same building bonding together in cliques known as "hot pot packs." In an alley packed with loudmouth co-workers spreading the daily gossip, Jimmy, a mild-mannered advertising executive, meets cosmetics salesgirl Cherie. An awkward flirtation ensues amidst their afternoon nicotine rush. As their mutual infatuation intensifies, the couple moves farther and farther away from the rest of the "hot pot pack" into their own private alley, where they have conversations of unexpected emotional depth. As smoke gets in their eyes, one thing leads to another

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Plot Keywords:

smoke | interview | abstinence | love | cigarette smoking | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Was awarded a Category III certificate (adult admission only, Hong Kong's equivalent of NC-17) due to the positive depiction of smoking in the film

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Connections

Followed by Love in the Buff (2012)

User Reviews

Move Thee Reviews: Far From Perfect

Love in a Puff is a light-hearted romantic comedy examining typical romantic relationships in Hong Kong nowadays. It starts creatively and ends with a catchy song. However, the film is far from perfect because of several reasons.

First, the story with some witty and authentic dialogue is not flawless. That Cherie leaves her boyfriend whom she has been with for 5 years because of a newly met male friend she fancies simply does not convince me. Her character should at least experience some emotional turmoil when she makes the decision. Also, it is unlikely for her to go to a motel with Jimmy with her luggage. Instead, she should look for a place to settle in first. Apart from this, the twist at the end seems unlikely.

Second, although Miriam Yeung is able to perform naturally, her character is not three dimensional enough to showcase her acting skills. Judging from her character's tone and choice of words, the audience only sees Miriam, instead of Cherie in the movie. Miriam's character should be called Miriam. Moreover, the scene in which she argues with her husband in the bedroom is devoid of tension, which is a solid proof of her average performance.

Third, the use of foul language is slightly over the top. After watching the movie, I cannot help but ask if it is necessary for most characters (a health inspector included) to use foul language so often. It seems to me that the movie is stereotyping smokers as foul-mouthed. By the way, it is interesting to observe that some members of the audience burst into laughter whenever a character uses foul language. In other words, this kind of joke does not work on everybody.

Fourth, the interviews are insignificant and insipid. Indeed, most of the things they talk about in the interviews are not thought-provoking. Besides, is it necessary to show the boom mic intentionally in every interview?

On the whole, Love in a Puff, at times, has a subtle insight into romantic relationships in Hong Kong nowadays, whereas it is far from perfect.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Hong Kong

Language:

Cantonese

Release Date:

25 March 2010 (Hong Kong)

Also Known As:

Love in a Puff

Filming Locations:

Hong Kong, China

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$857,176

Company Credits

Production Co:

Making Film, Media Asia Films

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1