I've watched the 2004 South Korean original version previously, then decided to give this Chinese remake a try.
While the plot largely follows the 2004 original, this version's director & scriptwriters made some minor tweaks, presumably to simplify the story & make the plot more coherent. However, simplifying the story makes this movie lacking some punch.
To me, the 2004 version was the more complete movie with juicier details. For example, the 2004 female protagonist had a more convincing reason to continue her lies, simply because of her status and her lies was her attempt to stay out of trouble. But this version's female protagonist did not have such predicament. Secondly, in the 2004 version, there was more suspense at the end of the male protagonist's competition, unlike this one which was mainly just smooth sailing. Also, in the 2004 version, the female protagonist's arrangement of events involving her scammer friends towards the end was intelligently crafted, which was sadly not included here.
This film's male & female protagonists (played by Wu Yuhan & Zhang Ruonan) aren't that bad, but the chemistry between them seems lacking. The background of this film was also overly bright at times, which is a distraction for the viewer.
Despite my nitpicking, this is still an enjoyable film. The slapstick comedy & the growing misunderstanding parts were adequate. Very few moments were dull.
But, if you only want to watch one version, the 2004 version is the obvious choice.
While the plot largely follows the 2004 original, this version's director & scriptwriters made some minor tweaks, presumably to simplify the story & make the plot more coherent. However, simplifying the story makes this movie lacking some punch.
To me, the 2004 version was the more complete movie with juicier details. For example, the 2004 female protagonist had a more convincing reason to continue her lies, simply because of her status and her lies was her attempt to stay out of trouble. But this version's female protagonist did not have such predicament. Secondly, in the 2004 version, there was more suspense at the end of the male protagonist's competition, unlike this one which was mainly just smooth sailing. Also, in the 2004 version, the female protagonist's arrangement of events involving her scammer friends towards the end was intelligently crafted, which was sadly not included here.
This film's male & female protagonists (played by Wu Yuhan & Zhang Ruonan) aren't that bad, but the chemistry between them seems lacking. The background of this film was also overly bright at times, which is a distraction for the viewer.
Despite my nitpicking, this is still an enjoyable film. The slapstick comedy & the growing misunderstanding parts were adequate. Very few moments were dull.
But, if you only want to watch one version, the 2004 version is the obvious choice.
