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77 Heartwarmings review: Love rival complicates things for Charlene Choi and Chau Pak-ho

Charlene Choi and Chau Pak-ho reprise their roles as Eva and Adam in 77 Heartwarmings. (Photo: Golden Village Pictures)
Charlene Choi and Chau Pak-ho reprise their roles as Eva and Adam in 77 Heartwarmings. (Photo: Golden Village Pictures)

Length: 94 minutes
Director: Herman Yau
Cast: Charlene Choi, Chau Pak-ho, Mario Maurer, Michelle Wai
Language: Mandarin with English and Chinese subtitles
Release details: In theatres 14 May (Singapore)

3 out of 5 stars

Sequel to 77 Heartbreaks, 77 Heartwarmings, sees the return of Charlene Choi as Eva, and Chau Pak-ho as her ex-boyfriend Adam. Although it has been a year since their relationship ended, Adam is still very fond of Eva and hopes to win her back. He comes across an app that teaches him what to do to reignite the passion in Eva. While Adam tries the tips mentioned in the app and gradually bridges the gap between them, Eva meets Thai star Marvel (Mario Maurer), who also vies for Eva’s love.

Despite not having watched 77 Heartbreaks, I didn't find it difficult to follow the story for 77 Heartwarmings. Some scenes help to explain what happened between the couple previously, including the affair that Adam had with Mandy (Michelle Wai) — her contact lens case was left in his bathroom. Although Adam is trying to win Eva back, instead of being very aggressive about it, he does it in a way that is more subtle but shows his sincerity, such as remembering what she likes to eat, and taking care of her mother.

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Eva, on the other hand, is a conflicted soul, who is not sure if she should forgive Adam for the 78th time — the Chinese title for 77 Heartbreaks is literally "forgive him 77 times". To make matters worse, a very captivating Marvel expresses his feelings for her, and tells her he will “come back” for her. Worst of all, her friend’s boss NT Tang, portrayed by C-Kwan, is also interested in her (apparently since the first movie). But mostly, NT Tang is just there for comic relief, as seen in a scene where he describes poo-shaped chocolate as “a melting teardrop,” as if mocking Hershey’s Kisses.

Mario Maurer as Marvel, the love rival of Adam in 77 Heartwarmings. (Photo: Golden Village Pictures)
Mario Maurer as Marvel, the love rival of Adam in 77 Heartwarmings. (Photo: Golden Village Pictures)

In addition, 77 Heartwarmings has a sub-plot about Eva’s mother. In a way, her mother may have been the biggest catalyst behind the improved relationship between Eva and Adam.

The ending also packs a twist that reveals how much Adam has changed for the better, and how he is not who he was before. However, the cliffhanger is ambiguous and for all we know, there may be a third instalment to properly conclude this love triangle.

All in all, 77 Heartwarmings is your average romance movie with a tinge of comedy. While there is nothing particularly great about the movie, fans of Charlene Choi and Chau Pak-ho should not miss this sequel to 77 Heartbreaks.

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