Lock Me Up,Tie Him Down

Lock Me Up, Tie Him Down is a 2014 Chinese romantic screwball comedy that blends elements of farce, romance, and drama into a heartwarming and laugh-out-loud film experience. The film stars Taiwanese actress and singer Vivian Hsu and popular comedian Jiong He.

The movie revolves around the challenging and amusing series of events in the life of a creatively frustrated filmmaker, portrayed by Jiong He. His career seems to be going nowhere, finding himself continuously creating typical, non-impactful commercial films with uninspiring storylines. On the brink of giving up, he embarks on a new yet unusual project hoping to make an out-of-the-box, reality-inspired movie.

Vivian Hsu plays Meng Xiaoxian, a commitment-phobic young woman who crosses paths with the filmmaker. Meng is determined to lead an independent life, a single woman pursuing her career in a hectic city, completely scared of the idea of marriage and settling down. Her commitment issues can be traced back to her family history, leaving her with insecurities and fear of abandonment. Her character's beauty lies in her strength, vulnerability, eccentricity, and persistent struggle to overcome her fears.

Things get interesting when the filmmaker decides that Meng's life is perfect for the reality-based movie he plans to make. A deal is struck, turning the independent and commitment-phobic Meng into a live experiment for a film. She becomes a part of a peculiar arrangement and an unprecedented scenario, festooned with hilarity, drama, and a twist of true life encounters.

The narrative advances as the filmmaker starts replicating real-life situations and pushes Meng to react as naturally as possible, leading to some hilarious and dramatic moments. As Meng is forced to confront her fear of relationships and commitment, the on-screen duo shares several amusing, touching, and sometimes awkward encounters, which are both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Jiong He gives a memorable performance showcasing his comedic timing, and at the same time, he delivers the essence of a struggling filmmaker desperate for a significant break with conviction. His character is intriguing, with a mix of determination, ambition, and a gentle touch of a dreamer's vulnerability.

Vivian Hsu provides the perfect balance to He, with her nuanced portrayal of an independent young woman who is self-assured yet struggles with her past, creating a relatable and empathetic character. Her character serves as a mirror to many urban women who are consciously juggling career aspirations, personal life, societal expectations and fears of commitment.

Lock Me Up, Tie Him Down seamlessly maneuvers between comedy and drama, providing adequate amounts of both. Director Jeffrey Lau's renowned storytelling abilities come to the forefront in this film, artfully capturing the complexities of modern relationships, the creative frustrations of filmmakers, and the nagging fear of romantic commitment within a comedic recipe.

The movie's cinematography stands out, with beautifully shot scenes adding a unique visual charm to the picture. The film's music also deserves a special mention as it harmonizes well with the narrative, enhancing the tone and emotional quotient of the scenes effectively.

Overall, Lock Me Up, Tie Him Down is sure to enthrall audiences with its distinctive narrative, fun dialogues, powerful performances, and a perfect mix of humor and emotion. Despite its comical undertones, the movie addresses various social and emotional issues that resonate with the audience, making it a heartening, entertaining film. Whether you're in for an emotional journey, a train of laughter, or a thought-provoking storyline, this movie is likely to fit the bill.