My Missing Valentine

My Missing Valentine is a Taiwanese romantic comedy film released in 2020. Directed by Chen Yu-Hsun, this delightfully enchanting movie tells a tale of unexpected love, time travel, and the magic that binds it all together.

The film stars Patty Pei-Yu Lee in the lead role as Hsiao Chi. Hsiao Chi is a thirty-something woman who has lived her life always ahead of time. Her peculiar condition, to experience things ahead of everyone else, is a rare, magical twist of the mundane world of clocks and calendars. With a charming personality and a heart full of love, she becomes a unique character in the melodrama of life. This special trait becomes a funny and, occasionally, inconvenient fact of her life. Her rushed existence sets the stage for a multitude of hilarious encounters and mishaps.

Yu Chun Lin plays the role of the postman who becomes the focal point of Hsiao Chi's world. He is a man who seems to dwell on the nostalgia of snail mail in an era of instant messaging. With a charmingly laid-back demeanor and a life that seems to be unhurried, the postman is the perfect counter to Hsiao Chi's hurried existence.

The path of these opposite personalities crosses when Hsiao Chi enrols in a speed dating session. She gets stood up by her date, but in an unexpected twist, she meets the postman – an encounter that she should maybe see as serendipity.

What followed is a confluence of bizarre events that take Hsiao Chi and the audience on a journey that bends the perception of time and reality. On the day of Valentine’s Day, she wakes up to find that the holiday seems to have passed her by, remarking that her valentine went missing. This humorously named event is what gives the movie its curious title: My Missing Valentine.

Chen Yu-Hsun's unique storytelling approach ensures that audiences are carried away on an unpredictable trail of events while keeping them invested in Hsiao Chi's strange predicament and her search for missing love. As the narrative unfolds, the audience is left to wonder about the mystery behind the missing Valentine and the role of the postman in her curious day.

The director’s ability to blend comic elements with a passionate romantic story is commendable. There is a potent exploration of existential themes that raise questions about time, reality, and destiny, kept light-hearted with humor. The script is filled with dramatic irony and satirical comments, making the viewer laugh and contemplate at the same time.

Xiao-Ying Bai fits naturally into the narrative, providing an extra layer of humor and warmth. The camaraderie between characters and the roller coaster of emotive scenarios foster a heartwarming connection with the viewers.

The film's visual aesthetics are a treat, with vibrant cinematography that beautifully captures the everyday reality of Hsiao Chi's world. From the bustling city scapes to quaint, nostalgic corners, each frame is designed to mirror the emotion of the scene. The film's attention to minute details, like the classic postman's bike, fills the atmosphere with subtle aesthetics and nostalgic vibes.

Moreover, the movie has an exceptional soundtrack that is at par with its narrative style. The music score features an eclectic mix of upbeat tunes and mellow melodies, enhancing the overall mood of the movie.

Patty Pei-Yu Lee's phenomenal performance as Hsiao Chi garnered critical acclaim, with her seamless progression of the character through various stages of growth, confusion, humor, and romance. Lee's role elicited praise for her excellent timing and expressive acting. Yu Chun Lin, too, held his own, displaying a subtle yet impactful depiction of the postman character, adding depth to the film's narrative.

My Missing Valentine is filled with eccentric characters, witty dialogues, pure romance, and a sprinkle of time-traveling magic, making it a must-watch for everyone desiring a break from the monotony of life. The film serves as a lovely escape into a world where time loses its linearity, and love is found in the most unexpected way. It dances on the thin line between reality and fantasy, blending them into a charmingly romantic experience.