MM Exploration

This week’s film was packed with action and excitement. For the TV drama, I’m going to take a step back and bring you something softer and sweeter.

Summary

Dating in the Kitchen is a Chinese romantic comedy-drama that aired in 2020, directed by Chen Chang. It is based on the novel Finally I Get You by Lan Bai Se. The story follows the life of Gu Sheng Nan (played by Zhao Lusi), a talented but underappreciated assistant chef working at the Zijing Hotel. Though young and often overlooked, Sheng Nan has a passion for cooking that comes alive in her creative and sometimes quirky dishes. Despite her talent, she faces struggles in the male-dominated culinary world and must balance her chaotic life, both professionally and personally.

The male lead, Lu Jin (played by Lin Yushen), is a successful businessman who is known for being cold and meticulous, especially when it comes to his culinary standards. He is a wealthy food connoisseur with a keen sense for gourmet dishes, and his life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Sheng Nan.

The two meet under unconventional circumstances when Lu Jin comes to the hotel for business and tastes one of Sheng Nan’s unique dishes. Despite the mishap that initially leads to their meeting—Sheng Nan accidentally causes damage to Lu Jin’s hotel room—they quickly find themselves drawn to one another through their shared love of food. What starts as a clash of personalities slowly turns into a blossoming romance as Lu Jin becomes fascinated by Sheng Nan’s culinary creativity and passion.

The series follows their journey as they navigate misunderstandings, class differences, and personal challenges. Sheng Nan’s optimistic and sometimes clumsy character brings warmth to Lu Jin’s otherwise rigid and controlled world, while Lu Jin’s support helps Sheng Nan gain confidence in her abilities.

The chemistry between Zhao Lusi and Lin Yushen shines throughout the series, with Zhao Lusi portraying the vibrant and spirited Sheng Nan, while Lin Yushen delivers a more reserved but slowly softening portrayal of Lu Jin. Their dynamic makes for light-hearted, humorous, and heartwarming moments, contributing to the show’s popularity.

Supporting characters also add depth to the story, such as Gu Sheng Nan’s friends and colleagues, and Lu Jin’s family members, who each play a role in influencing the central couple’s relationship. The drama’s use of food as a central narrative device, alongside the character development, creates a charming backdrop for the unfolding romance.

Overall, Dating in the Kitchen is a delightful drama that captivates audiences with its combination of food, humor, and romance, driven by the strong performances of Zhao Lusi and Lin Yushen.

5 Most Memorable Scenes

Here are five of the most memorable scenes from Dating in the Kitchen that leave a lasting impression on viewers:

1. Gu Sheng Nan’s Fire Incident and First Encounter with Lu Jin

One of the most unforgettable moments is the chaotic first meeting between Gu Sheng Nan and Lu Jin, which takes place after Sheng Nan accidentally causes a fire in the kitchen, leading to a mess in Lu Jin’s hotel suite. This scene is not only memorable for its slapstick humor but also for how it perfectly sets the stage for their relationship dynamic. Lu Jin is furious, calm, and condescending, while Sheng Nan, in her usual bubbly and quirky manner, tries to salvage the situation. Their initial antagonism quickly becomes the basis for the charming push-pull romance that follows.

2. The Midnight Cooking Showdown

This scene showcases both characters’ passion for food. After Lu Jin criticizes Sheng Nan’s cooking, she challenges him to a late-night culinary duel in the hotel kitchen. The scene is visually stunning as both characters display their cooking skills, with Sheng Nan improvising with creativity and Lu Jin sticking to his refined culinary principles. It’s memorable not only for its intensity but also for how it sparks mutual respect. The turning point comes when Lu Jin finally acknowledges Sheng Nan’s unique talent, marking a significant shift in their relationship.

3. The Accidental Kiss

A turning point in their budding romance comes when Sheng Nan, drunk and emboldened, kisses Lu Jin. The scene is both awkward and humorous, as Sheng Nan is completely unaware of the bold move she’s made while Lu Jin is left stunned. The kiss is spontaneous and breaks the tension between them, turning their relationship from professional antagonism to something more personal. It’s a memorable moment for its humor, as well as for the clear indication that their feelings for each other are growing.

4. Lu Jin’s Secret Restaurant Purchase

In one of the more heartfelt moments of the series, Lu Jin quietly buys the restaurant where Sheng Nan works to protect her job without letting her know. This grand, behind-the-scenes gesture is a major character moment for Lu Jin, showing how much he cares for Sheng Nan, even if he is not outwardly expressive about it. This scene is significant because it reflects the evolution of his character from a cold, distant businessman to someone capable of deep affection and care. His actions here speak louder than words, showing how invested he’s become in her life and dreams.

5. The Hotpot Confession

One of the most touching scenes in the series is Lu Jin’s straightforward love confession to Sheng Nan during a simple meal of hotpot. The setting, casual and warm, is perfect for the sincerity of the moment. The confession itself is heartfelt and understated, with Lu Jin expressing his feelings without fanfare or drama, just honest affection. This moment is memorable because it captures the emotional culmination of their slow-burn romance, with food once again playing a central role in their relationship. The intimacy of the hotpot meal, combined with the raw simplicity of his confession, leaves a lasting impact on both Sheng Nan and viewers.

These scenes not only define the key moments of Dating in the Kitchen but also encapsulate the charming blend of humor, romance, and food that makes the show stand out. Each moment brings the characters closer together and showcases their growth, both as individuals and as a couple.

Themes

Dating in the Kitchen explores several themes that contribute to its heartwarming and engaging storyline. Here are the key themes of the show:

1. Love and Romance

At its core, Dating in the Kitchen is a romantic comedy that delves into the theme of love developing in unexpected circumstances. The show focuses on the blossoming romance between Gu Sheng Nan, an ambitious assistant chef, and Lu Jin, a wealthy businessman. Their relationship, which begins with clashes and misunderstandings, slowly evolves into a deep and meaningful connection. The drama explores how love can grow despite differences in social status, personalities, and lifestyles. As Sheng Nan and Lu Jin navigate their budding romance, viewers witness how mutual respect and understanding are essential to building a strong relationship.

2. Food as a Symbol of Connection

One of the central themes in the drama is the power of food to connect people. Food serves as both a literal and symbolic medium for the characters to express their emotions and forge relationships. Lu Jin’s appreciation for Sheng Nan’s culinary creativity becomes a bridge between their worlds. In many scenes, cooking and sharing meals are used to reflect their growing bond, with food symbolizing care, affection, and communication. The importance of creativity, passion, and craftsmanship in cooking is also a major theme, with Sheng Nan’s love for food representing her individuality and dreams.

3. Class Differences and Social Status

The theme of class differences is a recurring one in Dating in the Kitchen. Sheng Nan, an ordinary working-class woman, finds herself entangled with the wealthy and successful Lu Jin. Their relationship challenges social norms, with their contrasting backgrounds initially creating tension between them. However, the show emphasizes that true love and mutual understanding can transcend these boundaries. It explores the idea that wealth and status do not define a person’s worth, and that meaningful relationships are built on emotional connection rather than material wealth.

4. Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

Both Sheng Nan and Lu Jin experience significant character development throughout the series, and the theme of self-discovery is central to their individual journeys. Sheng Nan starts as a talented but insecure assistant chef who feels undervalued, but as the story progresses, she gains confidence in her abilities and pursues her culinary dreams. Lu Jin, on the other hand, begins as a cold and detached businessman who slowly learns to open his heart to love, letting go of his rigid views on life. Through their relationship, both characters grow emotionally and personally, learning important lessons about vulnerability, trust, and the importance of following one’s passions.

5. Family and Friendship

Family and friendship play crucial roles in shaping the characters’ decisions and development. Sheng Nan’s friends and colleagues support her both emotionally and professionally, while Lu Jin’s interactions with his family members add layers to his character. The show highlights the importance of having a support system, as Sheng Nan leans on her close friends during tough times, and Lu Jin, in turn, learns to navigate his relationship with his family while also managing his growing feelings for Sheng Nan. These relationships reflect the theme that love and friendship provide a foundation for growth and happiness.

These themes combine to create a rich narrative in Dating in the Kitchen, where romance, personal growth, and the significance of food are intertwined to tell a heartwarming story. The show’s exploration of love, class, ambition, and emotional connection makes it a memorable drama for fans of romantic comedies.

Personal Review

Watching Dating in the Kitchen was an absolute delight! It’s one of those shows that effortlessly combines humor and sweetness, making it the perfect feel-good drama. Zhao Lusi completely blew me away yet again with her stellar performance. She has this incredible ability to bring her characters to life with charm, wit, and vulnerability, and as Gu Sheng Nan, she did just that. Zhao Lusi captured the essence of Sheng Nan—a quirky, passionate assistant chef with a love for food and a heart full of dreams—with such ease. Every time she was on screen, her energy was infectious, and I couldn’t help but root for her from start to finish.

But it wasn’t just Zhao Lusi who stole the show. Lin Yushen, who plays Lu Jin, was equally fantastic. He perfectly portrayed the cool, collected businessman whose tough exterior slowly melts away as he falls for Sheng Nan. What surprised me most was how funny he was! His comedic timing, especially in those moments where his rigid personality clashed with Sheng Nan’s carefree spirit, was spot on. He brought a lot of the humor to the show, and their dynamic was hilarious. There were so many moments where I had to pause just to laugh because the scenes were that funny! I even found myself rewinding certain scenes over and over again because I couldn’t get enough of the chemistry and the jokes.

One of the best parts of Dating in the Kitchen was definitely the romance. It was so cute and sweet, without ever feeling forced or rushed. Watching their relationship develop from misunderstandings and bickering to deep affection was incredibly satisfying. And the show did a great job of showing that love doesn’t have to be defined by age differences or social status. There’s a noticeable age gap between Sheng Nan and Lu Jin, but that never became an obstacle. In fact, their relationship was built on mutual respect, admiration, and a shared love for food, which made it even more meaningful. The moments they spent cooking together, challenging each other, or even just sharing meals were some of the most heartwarming scenes.

If you’re a fan of romantic comedies, Dating in the Kitchen is highly recommended. It has all the elements that make a rom-com great—laugh-out-loud moments, cute and sweet romance, and endearing characters you can’t help but fall in love with. Zhao Lusi and Lin Yushen’s chemistry is the heart of the show, and their performances will leave you smiling long after it’s over. Whether you’re looking for something light-hearted or something that tugs at your heartstrings, this drama delivers in every way. A must-watch for anyone who loves a well-done romantic comedy!

Give it a view and tell me what you think!

Here’s this week’s song:

Next week I’ll be visiting America and Turkey, here are the summarys of next week’s film and TV Show:

America: An action film follows a determined French Foreign Legion soldier who goes AWOL after receiving devastating news about his family. Desperate to help his loved ones, he travels to the United States and becomes involved in the underground world of illegal street fighting. His natural fighting skills quickly earn him a reputation, and he uses this new path to earn money for his family while evading those who are hunting him down. As he battles his opponents, he forms unexpected alliances, but the stakes get higher as the fights become more dangerous and personal. The film is packed with intense fight sequences, emotional moments, and a central theme of loyalty and survival.

Turkey: This Turkish drama revolves around the lives of two young lovers from different social backgrounds whose romance is tested by the complexities of life, family, and societal expectations. The male lead, a hardworking and ambitious man, strives to build a better future, while the female lead, hailing from a wealthy and influential family, faces pressure to conform to her family’s desires. Their love story is marked by intense emotions, with themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle between love and duty. As they navigate the obstacles thrown their way, the series delves into the deep emotional connections and sacrifices required to keep their love alive amidst family drama, class differences, and unexpected twists. The show captures the essence of love, heartbreak, and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

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