This Is Not What I Expected ◎ 【Best】

A messy, talented sous chef at the Rosebud Hotel. Her culinary genius is the only thing that prevents the hotel’s buyout from failing.

The 2017 Chinese romantic comedy (directed by Derek Hui) uses a shared obsession with high-end cuisine to bridge the gap between two polar opposites: a fastidious billionaire and a quirky, mess-prone chef. While it stays within the familiar "enemies-to-lovers" framework, it distinguishes itself through stunning "food porn" cinematography and a uniquely whimsical tone. Core Plot & Characters This Is Not What I Expected

A ruthless, perfectionist CEO specializing in hotel acquisitions. He prefers to eat alone and views everything through the lens of business efficiency. A messy, talented sous chef at the Rosebud Hotel

Many find it a "breezy, inoffensive outing" perfect for a lazy afternoon, specifically lauding Zhou Dongyu’s "visceral" performance and the high production value. Many find it a "breezy, inoffensive outing" perfect

Some critics argue the character of Lu Jin remains relatively flat and that the romance can feel superficial or overly formulaic compared to more grounded dramas.

This was the directorial debut for Derek Hui, formerly an editor for major action films. Reviewers from Cinema Escapist and IMDb praise the film’s "visual feast" and the chemistry between the leads, which prevents the cliché-heavy script from feeling stale. Critical Reception

Critics often note the film explores the "ruthless education" that a simple, lower-class life can provide to high society. It prioritizes emotional resonance over "airtight logic," using surreal sequences like a trippy, pufferfish-induced hallucination where the leads believe it is raining inside a bus.