Being a great improvement from Feng Xiaogang’s other comedy Big Shot’s Funeral, the romantic comedy If You Are The One is a charming film filled with numerous affectionate, yet humorous scenes. The main plot surrounding a man in search of his true love may not be truly original but the strength of this feature lies in the chemistry of its endearing characters and their delicate motives. With a story driven primarily by the emotions of its protagonists, If You Are the One is an above average romance film.
Near the end of the feature, imagery consisting of vast open areas of water become pervasive after Xiaoxiao’s profession of still having immense sadness following the conclusion of her trip with Qin in Hokkaido. Before she attempts suicide from a cliff, the camera cuts to a wide shot of water protruding into the distance. After her recovery from the injuries sustained from the lengthy fall, she is then with Qin on a cruise ship where she throws a cell phone into the sea. The camera then cuts to a similar wide shot of water leading into the horizon.
In both instances, the water represents escape: a place to leave troubles behind and a place to find peace. However, despite representing the same objective, it is the emotion of Xiaoxiao during each instance that changes her motive in being drawn to the water. In the suicide attempt, her misery is what attracts her to find refuge in the vast blue sea. Conversely, on the cruise ship, it is Xiaoxiao’s happiness being with Qin Qin that leads her to discover a new beginning for herself in the presence of the ocean. In a sense, water represents a turning point for Xiaoxiao’s life.
