Elixir Of Love (DVD) (DTS) (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region All

Stories about the sense of smell are actually not new. German playwright Patrick Suskind's 1985 novel titled Perfume centers on a weirdo who was born with no body odor but an extraordinary sense of smell. Ye Jin-hong seems to have a preference for such a world built upon smells. After his 2000 production Lavender, Ye in 2004 brings you to ancient China and lets you experience love with your nose in Elixir of Love.

Elixir of Love features a princess (Miriam Yeung) who was born with a disgusting body odor which is incurable. A poor man (Richie Jen) who is good at aroma-therapy enters the scenario in response to a request for a healing elixir made by the emperor. Afterwards Richie meets the princess disguised as fish seller and tests his special perfume. The story then goes on with these two young people having their ups and downs in the medicine-hunting trip with some villains devastating their plan in the middle. Of course, a love story ends with a perfect ending.

As unsurprising as the plot may seem, Elixir of Love stands out with its particular "smelly" choice. Born to have it all, the princess however loses everything from friends to lovers just because of her body odor. But true love always wins. At last the aroma-therapeutist is willing to give up his rich award and comes back to his true love despite her smelling like a fish. It can be seen that the director has put a lot of effort to create a touching love story with twists and turns. Funny scenes are available. For example, the fish girl has to experience all kinds of special treatments to get rid of her smell. However, chemistry is hardly found between Miriam Yeung and Richie Yen. They seem to have ignored each other’s presence in spite of portraying a couple in this movie. Credits therefore can only go to the fun part but not the romance. Kenny Bee Chung playing the hideous bad guy however gives an impressive performance. The royal doctor he plays that is willing to sacrifice his sense of smell and post for the sake of love does touch the heart of the audience.

A number of comedies in Hong Kong, sadly, can only be commented as nonsense with those stupid jokes which have no relevance to the movies themselves. The director of Elixir of Love worked hard to avoid making the same mistake and produced a movie with a series of funny scenes which go smoothly with the movie.

Scenes like the one that focus on efforts the aroma-therapeutist makes to cure body odor and that in which the fish girl makes use of her disadvantage to scare off the villains are quite hilarious.

Most of the applause must definitely go to the art director in this movie. The best clothes are certainly worn by the leading characters such as the Missoni knitwear of Richie and the Issey Miyake gossamer costumes of Miriam. Attention to details is also found on the glamorous outfits worn by the royal family and officers. The club girls are taken good care of too and they are all dressed up with colorful garments. The commoners at the market are never neglected. Their torn clothes are carefully designated as well! On top of that the props and settings are exquisitely carved. Everything matches perfectly with the magnificent views of the natural plateau in the background. It seems as if the director did not only pay attention to the smell but also the art work.

Source: City Entertainment (Reviewed by: Ying Huo Chong)

Translated by Holly (Hong Kong)