What Is Love Is Not All Around About?
The premise of Love Is Not All Around in 290 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
Set against the restless backdrop of Hong Kong’s bustling streets, Love Is Not All Around weaves together the lives of six young adults as they navigate the messy, exhilarating terrain of contemporary romance. At the center of the film’s interwoven stories is Bo, a sharp and self-assured young woman who carries herself with the confidence of someone who believes she has cracked the code to dating. The film opens at a wedding, where Bo holds court among friends, laying out her philosophy on love with the poise of an expert — only for the day to introduce unexpected encounters that hint at how much she still has to learn.
The city itself feels like a character, humming with possibility and loneliness in equal measure. Neon-lit convenience stores, karaoke lounges, hospital waiting rooms, and candlelit dinners become the stages where desire, doubt, and connection play out. Bo’s world is populated by friends and acquaintances whose lives brush against hers in surprising ways — a devoted doctor who appears at just the right moment, an old flame whose calm presence unsettles her carefully curated confidence, and a tight-knit group of women whose bonds are tested by the unspoken tensions that ripple beneath their friendship.
Stylistically, the film balances bright, playful energy with quieter moments of vulnerability, capturing that peculiar mix of optimism and confusion that defines young adulthood in a metropolis that never slows down. The tone is breezy yet emotionally textured, inviting viewers into a world where love is less a clear answer and more a series of questions still being asked. As the stories intersect and diverge, the film paints a portrait of modern romance that feels honest, witty, and deeply attuned to the small, telling details of city life.
What Happens in Love Is Not All Around?
The complete story of Love Is Not All Around, from the first scene to the last, in 639 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 6 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Bo, played by Stephy Tang, is a skilled expert in the realm of dating. During her friends’ wedding, she shares her insights with those around her, especially at the celebration of Wing (Sammy Leung) and Ching (Linda Chung). However, the day takes an unexpected turn when she spots Bik Lin, her rival in love, and also encounters Michael (Philip Ng) for the first time. Following the event, she asks Michael for a ride home, setting the stage for a series of romantic complications.
Three months down the line, while perusing the shops, Bo notices Wing and Bik Lin across the street, the latter applying eye drops to Wing’s eye. Later, at dinner at Ching’s home, Bo waits for Wing, who disappointingly informs her that he dined out without her. This triggers Bo’s frustration, leading to a revealing encounter with her former boyfriend, Ryan (Alex Fong). Their past is revealed in a series of flashbacks illustrating their once-happy relationship, complete with Ryan’s loving confession and Bo’s reciprocation. Yet, a bitter breakup follows when Bo’s new boyfriend, Vincent, confronts Ryan in a tumultuous moment, intensifying Bo’s turmoil as Ryan curses her, hinting at a dark fate ahead.
Subsequently, Bo struggles with bad luck, suspecting that Ryan’s curse might be weighing on her. She reconnects with him in an attempt for closure after a brief and confusing meeting, where Ryan is actually distracted by a phone call about his sister. Meanwhile, Wing confides to Bo about an affair with someone she knows, further complicating their dynamic. This leads to an accident in which Bo, while distracted, squirts detergent into her eyes, necessitating a last-minute trip to the hospital. Here, humor finds a place when a doctor amusingly replaces Bo’s items with a box of Dragon’s beard candy, introducing us to Joe (Hins Cheung), who subsequently asks Bo to dinner.
Their evening together unfolds with promise until an awkward encounter with Ryan interrupts. After a brief moment of romantic tension, Bo finds herself in a predicament, torn between her affection for Ryan and her budding relationship with Joe. Following a comical mishap, Bo is reminded of how quickly situations can change in a romantic entanglement.
As Bo navigates her emotions, she faces further complications when she runs into Ryan at karaoke. Confusion reigns again when Bo wakes up feeling “cursed” after seeing him once more. Their encounter leads to an accidental tumble down a slope, where Ryan’s earnestness shines through as he tries to reassure her, dismissing the idea of his curse. Yet, another painful misunderstanding arises when Bo witnesses a woman at Ryan’s home, leading her to walk away feeling disheartened.
With the strain on her friendships intensifying, Bo’s world flips when she loses both Ching and Mon. After a year’s worth of turmoil, she errs on the side of hope when she bumps into Ching again, who encourages her to find closure by confronting Ryan. Bo embarks on a quest for reconciliation, professing her love but leaving empty-handed as Ryan operates in silence.
In a twist of fate, Bo is met with a heartfelt surprise as Ryan follows her moments later. In a candid moment on the stairs, Bo acknowledges her past selfishness and seeks a fresh start. Their interaction brings forward an unexpected revelation about the woman Bo saw, cementing her realization about the tangled web of love and lies that surrounded them. The chapter beautifully culminates in a scene where, at a restaurant, Bo’s true connection with Ryan comes to light. Ultimately, it resonates with Bo’s earlier words, reflecting that love often involves deception and misinterpretation, exemplified by her saying, > “sometimes the things you see might not be real and the things that are real you might not see.”
Through trials, misunderstandings, and emotional growth, Bo’s journey reveals the complexity of love, paving the way for hopeful new beginnings.
Love Is Not All Around Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Wedding Day” to “The Unveiling Truth”. 14 events name a place, across 12 locations.
- 1
Wedding Day
Bo attends the wedding of her friends Wing and Ching, excited and sharing her dating strategies. During the celebration, she spots her love rival, Bik Lin, which hints at upcoming romantic complications.
Where:Wedding Venue
- 2
First Encounter with Michael
After the wedding, Bo meets Michael for the first time and they hit it off. She asks him for a ride home, suggesting a potential romantic interest.
Where:Wedding Venue
- 3
Three Months Later
While shopping, Bo sees Wing with Bik Lin, who applies eye drops to him. This moment raises Bo’s suspicions about their relationship and adds to her stress.
When:Three months post-wedding Where:Shopping District
- 4
Dinner with Ching
Bo is invited to dinner at Ching's house, where she waits for Wing to return. Wing gets home late and claims he ate out, leading to Bo's frustration and anger.
Where:Ching's House
- 5
Encounter with Ryan
Bo runs into her ex-boyfriend Ryan, who approaches her calmly. As they reminisce about their past relationship, it is revealed that they once shared a deep connection.
Where:Street
- 6
Flashback to Happiness
In a flashback, Bo recalls the happier moments with Ryan, where he confesses his love. However, the memory shifts to a painful breakup caused by her new boyfriend Vincent.
Where:Bo's Memory
- 7
Ryan's Curse
After the breakup with Ryan, Bo believes that she is cursed and experiences a streak of bad luck. She attributes her misfortune to Ryan's parting words about karma.
- 8
Hospital Incident
While washing dishes, Bo accidentally squirts detergent into her eyes, necessitating a visit to the hospital. There, she meets a doctor who lightens the mood with a box of candy.
Where:Hospital
- 9
Dinner with Joe
Joe, the doctor from the hospital, takes Bo out for dinner. After a cozy evening, they share moments preparing for a kiss, which is interrupted by Ryan's unexpected arrival.
Where:Bo's House
- 10
The Return of Ryan
Ryan surprises Bo by picking her up in his car after Joe’s awkward incident at 7-Eleven. A kiss ensues, deepening the confusion in Bo's romantic life.
Where:Outside Bo's House
Show the other 5 events of Love Is Not All Around Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Mountainside Encounter
Bo runs from Ryan when they both end up on a mountainside. After a slip and fall, Ryan helps her, leading to an honest but painful conversation about love and belief.
Where:Mountainside
- 12
Hotel Confrontation
Bo, along with her friends, confronts Wing and discovers that he is lying about his affair. The situation escalates when misunderstandings lead to a slap and the loss of friendships.
Where:Hotel
- 13
A Year Later
After a year apart, Bo unexpectedly meets Ching, who urges her to let go of the past. This prompts Bo to visit Ryan, but the outcome remains uncertain and deeply emotional.
Where:Street
- 14
The Final Confession
Bo gathers the courage to confess her love to Ryan, asking for forgiveness for her past actions. After an initial silence, they agree to start anew, revealing the complexities of their love.
Where:Ryan's House
- 15
The Unveiling Truth
In a twist, it is revealed that Ryan had been misleading both women about familial ties. The story concludes with Ryan and Bo holding hands, reflecting on the deceptive nature of love.
Where:Restaurant
Who Are the Main Characters in Love Is Not All Around?
4 characters, among them Bo (Stephy Tang), Ryan (Alex Fong) and Ching (Linda Chung): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- B(
Bo (Stephy Tang)
Played by Stephy Tang Lai-Yan
Bo is a dating expert who navigates the complexities of love throughout the film. Her character is marked by determination and an emotional depth that guides her relationships. As she encounters various romantic challenges, her growth becomes apparent, showcasing her journey towards self-awareness and forgiveness.
- 💁♀️ Protagonist
- 💔 Heartbroken
- 🛍️ Shopping
- R(
Ryan (Alex Fong)
Played by Alex Fong Lik-Sun
Ryan is Bo's former boyfriend whose reemergence complicates her emotional state. He embodies the qualities of both a charming suitor and a source of heartbreak, as his actions lead to misunderstandings. His character's journey reflects the struggles of young love and the impact of past relationships on present dynamics.
- 💔 Ex-boyfriend
- 🔄 Love Rival
- 🌪️ Complicated
- C(
Ching (Linda Chung)
Played by Linda Chung Ka-Yan
Ching is Bo's close friend who becomes entangled in the web of love and betrayal in the story. She represents a voice of reason at times but is also a source of conflict due to her ties to the male characters. Her character's evolution reflects the challenges of sustaining friendships amidst romantic drama.
- 👰 Friend
- 🥺 Supportive
- 🔒 Conflicted
- M(
Michael (Philip Ng)
Played by Philip Ng Wan-Lung
Michael is introduced as a love interest for Bo and serves as a contrast to her past relationships. His role highlights the complexities of modern dating and the juxtaposition between attraction and emotional baggage. His character provides a glimpse into the possibilities of new beginnings amidst old flames.
- 💞 Love Interest
- 🎸 Musician
- 🌟 Charming
Where and When Is Love Is Not All Around Set?
Love Is Not All Around is set in Hong Kong. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting the modern dating scene and social dynamics of relationships. It explores themes of love and friendship in today's fast-paced world, where connections can be fleeting and misunderstandings are common. The time period amplifies the contrasts between traditional values and contemporary dating practices.
Where
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a vibrant international metropolis known for its breathtaking skyline and rich cultural heritage. This bustling city serves as a backdrop for the complexities of love and relationships, showcasing its lively neighborhoods and social interactions. The movie captures various locations in Hong Kong, highlighting its uniqueness as both a modern urban landscape and a culturally rich environment.
- 🌆 City
- 🏙️ Urban
What Are the Themes of Love Is Not All Around?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Heartbreak, Friendship and Deception.
-
01
Heartbreak
Heartbreak is a central theme in the story, encapsulated in Bo's tumultuous relationships and her emotional struggles. As she navigates her feelings for Ryan and encounters betrayal from her friends, the movie poignantly illustrates the pain of love lost and the journey towards forgiveness. This theme resonates with anyone who has faced the ups and downs of romantic connections.
-
02
Friendship
The theme of friendship is explored through Bo's relationships with her friends Ching and Mon. The film delves into how friendships can be tested by love interests and secrets, ultimately leading to conflicts and heartbreak. It reflects on the importance of trust, loyalty, and communication among friends amidst romantic entanglements.
-
03
Deception
Deception plays a crucial role in the narrative, highlighting how appearances can be misleading in love. Bo's realization that the person she thought was Ryan's lover is actually his sister underscores the complexities of understanding truths in relationships. This theme invites the audience to consider how perceptions can distort reality and the emotional consequences that arise from misunderstandings.
What Kind of Film Is Love Is Not All Around?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a complex story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Complex
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A cynical romantic ensemble weaving together multiple Hong Kong love stories, balancing witty banter and urban charm with painful betrayals, friendship breakdowns, and a quietly bleak conclusion about love and deception.
- cynical
- romantic
- witty
- melancholy
- urban
- playful
- infidelity
- friendship betrayal
- dating
- deception
Content notes: infidelity, emotional manipulation, death from illness, friendship betrayal.
Where to Watch Love Is Not All Around
. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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