‘In Love We Trust’: Bittersweet, universal

(Published Feb. 5, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

A mature, universal drama about sacrifice and post-marital obligations, “In Love We Trust” (a.k.a. “Zuo You”) is among four films screening at the ongoing Spring Film Festival at the Shangri-La Mall Cineplex until Feb.9.

The film by Wang Xiaoshuai delicately tackles the dilemmas of a mother, real estate agent Mei Zhu (Wiewie Liu), who thinks of possible ways to save her ailing child’s life. Her daughter Hehe (Chuqian Zhang) is stricken with leukemia, so Mei Zhu asks the girl’s biological father, ex-husband Xiao Lu (Jiayi Zhang), to help out.

The situation is likewise difficult for the desperate mother’s current husband, Xie Huaicai (Taishen Cheng), who unconditionally treats her daughter as his own. To make things more complicated, the biological parents are rejected as bone marrow transplant donors. Mei Zhu suggests to her ex that having a new sibling may ultimately prove helpful to Hehe. That idea soon becomes a plan that she single-mindedly pursues.

“In Love We Trust” presents emotional scenarios quite deftly. The quandaries of the characters are challenging, but not unfathomable; the drama is largely dependent on its mostly realistic representation of disrupted marital relationships. Intriguingly, the boundaries of marriage dissolve, or are disregarded, to save a life. It’s not hard to process, but not so for those directly involved.

The ex-husband’s second wife Dong Fan (Nan Yu) is an integral part of the fragile situation, a side that’s also satisfyingly defined. She’s both an outsider and a pivotal figure, not just a justifiably jealous spouse.

Moving and consistently moody, “In Love We Trust” doesn’t become hysterically melodramatic. However, some scenes could have been shortened, and some foreshadowing devices are just too obvious (one just waits for Mei Zhu’s clumsiness with her mobile phone to figure into later events).

Interestingly, the story is one that can work in a different setting. Still, “In Love We Trust” has cleanly composed imagery with distinct elements from Chinese culture. It’s easy to appreciate this contemporary and bittersweet spouse drama, a tale that keenly questions the parameters of such relationships.

For screening schedules, contact Shang Cineplex (633-2227), or Ateneo Leong Center (426-6001 local 5208-5209).