The story of This Is Not What I Expected
This Is Not What I Expected opens with a premise as old as romance itself: two people who absolutely can't stand each other. Lu Jin is a handsome, wealthy hotel executive whose obsession with perfection extends to every corner of his operation. He's the kind of guy who notices when the salt shaker isn't aligned properly. When he checks into the Rosebud hotel, he's ready to overhaul everything—until he encounters Gu Shengnan, a flamboyant female sous chef who doesn't just cook; she creates edible art. She's everything he isn't: spontaneous, uninhibited, and utterly confident in her own vision. Their first meeting sparks the kind of friction that only happens when two people are equally stubborn, equally talented, and equally convinced the other is doing everything wrong. But then something unexpected happens. Gu Shengnan cooks him a meal so perfect, so precisely calibrated to what he didn't even know he wanted, that his entire worldview shifts. What begins as bitter rivalry becomes something far more complicated—and far more delicious.
Behind the making of This Is Not What I Expected
Directed by Derek Hui and produced by Peter Chan, This Is Not What I Expected arrived in 2017 as an adaptation of Lan Bai Se's novel "Finally I Get You." The film was released on April 27, 2017, and carries the fingerprints of Alibaba Pictures Group's production expertise. The casting of Takeshi Kaneshiro as Lu Jin and Zhou Dongyu as Gu Shengnan proved inspired—both actors bring considerable pedigree to their roles, with Kaneshiro's cool precision and Dongyu's vibrant energy creating an electric on-screen dynamic. The film carries a TV-PG rating and runs for 106 minutes, making it a brisk, accessible entry into the romantic comedy genre. While the film's box office performance was modest at $337,670, its critical reception told a different story. The movie earned 5 wins and 13 nominations across various awards ceremonies, suggesting that audiences and critics alike recognized something special in its execution. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a Fresh rating of 78%, and its IMDb score of 6.7 out of 10 (from nearly 2,000 votes) reflects solid appreciation from viewers who've actually sat down to watch it.
What makes This Is Not What I Expected stand out
What's striking about This Is Not What I Expected is how it refuses to play it safe with the enemies-to-lovers formula. Yes, the structure is familiar—two people who clash, forced proximity, gradual realization that they're perfect for each other—but the execution matters, and here it's genuinely well-crafted. The film uses the kitchen as more than just a setting; it's a language these characters speak fluently. When Lu Jin and Gu Shengnan argue about food, they're arguing about philosophy, about control, about what matters. The cinematography captures the sensuality of cooking in a way that feels earned rather than showy. There's a scene where Gu Shengnan prepares a dish for Lu Jin, and you can see the exact moment his skepticism cracks—it's a small gesture, but it carries the weight of the entire film's emotional arc. What critics and audiences seem to respond to is the sincerity underneath the rom-com trappings. Neither character is a caricature. Lu Jin's perfectionism isn't portrayed as a character flaw to be cured; rather, it's shown as the product of someone who genuinely cares deeply about excellence. Gu Shengnan's spontaneity isn't quirky-girl-saves-uptight-guy territory—she's a genuine artist with her own convictions. The performances anchor everything. Kaneshiro brings a quiet intensity to his role, letting small facial expressions do the heavy lifting, while Dongyu radiates warmth and intelligence. The music, as viewers have noted, elevates the emotional beats without ever overwhelming them. It's the kind of film that doesn't try to be more than it is, and that restraint is actually its greatest strength.
Where to stream This Is Not What I Expected online
This Is Not What I Expected is currently available on major OTT services, making it accessible to audiences across multiple platforms. Rather than hunting through individual streaming sites, Movie OTT aggregates all current availability in one place, so you can see exactly where the film is streaming right now—whether that's your primary subscription service or a platform you've been meaning to check out. The streaming landscape shifts regularly, with titles moving between services, so checking the Where to Watch widget at the top of this page ensures you're getting real-time information about where you can actually hit play. Since the film is relatively accessible on major platforms, there's a good chance you already have access through a subscription you're already paying for.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Who directed This Is Not What I Expected?
The film was directed by Derek Hui and produced by Peter Chan. It's based on the novel "Finally I Get You" by Lan Bai Se and was released on April 27, 2017.
Q: Is This Is Not What I Expected based on a true story?
No, the film is based on a novel by Lan Bai Se rather than real events. It's a fictional romantic comedy about two characters whose culinary talents and clashing personalities drive the narrative.
Q: What is the runtime of This Is Not What I Expected?
The film runs for 106 minutes, making it a fairly standard length for a romantic comedy that doesn't overstay its welcome.
Q: Who stars in This Is Not What I Expected?
The film stars Takeshi Kaneshiro as Lu Jin, the perfectionist hotel executive, and Zhou Dongyu as Gu Shengnan, the spirited sous chef. Both actors bring considerable talent and chemistry to their roles.
Q: What's the critical reception of This Is Not What I Expected?
The film holds a Fresh rating of 78% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 6.7 out of 10 on IMDb. It earned 5 wins and 13 nominations across various award ceremonies, suggesting solid appreciation from both critics and audiences.
Final thoughts on This Is Not What I Expected
This Is Not What I Expected doesn't reinvent the romantic comedy wheel, but it doesn't need to. What it does is execute the formula with genuine warmth, sharp performances, and a real understanding of how food and passion intertwine. If you're looking for a film that won't demand your full emotional investment but will reward you with charm, humor, and that satisfying feeling of watching two people realize they're meant for each other, this is it. It's the kind of movie that makes you want to cook something nice. Or at least order takeout from somewhere a little fancier than usual.
