A major commercial hit and runaway winner of several film awards in mainland China, SPICY LOVE SOUP's five tales of love in contemporary Beijing mark a refreshingly accessible new direction for Chinese cinema. Turning away from arthouse-destined costume epics of emperors, conquerors and concubines, the film depicts a more modern appraisal of the lives of its ordinary citizens. Visiting high schools, shopping malls and housing blocks, capturing teenagers, yuppies and retirees, the film changes tone and feel for each segment, yet continues to follow a certain charming rhythm and style.

One obsessed youth uses his recording skills to edit together an "I love you" from his crush, while another boy hopes to reconcile his bickering parents by putting a magic love potion into a homemade dinner. An overworked husband and wife rediscover love through electric toy cars and miniature kickboxer games, while a younger couple recount their own courtship in voiceover and flashbacks. In the centerpiece of the film, an awkward first encounter between an older woman and three retired suitors turns joyous thanks to the power of mahjong.

Surprisingly warm and humanistic in its glimpse of life in modern Beijing, SPICY LOVE SOUP also boasts a brisk backdrop of contemporary Mandarin pop hits, which recently became the second-best selling soundtrack in China's history.