Earlier this year, Lan Hongchun’s historical romance Dear You became a surprise smash hit at the box office – both in Hong Kong and especially in mainland China, where it has taken nearly US$300 million since April.

One key to the film’s success was its use of regional Teochew (Chiu Chow) dialogue, indigenous to eastern Guangdong and all too rarely featured on screen.

In a clear attempt to capitalise on that popularity, Lan’s earlier feature, Back to Love, makes a belated arrival in cinemas. Also playing out mostly in Teochew and featuring several of the same non-professional actors who went on to star in Dear You, this 2022 film is a more straightforward contemporary romance, but every bit as enchanting as its follow-up.

Read my full South China Morning Post review here