Love, Loss, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves

Read Time:5 Minute, 12 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Romancing in Thin Air (Gao hai ba zhi lian II)
–

Genre: Drama, Romance
Year Released: 2012, Radiance Films Blu-ray 2026
Runtime: 1h 51m
Director(s): Johnnie To
Writer(s): Jevons Au, Wai Ka-Fai, Yau Nai-Hoi
Cast: Louis Koo, Sammi Cheng, Gao Yuanyuan, Wang Baoqiang
Where to Watch: available April 21, 2026, pre-order your copy here: www.radiancefilms.co.uk, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: ROMANCING IN THIN AIR is a surprisingly sincere and emotionally layered romantic drama from director Johnnie To, a filmmaker widely known for crime thrillers rather than introspective love stories. What initially presents itself as a story revolving around a broken man meeting a grieving woman in an isolated setting that gradually shifts into something more reflective, even meta in some ways, about grief, healing, and the illusions we build around love.

The film follows Michael, a movie star left at the altar in a very public and humiliating fashion, who spirals into depression before finding himself in a remote mountain retreat. There, he meets Sue, a woman who has been emotionally frozen in time, still holding onto the memory of her husband, who disappeared years earlier. Their connection forms the core of the film, but what makes it work isn’t the romance itself; it’s the shared connection that both characters bring to it.

Louis Koo plays Michael with a subdued weariness that fits the character well. This isn’t a flashy performance. His portrayal leans into exhaustion and vulnerability, allowing the character’s emotional arc to play out naturally rather than in dramatic fashion. However, the standout performance comes from Sammi Cheng as Sue. She brings an emotional depth to the role, portraying grief not as explosive but as lingering and internalized. Her performance anchors everything here, lending it a sincerity that elevates the material.

What ROMANCING IN THIN AIR does particularly well is explore the idea of emotional displacement. Both characters are, in different ways, trapped by the past, with Michael by a very public personal failure, and Sue by a private, unresolved loss. Their relationship becomes less about immediate romance and more about the possibility of moving forward, even if that forward movement is uncertain.

The film’s setting plays a crucial role in reinforcing this dynamic. The mountainous backdrop, with its vast snowy landscapes and isolation, mirrors the characters' emotional state. There’s a sense of being removed from the rest of the world, which allows the story to unfold in a space that feels detached but focused. Visually, the film leans into this environment, using it not just as scenery but as an extension of the characters’ internal states. What strengthens that even more is how the isolation isn’t just visual, it actively shapes how these characters interact. There’s nowhere for either of them to retreat to emotionally, which forces a level of honesty that might not surface in a more grounded, everyday environment. That pressure allows their connection to develop in a way that feels earned, not because it’s rushed, but because they’re both stripped down to who they are without distraction.

There’s also an interesting undercurrent throughout the film regarding the nature of storytelling and performance. Michael’s identity as a movie star introduces a subtle meta-layer, blurring the lines between real and performed emotion. The film occasionally hints at how people model their expectations of love and closure based on narratives they’ve seen before, whether in film or in their own lives. While this idea isn’t fully explored in a heavy-handed way, it adds an extra dimension to what could otherwise be a straightforward romance.

The structure leans heavily on familiar romantic tropes, and at times it feels predictable in its development. Certain plot elements, particularly those involving backstory and flashbacks, can feel drawn out or overly convenient. The pacing also fluctuates, slowing the film’s momentum more than necessary at times.

Despite these hiccups, ROMANCING IN THIN AIR remains engaging because of its emotional sincerity. It doesn’t rely on grand gestures or dramatic twists to make its impact. Instead, it focuses on smaller, quieter moments, conversations, shared silences, and gradual shifts in perspective. These moments give the film a sense of depth that helps it stand out within its genre.

The film really stands out because it understands that love stories are often less about falling in love and more about what comes before and after it. It’s about timing, emotional readiness, and the ability to let go of what no longer exists. While it doesn’t completely break away from genre conventions, it approaches them with enough care and nuance to feel meaningful.

ROMANCING IN THIN AIR may not be groundbreaking, but it is effective. It delivers a thoughtful, well-acted romance that resonates more for its emotional honesty than its originality, and without a doubt, that’s enough to make it memorable.

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching for 'Overly Honest Reviews'.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please don't hesitate to say hello or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of RADIANCE FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive complimentary items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl Records, Books, and more. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support as you navigate these links.