Watch The Allure of Tears

The Allure of Tears, a Chinese romantic drama from 2011, is a story that follows three couples across different eras and explores themes such as love, heartbreak, and destiny. Directed by Barbara Wong, the film features a star-studded cast including Dongyu Zhou, Aarif Rahman, and Gigi Leung. The movie opens in the present day, with a successful writer named Cheng Zheng (played by Shawn Dou) falling in love with a woman named Su-Yun (played by Zhuang Yan). However, their happiness is short-lived as Su-Yun is suddenly diagnosed with cancer. As Cheng Zheng struggles to come to with the possibility of losing the love of his life, he begins to draw inspiration for his new novel from the tales of three couples from different eras, whose stories he uncovers.

The first couple is a Han Dynasty-era princess named Yan Feier (played by Guli Nazha) and a warrior named Cheng Shuai (played by Aarif Rahman). Yan Feier is betrothed to a cruel general by her father but falls in love with Cheng Shuai instead. The couple's love story is one of sacrifice and heartbreak as they are torn apart by their respective duties to their families.

The second couple is a pair of young lovers, Lin Jiaze (played by Liu Yifei) and Wuhu (played by Tong Dawei), who live during the 1911 revolution. Lin Jiaze is a wealthy businessman's daughter who falls in love with Wuhu, a poor student who dreams of becoming an artist. Their love story takes a tragic turn as they become embroiled in the political turmoil of the time.

The final couple is a modern-day romance between a young singer named Jingwen (played by Dongyu Zhou) and her boyfriend Changming (played by Shawn Dou). Their relationship is put to the test when Jingwen becomes famous and must navigate the pressures of fame and the attention of the media.

As Cheng Zheng delves deeper into the tales of these couples, he finds that their stories are intertwined and connected in unexpected ways. The Allure of Tears examines the nature of love and the different ways it can be expressed across time and cultures, and tells a poignant story about the power of love to transcend time.

The film boasts lush cinematography and stunning sets that transport viewers to different periods in Chinese history. It also features a soundtrack of emotional ballads that complement the film's romantic themes. The acting is top-notch, with standout performances from Dongyu Zhou and Aarif Rahman, who bring their respective characters to life with depth and nuance.

Overall, The Allure of Tears is a beautifully crafted film that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Its exploration of love and fate is sure to resonate with viewers, and its depiction of different eras of Chinese history is sure to captivate audiences looking for a glimpse into a rich and diverse culture.