Set in the urban sprawl of modern day Beijing, it tracks the romantic endeavors of 20-something Chen Wen (Xia Yu of "In the Heat of the Sun"), a lonely accountant-cum-antiques dealer with aspirations of being a horror writer. He meets and immediately falls for Liu Rong (Li Bingbing), a small-time actress. A close knit group of friends since high school, including an aspiring pair of musicians, businessman, director, and illustrator/artist, offer Chen advice in his attempts to woo Liu, often to embarrassing, but hilarious, results.
At first glance, the plot may sound formulaic, but with time, interesting revelations dispel such notions. The film is shot largely with close-ups, taking advantage of the handsome, yet talented, cast, featuring fluid camera movement and cuts more familiar to Western audiences. A few brief alternative/dream sequences to promote the humor seem a bit out of place, as did occasional voice-over narration by Chen. Scenes take place in a variety of locales, including urban shopping centers and night clubs that Western audiences may not be used to seeing in Chinese films. Chinese pop songs littered throughout were effective in aiding the storytelling and development of the main character, Chen.
All in all, a hip and charming comedy ruminating on the modern man's lonely travels through romance and friendship. Even those familiar with the conventional Hollywood romantic comedies featuring the starlets of the month will find something funny and appealing in "Waiting Alone"
