Johnnie To's new film to hit screens on Mar. 31

New Poster of film "Single Men and Women" [CRI]

Director Johnnie To's urban romance film "Single Men and Women" ("Dan Shen Nan Nv") will hit Chinese theaters on March 31. The film has passed the review at the film bureau without any changes being made.

The production company released a special edition poster on Valentine's Day. It features the three leads, Gao Yuanyuan, Daniel Wu and Louis Koo. With Gao Yuanyuan in the middle, Daniel Wu and Louis Koo stand at each side so as to give Gao a kiss. The graphics ask, "Which one will you choose?"

Previous reports have suggested that the story will be a love triangle between one woman and two men.

Although director Johnnie To is famous for his crime and action movies, he has made films in various genres. In 2000 and 2001, he made two other romantic films called "Needing You..." ("Gu Nan Gua Nv") and "Love on a Diet" ("Shou Shen Nan Nv"), both received positive feedback from mainland audiences. This has driven the Hong Kong director to make a third "men and women" themed film targeting the mainland market with mainland actress Gao Yuanyuan in the cast.

Johnnie To explained in an interview with "The Southern Daily" why he returned to make romantic films after 10 years. He said that he and his long-time working partner Wai Ka-Fai thought they have been focusing on their own interest for a long time. They decided to make a film for the audience's taste, something more commercial. And it is easier to get romantic films past the film examiners. The director said since he wanted to enter the mainland market, he had to obey the rules.

As a result, the film might be the first of Johnnie To's work that screens in mainland theaters without any cuts.