This Is Not What I Expected
This Is Not What I Expected Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: This Is Not What I Expected
| Movie | This Is Not What I Expected |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| Director | Derek Hui Wang-Yu |
| Genre | Comedy / Romance |
| Runtime | 106 minutes (1h 46m) |
| Language | ZH |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is This Is Not What I Expected (2017) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in This Is Not What I Expected are led by Takeshi Kaneshiro . The supporting cast, including Zhou Dongyu and Xi Mengyao , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
This Is Not What I Expected stands out as a strong entry in the Comedy genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Comedy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, This Is Not What I Expected has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: This Is Not What I Expected
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2017, This Is Not What I Expected is a Comedy, Romance film directed by Derek Hui Wang-Yu, written by Li Yuan. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Takeshi Kaneshiro as Lu Jin.
Ending Explained: This Is Not What I Expected
This Is Not What I Expected Ending Explained: Lu Jin is a handsome, wealthy hotel executive whose drive for perfection is matched only by his taste for fine cuisine. Directed by Derek Hui Wang-Yu, this 2017 comedy film stars Takeshi Kaneshiro (Lu Jin), alongside Zhou Dongyu as Gu Shengnan, Xi Mengyao as Xu Zhaodi, Tony Yang as Cheng Ziqian. With a 6.8/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of This Is Not What I Expected?
Lu Jin is a handsome, wealthy hotel executive whose drive for perfection is matched only by his taste for fine cuisine. When he checks into the Rosebud, he's dissatisfied with everything he sees and is ready to take action... until flamboyant female sous chef Gu Shengnan creates the perfectionist what may be a perfect meal. Now, these bitter rivals find themselves brought together in the kitchen in this light-hearted romantic comedy, infused with fun and flavors to create a delicious dish that foodies around the world wouldn't dare to miss.
Derek Hui Wang-Yu's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Takeshi Kaneshiro (Lu Jin)'s journey. When he checks into the Rosebud, he's dissatisfied with everything he sees and is ready to take action.
How Does Takeshi Kaneshiro (Lu Jin)'s Story End?
- Takeshi Kaneshiro: Takeshi Kaneshiro's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Zhou Dongyu (Gu Shengnan): Zhou Dongyu's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Xi Mengyao (Xu Zhaodi): Xi Mengyao's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of This Is Not What I Expected Mean?
This Is Not What I Expected's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Takeshi Kaneshiro may feel rushed. Derek Hui Wang-Yu's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
This Is Not What I Expected Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is This Is Not What I Expected Based on a True Story?
No, This Is Not What I Expected is a work of fiction. While the comedy, romance film directed by Derek Hui Wang-Yu and starring Takeshi Kaneshiro may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch This Is Not What I Expected?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Takeshi Kaneshiro or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Where to Watch This Is Not What I Expected Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
AsianCrush
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Cineverse Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoFandango At HomeThis Is Not What I Expected Parents Guide & Age Rating
2017 AdvisoryWondering about This Is Not What I Expected age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of This Is Not What I Expected (2017) is 106 minutes (1h 46m). Directed by Derek Hui Wang-Yu, the film runs for 106 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, This Is Not What I Expected is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2017 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Is Not What I Expected worth watching?
This Is Not What I Expected is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find This Is Not What I Expected parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for This Is Not What I Expected identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of This Is Not What I Expected (2017)?
The runtime of This Is Not What I Expected (2017) is 106 minutes (approximately 1h 46m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
