Watch The Taste of Betel Nut

The Taste of Betel Nut is a 2017 Chinese romantic drama film directed by Hu Jia featuring Bingrui Zhao, Yue Yue, and Shen Shi Yu in the lead roles. The film revolves around a group of young people living in a small, seaside town in southern China, who work in a bar and spend their free time indulging in their vices. The main character of the movie is a young man named Xiaoyang, who works as a bartender in a local bar. One day, he meets a new colleague, Jin, a girl from the north who has come to work in the same bar. Xiaoyang is immediately attracted to Jin, and the two begin a tentative relationship. However, Xiaoyang's friends at the bar, who are all more experienced with relationships than he is, warn him that Jin is a player who only wants to use him.

As their relationship deepens, Xiaoyang and Jin open up to each other about their pasts and their dreams for the future. Meanwhile, their friends at the bar each have their own struggles and romances, from Baozi's love for a married woman to Xiaopang's secret crush on a fellow bartender.

The film explores themes such as love, friendship, and the search for personal identity. The characters are all searching for something, whether it's love, fulfillment, or simply a way to escape their mundane lives. They all struggle with the pressures of modern society and the expectations placed on them by their families and communities.

One of the unique aspects of The Taste of Betel Nut is its portrayal of contemporary youth culture in China. The film captures the modernization and urbanization of traditional Chinese culture, with scenes of smartphone addiction, bar-hopping, and karaoke sessions. At the same time, the film also pays homage to traditional Chinese culture with scenes of betel nut chewing and folk songs.

The cinematography of the film is noteworthy, with beautiful shots of the seaside town and the surrounding countryside. The use of natural light and music creates an atmospheric and dream-like quality that enhances the film's themes.

The acting performances are also impressive, particularly from the young cast of actors. Bingrui Zhao and Yue Yue have great chemistry as Xiaoyang and Jin, and their performances capture the awkwardness and vulnerability of young love. Shen Shi Yu also stands out as Baozi, bringing depth and complexity to his portrayal of a man grappling with unrequited love and the expectations of society.

Overall, The Taste of Betel Nut is a poignant and nuanced romantic drama that explores the complexities of love and the human condition. Through its careful attention to detail and use of contemporary elements, the film offers a unique portrait of modern Chinese youth culture.

The Taste of Betel Nut is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.