Often cited as the first and most influential idol drama from Mainland China, the hit 1998 TV series
Cherish Our Love Forever captured the hearts of a generation of hopeless romantics. Twelve years later, director Zhang Yibai (
Lost, Indulgence) is reunited with the drama's stars Xu Jinglei (
Go Lala Go!) and Li Yapeng (
The Legend of Arching Hero) in the theatrical sequel
Eternal Moment, which provides a resolution to the classic series. In fact, the thoughtful filmmakers devised not one, but three different outcomes for the bittersweet romance between college lovers Yang Zheng (Li Yapeng) and Wen Hui (Xu Jinglei) that was left unresolved in the series. What would happen to them after 12 years? There are countless possibilities, and the film presents three realistic scenarios, through which we would learn that while life makes one weary and cynical, the heart still retains the capability to love and be touched by it.
Eternal Moment also features returning cast member Wang Xuebing, plus cameo appearances of actress Vicki Zhao, director Ning Hao, singer He Jie, and Hong Kong actor Chapman To. Further boosted by a popular theme song duetted by Faye Wong and Eason Chan, the film grossed over RMB200 million at the 2011 Valentine's Day frame to become the biggest Chinese romance movie ever.