Movie Digest
Xiao Xiang is a spoiled second-generation rich child who loses his memory due to a wingsuit flying accident. He crashes and lands near a canal outside Zhou Donghai’s bathhouse. Zhou Donghai once owned the famous Donghai bathhouse that is now a rundown. Xing has plans to convert Donghai’s hometown into a resort. So, Donghai takes in Xing as his younger brother to get some monetary benefits. He teaches Xing all the skills of giving the best baths to customers. But Donghai does not know that Xing does get memory flashes and that his amnesia will end one day.
The Feel-Good Part
The central and subplot are of good quality, which worked well with the comedy. The CGI used was also brilliant.
The Disappointing Factor
There is nothing to pinpoint as a disappointing factor. But the film is not unique in any manner.
In-Depth Analysis
This film is a well-crafted small-town comedy with few surprises and strong ensemble chemistry. The pairing of the boyish-looking yet adaptable Peng Yuchang (Xiao Xing) and the older, more seasoned comic Qiao Shan (Zhou Donghai) works exceptionally well. Peng plays a conceited wealthy playboy who suffers amnesia humbled him. Qiao plays a cunning small-town entrepreneur who takes advantage of his lack of memory by getting him to labor for free in his failing bathhouse. The plot focuses on Qiao’s character duping a younger man into thinking that he is the man’s brother. The realization that Peng’s character would eventually regain his memories heightened the comedy in the film. The film creates an entirely new subplot – a scrub-and-massage global international championship – to drive the ending competitively. Bath Buddy has the feel of a full-fledged feature picture, with an overarching plot and emotional relationships.
Star Power
Peng Yuchang (Xiao Xing) and Qiao Shan (Zhou Donghai) have great chemistry, portrayed well in the film. This combination adds to the comedic element of the film.
Overall Opinion
It is a fun movie. It does not bring anything new, but it is still worth watching.
