Recently i watched two movies that approach the theme of love in two very different perspectives - Painted Skin and House Bunny.

Painted Skin depicts a pair of loving couple (Zhao Wei and Chen Kun) whose lives are disrupted by Zhou Xun, who plays the demon. The plot, though very common and expected, adds a new dimension to romance. I was terribly moved by the tussle that the director wishes his audiences to understand - the true meaning of love. What does one pursue in love? Selfless and self-sacrificing? selfish pursuit for the guy you desire?

This seems to be a struggle that modern people today often encounter. It seems so foolish that in today's society, there is still someone that is willing to put you before himself. After all, we are often lost in this materialistic world - we pursue many tangible things and often love comes along as a barter - a tool to rise to power, a weapon to gain material wealth and an exchange for something more tangible. Is the essence of love lost?

I was moved to tears when Chen Xun, the male protagonist screamed - "I love you, but I have a wife, my heart can't occupy anyone else!" Indeed, he represents responsibility that many modern man lack. In real life, how many of us could pledge eternal loyalty to your partner? How can we remain committed and devoted amidst all forms of attraction? Perhaps the answer is to choose to see the good. In the story, Chen Xun failed to realise that his wife played by Zhao Wei is entirely concerned about his welfare. Instead, he chooses to realise the beauty of Zhou Xun, who despite her exterior beauty, has a heart of a beast.

We all have choices. We should sometimes steer ourselves in the right direction and choose to value what we have and not yearn for things that are unreachable and unattainable. Indeed, we may be moved by someone, one way or another, but ultimately, we have to realise that he has flaws too. That being said, ultimately, we are now trapped in our own web! By thinking that the grass is greener on the other side, actually you are just being overly ambitious. The moral of the story? Be contented with what you have.

What about how to love? Love is to lose your individuality? Love is to master all the "tricks" that turn the opposite sex on? The female lead in House Bunny demonstrates that even if we tries all means to seduce the one you like, ultimately, the key to unlock his heart is sincerity and your own identity.

Again, modern life has made us like clones of perfection. We wear clothes that we think makes us look cool, we put on make up to make us feel good. Yet, are we good on the inside? Do we value love that is from the bottom of the heart? I feel that at times, we should try to cast away pre-constructed ideas about someone. Just because he carries a Gucci bag or spots the latest style from runways from Paris does not necessarily mean that you love it. You should love him for his character, his identity and most importantly, his self.

Sometimes, I admit that i am tempted to try the forbidden... But i know that what is beside me is the most precious. He knows me best.