Cinque appuntamenti al buio

Five Blind Dates deserves credit for putting a Chinese-Australian woman at the center of a mainstream rom-com - a rarity in Aussie cinema. The cast, especially Shuang Hu and Tzi Ma, deliver warmth and authenticity. Visually, it celebrates culture without exoticizing it, and that alone makes it a step forward.

But strip away the cultural wrapper, and what's left is a very average romantic comedy. The blind dates are formulaic, the emotional arcs predictable, and the script plays it safe. There's little tension, little spark - just a cheerful glide through the genre checklist. You'll smile, but you won't remember it next week.

It's a win for representation, no doubt. But as a film, it needed sharper writing and bolder storytelling. It had the chance to redefine the Aussie rom-com - instead, it politely sits in the middle of the road.

This romcom follows a predictable plotline, filled with all-too-familiar clichés and a few cringe-worthy scenes and lines. However, it's still surprisingly entertaining, even though the main leads lack compelling chemistry. Instead, the dynamic between the gay best friend and Lia is far more engaging and might have been a better focus, if not for the film's decision to play it safe.

Despite its flaws, the movie does attempt to add depth by exploring themes like family trauma and the pressure placed on firstborns. The acting is decent, but the film overall lacks the creative spark that could have made it truly memorable. Ultimately, it's a serviceable romcom-pleasant enough for a single viewing, but not something you'd likely revisit.

They could have gone with that title I assume, but I'll say it for them this time: no pun intended. Because none of the dates involve anyone who is blind you see? This also is not a pun - but hopefully fun. Which is something the movie is supposed to be. And it does achieve that from time to time. The actors do try their best to get you there (laugh, chuckle and all that) ... the script has some funny ideas too.

That all said the movie is quite light and especially the lead actress is carrying it all the way. If you are into romantic comedies, I reckon this is something you might find interesting - knock yourself out (cliches included)

I was excited to watch this Asian-led Rom Com as an Asian myself, and nice to see that it is set in Australia, instead of the usual spots in USA or UK.

But I was so disappointed in this movie and spent the whole time cringing at the biggest character. I'm glad I did not pay to watch this in a cinema because that would have been a waste of money. As it is, it was a waste of my time!

This movie has one of the most unlikeable leading ladies I have ever encountered (and I have watched so many Rom Coms). I agree with what someone else said in another comment here - why anyone would want to date her is bizaare. She is so insufferable.

Loving the shift in supporting films like this and even better coming from Australia but there needs to be a better way of telling these stories. The set up whilst a little hokey is fine since it is a rom-com and they are not known for innovation. It's the script is rife with cliches, stereotypes, illogical ideas, stupidity and cartoonish banality. Sydney does look beautiful, it's well shot but the director struggles to elevate above the silliness.

Acting ranges from solid (Yosan An, Tzi Ma,Renee Lim) to odd (Desmond Chiang) to outright awful - lead Shuang Hu is just terrible. The character is also very unlikable - why anyone would want to date her is bizarre.

Again let's support these diverse films but have competent writers and directors handling the material.