Love on a Diet

Year: 2001

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: Cantonese

Directors: Johnnie To, Wai Ka-Fai

DramaRomanceComedy

A depressed, obese woman tries to lose weight in order to win back her ex-boyfriend with the help of a fellow Hong Konger whom she met in Japan.

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Love on a Diet (2001) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

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Mini Mo Sammi Cheng Sau-Man is a Hong Kong resident living in Japan. She battles depression, low self-esteem, and a binge eating disorder that has left her severely obese. A suicide attempt brings her into contact with Fatso Andy Lau, a Hong Kong salesman working in Japan who is also obese.

Mini sticks with Fatso everywhere, and although he is initially irritated by her constant presence, he comes to understand the deeper reasons behind her pain. Mini cannot forget her former boyfriend, Kurokawa Rikiya Kurokawa, who is now a world-famous pianist. Ten years ago, the two had pledged to meet at the foot of Yokohama Marine Tower on the night of their break-up. Mini is fearful of meeting Kurokawa in her current size, but Fatso is moved by her story and vows to help her.

After a string of desperate weight-loss attempts—swallowing tapeworms and sweating through Dance Dance Revolution—Mini begins to shed pounds. Yet Fatso’s funds are running low. To finance Mini’s transformation, he launches a street boxing gig, inviting onlookers to punch him as a way to vent their frustrations. He then enrolls Mini in an expensive weight-loss program, and the plan proves to be incredibly effective. Mini regains her former slim and pretty look.

On the night of her reunion with Kurokawa, Fatso drops Mini off at Tokyo Tower, where she meets her ex beau under the watchful eyes of the local media. The pair are interviewed by a network, but Mini notices another broadcast featuring Fatso’s street boxing gig. She realizes how much Fatso has sacrificed for her, and is moved to tears. Turning to apologize to Kurokawa, she leaves hastily.

Months later, Mini publishes a dieting bestseller, and spots a slimmed-down Fatso carrying her book in a park. The two share a kiss, promising never to leave each other again.

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:40

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Movies with a friends-to-lovers arc like Love on a Diet

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Narrative Summary

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