Love on a Diet

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.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Love on a Diet (2001)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Love on a Diet (2001). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 2000s

The film is set in contemporary Japan during the early 2000s, reflecting era-specific technologies and pop culture. Urban life, fashion, and media influence frame the weight-loss journey and interpersonal dynamics. References to activities like Dance Dance Revolution anchor the period.

Location

Japan, Yokohama, Tokyo

Set across urban Japan, with prominent scenes in Yokohama and Tokyo. The foot of Yokohama Marine Tower and Tokyo Tower serve as symbolic meeting points and media moments, framing Mini's emotional journey. The city environment highlights themes of modern life, weight stigma, and personal reinvention.

🇯🇵 Japan 🏙 City setting 🗼 Urban life

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 14:34

Main Characters – Love on a Diet (2001)

Meet the key characters of Love on a Diet (2001), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Mini Mo (Sammi Cheng Sau-Man)

Mini Mo is a Hong Kong resident living in Japan who struggles with depression, low self-esteem, and a binge eating disorder, resulting in extreme obesity. She forms a close bond with Fatso as he helps her confront her past relationship with Kurokawa. Her journey centers on finding self-worth and the courage to pursue a healthier future, even as society's gaze looms.

💪 Transformation 🧠 Mental health 💖 Romance

Fatso (Andy Lau)

Fatso is a Hong Kong salesman working in Japan who is also obese. He befriends Mini and becomes her mentor and partner in weight loss, initially vexed but ultimately devoted to her well-being. To fund Mini's transformation, he stages a boxing gig on the streets and sacrifices his own resources, showing steadfast loyalty.

💪 Supportive 🤝 Sacrifice ❤️ Love

Kurokawa (Rikiya Kurokawa)

Kurokawa is Mini's former boyfriend, now a world-famous pianist. Their past relationship fuels Mini's insecurities about meeting him; his presence in the narrative represents a reminder of the life she is trying to leave behind. He serves as a symbol of the past that Mini must move past to embrace Fatso's support.

🎹 Music 💔 Heartbreak 🕊 Fame

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 14:34

Major Themes – Love on a Diet (2001)

Explore the central themes of Love on a Diet (2001), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💪 Self-Transformation

Mini's drastic weight loss acts as the catalyst for her personal reinvention, but the deeper change comes from rebuilding confidence and self-worth. Fatso's unwavering support—and his willingness to sacrifice financially—drives her transformation. The process challenges societal beauty norms by portraying recovery as a compassionate, non-judgmental journey. The ending suggests that true transformation includes emotional growth and mutual care rather than appearance.

🤝 Sacrifice

Fatso reorganizes his life, taking risks and staging a street boxing gig to fund Mini's weight-loss program. His sacrifices are driven by care, not romance alone, making their bond central to the story. The tale portrays sacrifice as both practical and emotional, enabling growth for both characters.

💞 Love and Acceptance

The relationship evolves from uneasy dependence to mutual trust, with Mini recognizing Fatso's devotion on the night of her reunion. The narrative emphasizes choosing support and partnership over a past relationship, culminating in a shared future. Love is depicted as empowering and non-judgmental, anchored in care rather than appearance.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 14:34

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Unlock the Full Story of Love on a Diet

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Love on a Diet Summary

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Love on a Diet Summary

Love on a Diet Timeline

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Love on a Diet Timeline

Love on a Diet Spoiler-Free Summary

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Love on a Diet Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Love on a Diet

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