Love Is Not a Game, But a Joke 1997
Director Riley Yip Kam-Hung's 1997 romantic comedy Love Is Not a Game, But a Joke turns the quest for love into a playful three-way showdown.
Director: Riley Yip Kam-Hung
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Love Is Not a Game, But a Joke (1997) about?
The film follows three best friends who launch a month-long competition to win the affection of the same woman, imposing a strict no-advertising rule. As they navigate awkward dates and behind-the-scenes schemes, their bond is pushed to the limit—all in the name of love.
Who directed Love Is Not a Game, But a Joke?
Love Is Not a Game, But a Joke was helmed by Riley Yip Kam-Hung, a director known for blending humor with heartfelt storytelling in Hong Kong cinema.
Who stars in Love Is Not a Game, But a Joke?
The film features Jan Lam Hoi-Fung, Andy Hui Chi-On, Wallace Chung, Shu Qi, and Theresa Lee Yee-Hung in pivotal roles.
Is Love Is Not a Game, But a Joke (1997) worth watching?
With its breezy 94-minute runtime and crowd-pleasing blend of comedy and romance, this Hong Kong gem offers pure fun for fans of lighthearted 90s rom-coms. While it never rose to cult status, its playful premise and charismatic cast make it a nostalgic pick worth streaming or downloading.
How long is Love Is Not a Game, But a Joke?
Love Is Not a Game, But a Joke runs for 94 minutes.
About Love Is Not a Game, But a Joke (1997) — A hilarious Hong Kong rom-com about friendship and love in the fast lane
Director Riley Yip Kam-Hung's 1997 romantic comedy Love Is Not a Game, But a Joke turns the quest for love into a playful three-way showdown. When three inseparable friends—eager to avoid clichéd dating pitfalls—decide to win the heart of the same dreamy woman within a single month, they trade pickup lines for pure strategy. With no billboards or radio plugs allowed, the race becomes less about charm and more about clever moves, testing whether friendship can survive victory or defeat. The film wraps witty banter and slapstick charm around a classic love triangle, creating a lighthearted atmosphere where laughter trumps romance every time.
Shot through with the neon glow of late-90s Hong Kong energy, the movie balances heart and humor with a cast that feels like a close-knit squad you'd want on your side. Jan Lam Hoi-Fung, Andy Hui Chi-On, Wallace Chung, and rising star Shu Qi bring a contagious camaraderie to every scene, while Christine Ng Wing-Mei and Theresa Lee Yee-Hung add layers of warmth and wisdom to the group dynamic. It's the kind of story that reminds you love isn't a board game—though, as these friends discover, it's just as unpredictable.