Hong Kong is a place where the “East and the West meet”. This is a direct
quote from the movie and also goes to show the themes and images from the
film. The city is filled with expats and locals and everyone in between. There is
so much potential for a chance encounter and that is where we meet our two protagonists.
Millennials Josh and Ruby meet each other one fateful night. Josh is standing at a
loud bar killing time by looking at his phone and wistfully watching other people
have the night of their lives. That’s when he sees Ruby. The scene opens outside a bar,
where Josh, an early 30s business type is smoking a cigarette and scrolling through
his phone. He’s handsome and a bit guarded. A woman hurriedly leaves the bar and stands
beside him as she frantically calls her friend. This is 29 year old Ruby. She is dressed in a
nice colorful outfit and her hair flows freely down her back. Josh’ attention is captured.
Josh overhears Ruby trying to get in touch with her friends after getting separated. She’s lost
signal so the GPS on her phone isn’t working. She seems a bit annoyed to be so lost in an
unfamiliar city. Josh politely asks her where she’s heading. After a few quick snarks from
Ruby about not talking to strangers, she finally lets him in on her situation. She
tells him the neighborhood she is trying to get to, Lan Kwai Fong or LKF for short. Josh begins
listing out the several steps of instructions to get there from where they are. Clearly confused,
he uses the famous Hong Kong mid level escalators as a marker, surprised when Ruby has never heard
of this big tourist attraction. This is a joke that continues throughout the movie. Josh is the
expat expert of Hong Kong and Ruby is a foreigner who truly does not know much about the city she
is visiting. After Josh pokes some fun at Ruby for not “buying a guidebook” or anything Josh
continues to explain where the steps are. Ruby still seems unsure. They lock eyes. Josh looks
around as if to see if anyone is looking then after a beat offers to walk her there stating that
he’s at a friends party, but it’s a big event and he won’t be missed. Ruby hesitates then declines.
She doesn’t want to intrude nor be the woman who said yes to a stranger immediately. Ruby wants to
try and see if she can get there on her own. Even though she is new to the city she is still not
sure she can trust this stranger she just met. So Ruby heads off in the direction Josh pointed to,
her dignity still intact. Josh continues to hang out outside the bar after Ruby leaves,
smoking a cigarette. He appears resistant to returning to his friend’s birthday party. He
looks unamused at the crowd he has come with and tries to intentionally separate himself from
any of the festivities going on inside the bar. After a while he spots his new friend once again.
Ruby appears back in the same spot she met Josh and sheepishly looks to him as if to
say “yes, I know I got lost let’s not make a big deal about it and you were right”. Josh chuckles
and they seem to have a sweet moment. He then offers again to escort Ruby and this time she
finally accepts. There’s a flirtatious energy between them. As they walk Ruby reveals she’s
from LA and here for a short trip for work. Ruby loves LA. She loves the weather and the
people and especially the Mexican food. But she feels lost in her current job.
Josh then tells Ruby that he’s been in Hong Kong for ten years and before that lived in
New York. Ruby picks up on a snobbish vibe from Josh about LA, which Josh admits to. He
explains that it's never a good sign when all a city has going for it is the weather. Ruby
dismisses that as not the only good factor for the city, but emphasizes how great the weather
is there. Josh asks Ruby what she does for work and she says she’s a toy maker. When Josh tells
Ruby about a toy his niece is obsessed with, Ruby says that that very toy she designed,
which impresses Josh. Ruby admits though, that she did not always intend to be a toy designer. She
went to school for fashion design and still wants to pursue that dream career in some capacity.
When they arrive at the famous escalators, Ruby observes a couple ignoring each other on a date
and looking at their phones. Josh defends the couple and the two lightly bicker about
whether this is a sign of a bad relationship. When they reach the top of the escalator Ruby
thanks Josh for his assistance then says she’s sure she can make it the rest of the
way. There is an awkward tension, neither seem to part ways yet. They both linger
in the busy Hong Kong street. Just as they are about to leave, Josh states that he’ll
take her the rest of the way, teasing her that it’s just in case she gets lost again,
plus it's only ten more minutes and he’s not missing much back at the bar. Ruby gladly
accepts the company and the two continue on. They slowly walk towards LKF and admire the nightlife
around them. It’s a very lively neighborhood and the sounds echo throughout the streets.
As they walk Ruby asks Josh what he does, which clearly makes him uncomfortable. She can see he
doesn’t like his job and correctly guesses he’s in finance based on his fancy suit and the fact
that he’s in Hong Kong. She then teases him about all the drugs he must do and scandalous
life he probably leads, which makes Josh laugh. He explains that he was actually a double major
in college in literature and finance and has always wanted to go into the creative field,
but hasn’t been able to make the leap. He knows he wants to be a writer but has
never been able to admit it to himself or others. Ruby is sympathetic to this,
saying that she originally wanted to become a fashion designer, the next Vera Wang, but ended
up in toy designing because of the stability. Ruby questions Josh about whether he still writes and
Josh tells her about a novel he’s working on called “Living on Hong Kong Time.” The novel
follows an American Expat living in Hong Kong and observing the dynamic and unique fast paced
culture. Ruby notes how bizarre the word Expat is since her own grandparents moved from Hong Kong
to America but are called immigrants rather than Expats. They slowly exchange these little pieces
of their lives and histories creating a tighter knit relationship than either is really realizing.
The two continue to stroll through the city admiring its beauty. There are people taking
pictures in the streets and dancing and noisily drinking at the bars that line the path. Josh
points out his office building and comments on all the offices with lights on where people are
still up working. He emphasizes the very intense work attitude of employees in Hong Kong and the
pressure to be successful. He also talks about how he does not really feel that pressure because
he is not really invested in his job. Ruby and Josh are more similar than they think and these
little glimpses into their lives really show how the relationship is forming and
starting to really bond the two. Ruby asks if he has any interest in going back to New York,
but he says no. Despite the rise and grind nature of Hong Kong,
he loves the city. He even stops to point out the lights from the buildings and the city line
in the distance. He is entranced by the colors and sounds and energy of this enchanting city.
Ruby is mesmerized by Josh and his love of a city that is wholly unfamiliar to her.
Eventually the two arrive at the street of clubs where Ruby’s friends are. As they cross
the street, Josh pulls Ruby out of the way, saving her from getting hit by a car which she thanks him
for and says that she’s not used to cars driving on the wrong side of the street. Josh jokes that
here it's the right side of the street. As they approach the bar where Ruby’s friends are she
hesitates before entering. They both are reluctant to part with one another as they’ve been having
such a great time simply chatting. Ruby says that she’s not in any sort of rush to see her friends
so she suggests they get a drink together. Josh accepts, but dismisses the area they’ve
arrived in as a tourist trap and tells Ruby that he’ll take them to a much better, local spot.
They arrive at the next bar, which is much more low key with mood lighting. They continue talking
about their lives and careers. Ruby encourages Josh to quit his finance job and take on writing
full-time, but Josh isn’t so sure. He says he’s used to the cushy lifestyle and appreciates
having a strong safety net. Still Ruby urges him to use his safety net to pursue writing
which he is moved by and agrees that she’s right. Ruby jokes that she’s always right.
While Ruby goes to the bathroom Josh takes a call which turns out to be his girlfriend. He
tells Ruby he should return to the birthday party that he left because his girlfriend’s
there. This startles Ruby as the two have been flirting all night. She is shocked that he has
told her so much about his life but left this very important detail out. It feels like a betrayal and
Ruby is pissed. Immediately Ruby walks off and Josh follows her. He apologizes for misleading
her but explains it would have been strange for him to lead with having a girlfriend. He
also says that what they’ve been doing is innocent compared to his girlfriend who’s
doing shots and flirting with guys back at the bar. Ruby questions who’s birthday party it is
and Josh admits that it is his girlfriend's birthday, which is why she is partying so
enthusiastically. This annoys Ruby even more as his behavior has been manipulative since
it’s almost like he’s been talking to Ruby as a way to get back at his girlfriend. She tells
Josh that she feels bad for his girlfriend. Ruby says she’s leaving, but Josh asks for her contact
info as it feels strange to simply never see her again after their night together. This makes Ruby
even more mad. She sarcastically thanks him for a good night and leaves him in the bar.
The story jumps to a year later. Josh walks alone in the city, now dressed more casually
with a messenger bag over his shoulder. He gets onto a ferry heading to Kowloon
and immediately spots Ruby. Delighted to see her, Josh enthusiastically asks what she’s doing here.
Ruby says that she’s living in Hong Kong for a year for work after getting a promotion. Josh
apologizes for what happened the year before and says he was a jerk for leading her on,
which Ruby agrees with and accepts his apology. She then casually asks about his girlfriend. He
confirms they are still together then asks Ruby if she’s with anyone. Ruby says that she has
a boyfriend back in LA and jokes that maybe she should have waited three hours to tell him as he
did to her last year. They arrive in Kowloon and Ruby tells Josh she's going to a store to pick up
clothes, when she tells him where the store is he replies that he should accompany her because
it's a somewhat sketchy area and even says that her boyfriend would appreciate it. Ruby gives in
to this and accepts his offer. When they arrive at the shop a mysterious man opens the door and
leads them down a staircase to a room of tuxes. Ruby hands him her ticket but there appears to be
confusion. Josh speaks with the man in Cantonese and translates that the suit isn’t ready, but he's
able to negotiate a discount. After they leave the shop Ruby tells Josh she’s impressed with his
Cantonese and says it's weird to hear a white guy speak the language. Josh jokes that it's weird to
hear her speak English and she retorts that she grew up in LA. Josh then asks if they can grab a
platonic drink, which Ruby agrees to since he was able to get her boyfriend a discount on his tux.
At the bar, Ruby pays for their drinks since he paid last time. Josh asks again
for Ruby’s contact info, but clarifies it’s for platonic friendship purposes only. They exchange
facebook information and when Ruby goes to the bathroom she immediately looks through
his Facebook admiring photos of him. Later, Josh tells Ruby that their conversation last
year inspired him to quit his job and reveals that he now works full time as a writer. Ruby
asks if he gets writer’s block and Josh says that he read somewhere that writer’s block
means that you’re just writing about the wrong stuff. Ruby asks if he spends more
time looking up writing quotes than actually writing. They both laugh and sparks are flying.
They leave the bar and walk along the water overlooking Hong Kong. Josh says he loves the
city, but Ruby isn’t so sure. Ruby states that she thinks the people are vapid and dislikes the
extreme weather, but with each complaint Josh has a counter. She tells him about a coworker
who lives with her parents yet spends all her money on designer bags. Josh simply says that
her coworker must have good taste, but Ruby says that she doesn’t like the culture’s obsession
with money. Josh expresses his love for the food and people. He urges Ruby to let go of
the little things she’s harping on. He says that he misses pizza now and again, but it could never
beat the city’s Dim Sum. Ruby appears apathetic towards the food, which triggers Josh to demand
they go get good food right then and there. He argues that Ruby just hasn’t gone to the
right places. He says he’ll take her to a great spot and she agrees. Together they hop on a bus,
taking the back seat and observing the other passengers. Ruby makes note of a couple with
a large age gap, but Josh lightheartedly says she shouldn’t judge and it's normal for this city and
their culture. He’s also defensive because he says he’s dated a few Asian women and got a reputation
for having an Asian fetish. She asks Josh what he thinks others think of them when they see Ruby and
Josh together, stating she worries that they might think she’s a gold digger. Josh replies that she
makes more money than him, but she clarifies that others don’t know that. It’s clear that Ruby’s
uncomfortable with others' perception of her, while Josh is much more relaxed, unbothered by
what people think of him. The two continue to talk about the cultural differences between America
and Hong Kong. Josh says that he misses people understanding his movie and film references then
quotes Seinfeld, which Ruby immediately recognizes and continues the bit making them both laugh.
They walk through a market, taking photos together and haggling with local vendors. Ruby even notices
that her own toys that she designed are being sold by a local merchant. She asks
Josh if she should call the police but he says that she should simply take it as a compliment.
Afterwards they arrive at Josh’s favorite seafood spot, which Ruby loves. She asks
if he comes here a lot to which he replies no because his girlfriend doesn’t like it. He goes
on to explain his girlfriend, Sam, prefers fine dining, something they don’t see eye
to eye on as Josh just cares about good food. He isn’t as worried about how it’s presented.
Josh says that it's because Sam grew up in a low-income household and worked really hard
to go to school in the states at UPenn. Sam has always supported herself so she’s more insistent
on them staying within the wealthy income bracket. This is also why Sam doesn’t like that Josh quit
his job to pursue writing. Ruby criticizes Sam, saying that she should be supportive. Ruby also
criticizes their relationship, stating that she and her boyfriend are on the same page on
big life decisions. But Josh argues that he and Sam are morally on the same page. He then goes
on to defend his girlfriend, saying that they've only been together for two years and she’s a bit
younger so she’s less mature. Ruby teases him for dating someone he’s almost a decade older than,
but Josh isn’t offended. He merely laughs the comment off then asks Ruby when she’s going to
quit toy making for fashion designing. Ruby says she appreciates all the work that goes into toy
designing. Josh reminds Ruby that the year prior she seemed less enthusiastic about her work. Ruby
explains that her viewpoint has since changed. She appreciates how much work goes into toy designing
and she recently saw a young boy picking out one of her toys at the store with his father. Seeing
this impacted her greatly and even made her tear up a little. Josh comments on how sweet that is.
The two pass a fortune teller on the street who convinces Ruby to come over despite Josh
reminding her that the set up is a tourist trap. They sit down at the stand and watch
the man let a bird pick out a card for Ruby. The card is vague and Ruby is disappointed.
Josh reminds her that the stand is a scam for tourists, but the fortune teller feels bad that
she’s obviously disappointed so he tells her he’ll read her himself. Ruby declines but asks
him to read Josh. The fortune teller examines Josh’s face then says that he has a big nose,
which means he’ll make a lot of money when he’s 40. Josh is slightly offended by this
because he’s Jewish, but goes along with it and laughs off the comment. The fortune teller then
correctly states that Josh was engaged once. Josh, surprised, confirms this and exchanges a
look with Ruby who appears even more interested in Josh. Despite them having talked for hours they’re
still mere strangers to one another’s lives. The fortune teller continues that there’s a new love
coming into Josh’s life. When Josh asks if the fortune teller knows this because of his nose,
the fortune teller says that he knows this because of how Josh and Ruby look at each
other. Josh looks at Ruby and they both blush. There is clearly a strong attraction between
them. They leave and Ruby immediately asks Josh about his previous engagement. Josh explains that
he was young and stupid. He met his previous fiancé in college and the relationship ended
when she cheated on him. Ruby gets a reminder for a calendar call and says that her boyfriend
makes them because he likes to see her in his calendar. She says that he’s sweet and they’ve
been together on and off for five years, but they were off when she and Josh met the year prior.
Josh then receives a call from a friend. At first Ruby appears uncomfortable, worried the call was
from Sam, but Josh says it was actually a friend who’s supposed to meet later. He then invites Ruby
to go with him to a lounge where his friend's band is performing. When she hesitates he clarifies
that his girlfriend won’t be there, which she quickly denies being concerned over. Ruby says
she’ll only go if Josh can successfully find a cab. While the first few pass, he
eventually waves one down and together they head to Hong Kong where the band is playing at a bar.
Once at the bar, Josh says hello to some friends and introduces Ruby. Then the two
stand in the back, listening to the music. The next song appears to have some notoriety and
people start dancing. Soon, Josh pulls Ruby onto the dance floor. Sparks fly as they slow dance
and it looks like they’re going to kiss, but just then someone interrupts them. The woman
introduces herself as Josh’s girlfriend's friend as if he’s been caught cheating. Josh clarifies
that Ruby’s a friend who knows about Sam, but the damage is done. The friend leaves,
clearly shocked and Ruby exits to get some air. Josh follows after her and tries to shake off the
encounter as simply odd and meaningless, but Ruby isn’t convinced. She asks what they’re
doing - implying that their relationship isn’t appropriate since they have significant others.
Josh reaffirms that they’re just hanging out and doing nothing wrong. Despite this Ruby remains
upset and says she has to go home. Josh asks if she wants to split a cab and she says yes.
In the cab Ruby confesses that she feels like she’s emotionally cheating on her boyfriend,
but Josh says that they shouldn’t be too hard on themselves. Then he says
that maybe the past night and the night a year ago is actually a sign they should reevaluate
their relationships. Ruby admits to Josh that her boyfriend is actually her fiancé and is
coming this weekend to help her pack because she’s leaving Hong Kong within the week. Josh is upset,
but knows he has no leg to stand on since he did the same to her the year prior. He
asks why she isn’t wearing a ring. Ruby goes on to explain that she’s not wearing a ring
because they’re going to pick one out together since they agreed to get married together,
which Josh then criticizes for being too logical and lacking in romance. A criticism Josh has made
about Ruby in general throughout the night as he’s urged her to act more spontaneously. Josh
states he’s happy for her, but Ruby appears hesitant saying she doesn’t know what she
wants. When the cab arrives at Ruby’s apartment Josh asks Ruby what they should do. Ruby says
she doesn’t want to hurt her boyfriend and Josh agrees he doesn’t want to hurt his girlfriend.
The film ends as they sit in the cab outside Ruby's apartment trying to decide what to do.