The Chinese film "Spicy Hot in Love" was released the same time as the Hollywood blockbuster "Titanic" in 1997, but what took place following its release was entirely unexpected for its makers. The low-budget Chinese film "Spicy Hot in Love" became that year's dark horse at the box office.

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The current "Spicy Hot in Love" remake was inspired by this history of the film. Its former makers got back together and decided to shoot the namesake remake. 

The "Spicy Hot in Love" remake will be released in mainland theaters on August 20, starring newbie actress and former Miss Universe winner Zhang Zilin. The "Spicy Hot in Love" remake will also feature acclaimed actor Qin Hao as well as Peter Ho, a Chinese-American actor, according to China Entertainment News.

The "Spicy Hot In Love" remake differs from the 1997 film though, which had five separate and independent love stories. The new film would reportedly revolve around three couples set in Beijing, Hangzhou and Chongqing.

"Love can be bitter, sweet or spicy. With a mixed flavor, the film will show the confusion, stress and joy of the characters," according to the new film's director, Xiao Fei, who also happens to be a veteran musician.

Chinese critics said the "Spicy Hot in Love" remake bore a striking resemblance to the 2003 Hollywood film "Love Actually."

Despite critics' opinions, the upcoming film is still a film viewers would look out for, especially with the success of the 1997 film.

The "Spicy Hot in Love" remake is based on the 1997 film "Spicy Love Soup" written and directed by Zhang Yang. Other writers include Liu Fendou, Cai Shangjun and Diao Yi'nan.

The film served as Zhang's directorial debut. Not only did it become a launching pad for the actors, those behind the cameras also became known after the film debuted, according to Wikipedia.

In addition, "Spicy Love Soup" became the first film in mainland China to have simultaneous release of a soundtrack.

"Contempo urban pic - sans peasants, politics or palanquins - proved a tone-setting and eye-opening experience for many Westerners as the opening attraction at London's recent East West Film Festival, which proved China can now field well-directed, accessible fare beyond the artier stuff that dominates the major fests," according to a Variety review of the Chinese comedy drama back in the '90s.

Tagsspicy hot in love remake, spicy hot in love remade, love actually, hollywood, Miss Universe Zhang Zilin, Zhang Zilin, Qin Hao, Peter Ho, Chongqing, spicy love soup, Zhang Yang