Lessons in Love from ‘Rice, Ribs, and Tea

A day can be extra special when celebrated with an occasion. Birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries are unquestionably the days on the calendar we just can’t wait to come. These days are pivotal to commemorating love, happiness, and memories that make up a family, a friendship, or a union between two individuals. 

However, at times, no matter how long, how often, or how important a certain occasion is, it simply slips the mind, especially those important ones. What will you do if someone you love, whom you’ve spent most of your life with, forgets the day, “that Day”, that matters most between the two of you? Will you be heartbroken, or will you give a day pass? 

Find out the true measure of love in the short film Rice, Ribs, and Tea by Lenti Liang. 

Rice, Ribs, and Tea is a lovely film featuring a husband and a wife. Set in a small apartment, the seasoned love birds prepare themselves separately, the husband a delectable meal, while the wife gets herself pretty. However, the situation becomes a little awkward as the wife joins her husband for the meal. All dressed up, pretty, and a little disappointed she tries to instigate the elephant in the room with her husband. 

Will her husband be able to take the hint and put the puzzle together or will the wife uncover more from this irritating situation? Well, better find out for yourselves because I had a great time watching this film.

Though Rice, Ribs, and Tea was just six minutes, it was able to convey that feel-good emotion as it went by. If you are in a relationship or someone who has seen this kind of situation with your parents, I bet, just like me you’ll feel and appreciate the different kinds of emotions it will make you feel. It was like reliving a moment and I appreciate how real it was. But aside from that, you’ll feel the genuine message it was trying to convey about true love, appreciation, and forgiveness. Indeed, lovely work from Lenti Liang.

Our student director from Guangzhou, China, now based in Los Angeles, showcases a film that is close to the heart. Relatable and remarkable kind of story that makes one look back to their own life and realize the things that matter the most. Lenti Liang was inspired by her parents to create this beautiful film.

She mirrored the kind of relationship that has been tested by time but still has those challenges that you’ll either laugh or cry about. It made me realize that the most romantic story isn’t between star-crossed lovers but about the love that keeps on going, the altruistic love that sees beyond the time and days spent. The love between two people who accept, forgive, and genuinely care for one another despite days that one is unlovable or difficult.

Rice, Ribs, and Tea is that kind of story. A mirror to real life and real love.

Congratulations to this student director for seamlessly exemplifying what true love is in its most natural and authentic way. Great job on this heartwarming film, hope to see more!

Lenti Liang, originally from Guangzhou, China, is a Chinese director and producer now based in Los Angeles. She earned her BA in Visual Arts Media at UC San Diego and is currently pursuing her MFA in Film Production at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts as a recipient of the Annenberg Fellowship.

Lenti’s cinematic endeavors often confront pressing social issues impacting underrepresented communities, with a particular focus on Asian, women, and marginalized groups. Her work is distinguished by a profound reverence for the cultural traditions and histories of these communities, underscored by a steadfast commitment to cultural preservation and social justice.