According to the Chinese classic Book of Rites, man's primary desires are to "eat, drink, and have sex"—hence the intriguing title explained by an inebriated Wen and Chu. Loving relationships give meaning to life and ought to be considered one of the necessities of existence. The technique and artistry of gourmet Chinese cuisine is put on delicious display, often expressing the love that the characters cannot say to each other or accentuating its presence.