A little bit of smooching with the one you love is fun.... and could be worth more than you think!  Couples who display their affection for each other by hugging or kissing outside anyone of more than 30 Beijing cinemas can win a 10 yuan (about US$1.3) discount for each ticket to blockbuster romantic movie The Knot.

"The rewards are for those who don't begrudge showing their affection to their lovers," said Gao Jun, an executive of the New Film Association (NFA) grouping of cinemas. Gao doesn't see the hugging and kissing as a publicity stunt to promote the film. He maintains it's a worthwhile attempt to arouse tender feelings among lovers. 

In the film two young lovers in Taiwan become separated by the social turbulence of the 1940s. One remains in Taiwan while the other lives on the mainland. Despite their love for each other they're unable to meet for 60 years.

Critics are calling the movie "a great, poignant love film such as we haven't seen in years", a film without Hollywood frills that "moves people deeply" and a movie that "urges people to reconnect with their long-lost days" of pure, sincere feelings. 

Many tickets have been pre-sold with the NFA reporting 500,000 yuan of advance box office sales. The film premieres in Asia today. Ticket prices vary from cinema to cinema but average 40 yuan, according to a staffer.

(Xinhua News Agency December 1, 2006)