It's truly a shame that Wong Kar-Wai (WKW) isn't getting the recognition that he deserves. His film are some of the most beautiful and original tales of the past 15 years. Though well respected in Asia, he continues to be ignored by Hollywood and the western audience. Much like Luis Buñuel or Yasujiro Ozu, his message is often lost, and his work is ahead of its time.
But thank God for Criterion (get the DVD) for coming through and releasing what is arguably his best work, `In the Mood for Love,' however the title is misleading; the film is more of a drama then a true romance. Nevertheless, though it has a more simplistic plot then his other works, `Mood for Love' still remains a wonderfully crafted film; insightful, haunting, and never boring to look at.
The story begins with Mrs. Chan, played by Maggie Cheung, who is looking for an apartment for her and her husband in 1960's China. On the same day, Mr. Chow, played with precision by Tony Leung (a John Woo regular) moves in to look for an apartment next door for he and his wife. The two both agree to the separate leases, and coincidently, begin moving in on the same day. There is much confusion as the movers move from apartment to apartment attempting to sort out the mess.
As the story develops, Mrs. Chan and Mr. Chow both spend more time together. They soon find out that Mrs. Chan's husband and Mr. Chow's wife are actually having an affair. The two grow a close bond with each other, somewhat intimate, and always caring, but the two are careful never to fall in the same trap as their spouses. As their relationship continues, issues are revealed, and their love, a love that cannot be, develops further.
The film is beautiful. It's wonderful to look at, and has some of the best cinematography I've seen in a film. Though WKW is oftentimes prone to using his camera more, in this film, it is much more restrained. He allows the film to flow gently, from scene to scene, and as akin to his style, allows much more to be done with looks, brief glimpses and silent moments rather then dialogue. In fact, the most important facts of the story itself are simply understood; you understand the characters' emotion simply due to their taciturn performance in a scene.
This film is not for everyone; those looking for a completely coherent plot and suspense will be disappointed. Rather, the point of the movie is not the goal, but the journey that is taken to achieve it. The events, ths subtle humanism is so amazing, that it almost hurts.
Watch this film if you consider yourself a fan of foreign-cinema. Lovely, absolutely lovely.
But thank God for Criterion (get the DVD) for coming through and releasing what is arguably his best work, `In the Mood for Love,' however the title is misleading; the film is more of a drama then a true romance. Nevertheless, though it has a more simplistic plot then his other works, `Mood for Love' still remains a wonderfully crafted film; insightful, haunting, and never boring to look at.
The story begins with Mrs. Chan, played by Maggie Cheung, who is looking for an apartment for her and her husband in 1960's China. On the same day, Mr. Chow, played with precision by Tony Leung (a John Woo regular) moves in to look for an apartment next door for he and his wife. The two both agree to the separate leases, and coincidently, begin moving in on the same day. There is much confusion as the movers move from apartment to apartment attempting to sort out the mess.
As the story develops, Mrs. Chan and Mr. Chow both spend more time together. They soon find out that Mrs. Chan's husband and Mr. Chow's wife are actually having an affair. The two grow a close bond with each other, somewhat intimate, and always caring, but the two are careful never to fall in the same trap as their spouses. As their relationship continues, issues are revealed, and their love, a love that cannot be, develops further.
The film is beautiful. It's wonderful to look at, and has some of the best cinematography I've seen in a film. Though WKW is oftentimes prone to using his camera more, in this film, it is much more restrained. He allows the film to flow gently, from scene to scene, and as akin to his style, allows much more to be done with looks, brief glimpses and silent moments rather then dialogue. In fact, the most important facts of the story itself are simply understood; you understand the characters' emotion simply due to their taciturn performance in a scene.
This film is not for everyone; those looking for a completely coherent plot and suspense will be disappointed. Rather, the point of the movie is not the goal, but the journey that is taken to achieve it. The events, ths subtle humanism is so amazing, that it almost hurts.
Watch this film if you consider yourself a fan of foreign-cinema. Lovely, absolutely lovely.