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Fa yeung nin wah (2000)
Did I expect too much?
It breaks my heart to say it, but 'In the Mood for Love' disappointed me really.
Let me start by saying that I am a major fan of Wang Kar Wai - he's my favourite Chinese director and Maggie Cheung is my favourite Chinese actress. I've been keenly anticipating this film for a long time and rushed out to see it on opening night, but it just didn't seem to make the grade.
There was a lot of good about the film. It started well. It had that 'soft touch' of a master-director. The costumes and background of 60s Hong Kong was superb. And the acting, especially Maggie's was great. There was some superb cinematography and mise-en-scene - the quick pans, crossing the line and other great touches, but the film just lacked something.
OK, this is the part where my criticism is weak. I can't put my finger on what it lacked. I'm tempted to suggest something to do with the story or the plot, but just look at my favourite Wang Kar Wai film, Days of Being Wild, and that criticism doesn't hold up. Maybe it was character. Maybe the romance just didn't quite seem to spark - no Tianmimi/Comrades this. Sorry, but to say what was wrong I'd have to go watch all his movies again then this one for comparison. That doesn't sound too bad, but not too practical for me at the moment.
All that said, this is still well worth a look, and of course a must see for fans.
Bri