Wong Kar-wai is one such name. His film In the Mood for Love sounds simple enough with its concept, but it's one film that packs more punch upon viewing.
In the Mood for Love isn't erotic in the sense there are steamy sex scenes. It's more so the longing desire between Chow (Tony Leung) and Li-zhen (Maggie Cheung) that makes the film smolder with passion. What the film lacks with physical intimacy strives with emotional understanding.
The smaller aspects of the film work wonders, such as the color scheme and most definitely the music. The use of the Nat King Cole songs "Aquellos Ojos Verdes" and "Quizas, Quizas, Quizas" showcases the feelings Chow and Li-zhen want to express but in a language foreign to them. There's also a haunting string piece that displays the contained desire between them.
In the Mood for Love depicts a complicated romance, one not shown often enough in film. It's a beautiful film, both physically and emotionally. Wong Kar-wai captures what so many try to do, which is showing one restraining an unrestrained love.
My Rating: *****
Loved the last paragraph. Definitely describes my feelings for the film (which is a ridiculous amount of love, as it is one of my favourites).
ReplyDeleteDefinitely one of my favorite romantic films ever.
ReplyDeleteIt's got everything I want and more and it's the first Kar-Wai film that I saw. Upon first viewing, I fell in love with it. I could never get tired of Maggie Cheung walking in slow motion in that tight dress to that music theme.
There is a love-making scene in the deleted scenes,but the shot is from outside the window so you can not see anything.
ReplyDeleteYou may want to check out the sort-of sequel named 2046.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree about the emotional understanding you mention. Apparently Sofia Coppola was inspired by In the mood for love, (the-head-on-the-shoulder for instance), when she directed Lost in Translation. In fact, I remember in her oscar acceptance speech she thanked Wong Kar-wai.
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