In The Mood For Love

More Wong Kar-Wei, this is perhaps his most famous and critically acclaimed film. When it was first watched, it was enjoyed strongly at the time, with a few reservations. After the viewing it stuck in our minds more than perhaps any other film of that period, remembered for its beautiful shots of nightime, the streets, the rain, the cigarette smoke.
On re-watching, we were happy to class it is a magnificent piece of cinema. However, it was not exactly as expected.
It is a very snappy film, with not only fast cuts but a fast story, that is almost jerky at times. It is one of the very few films where the scenes appear to lengthen and spread out as the time moves on. From what is at first a quick, almost rush, from scene to scene and time to time, come more considerate images.
The fast cuts mean that when an image is held, it has great power. Wong Kar-Wei has a technique of colour, of framing, that is perhaps superior to any other director working currently. The beauty of his shots are accentuated by the rareness of opportunity he gives the eye to indulge in them. Just an extra second from his fast pace and camera movement offers glimpses of fabulous beauty. He offers great riches, which seem even more golden as so rarely does he allow one to touch.
One thing to note is that this films images work signifcantly better on a big screen. The trails of cigarette smoke and the wide open rain do not translate to small screens.
The story continues, despite its initial-seeimgly transparency, to be absolutely baffling. We are still not sure precisely what is going on, which is why this film deserves even more re-watching. The performances are exemplary. Maggie Cheung in particular stands out. Tony Leung, saying that, particularly deserves special mention.
This is a terrific film, and a starnger one that it may be known for. It is a difficult film to get to know, and enjoys whipping treats away from its audience. Despite this, it is still though a great joy to see. An important film, not just for its history but for its themes and technical mastery.