948. Dut yeung nin wa

Dut yeung nin wa
In the Mood for Love
2000
Directed by Wong Kar-wai

This is the last Wong Kar-wai film on The List so his last chance to impress me.  I am sure he is waiting for this review with bated breath.  Well, sorry Wong, but I am still left thinking your movies are only so-so.

Basically, two neighbors, Chow and Su, form a strong (but platonic) relationship after both suspect their respective spouses of cheating with each other.  Soon their friendship evolves into something more, but they are hesitant to act on their feelings, as they do not want to stoop to their spouses' level.

This is the best of the movies that Wong Kar-wai has to offer on this List, but something about it was still lacking.  The characters are a bit off center but the film seems reluctant to apply the same eccentricities to other aspects of the production.  I thought the odd nature of the characters' actions was the only memorable thing about this film.

Anyway, a short review because my Tylenol PM is kicking in.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Maggie Cheung's hair and make up took five hours a day to apply.

914. Cheun gwong tsa sit

Cheun gwong tsa sit
Happy Together
1997
Directed by Wong Kar-wai

I wasn't that enthusiastic about watching another Kar-wai film from the List.  I thought Chungking Express was entertaining, but ultimately not super impressive.  Happy Together, once again, was decent but didn't blow me away.  I hope I either hate or love his next movie so I can finally form a definitive opinion on him.

Basically, the film depicts the turbulent romance between Ho Po-wing and Lai Yiu-fai after they travel to Argentina to mend their relationship.  While Ho Po is pretty much a cheating asshole, Lai is more rational and loving.

This was a bit tough to watch, in a Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? type of way.  I was still intrigued, but I would hardly call this enjoyable to watch.  Thankfully, the cinematography is stunning enough that it is still worth a watch despite the unlikable characters.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

The two main characters are named after the film's assistant cinematographers.

878. Chungking Express

Chungking Express
1994
Directed by Wong Kar-wai

My crush on Brigitte Lin continues to intensify after watching this film.  I want to check out her other movies, but I might have to wait until I am free agent (i.e. done with this List).

The film tells two separate stories that barely connect to each other.  The first plot follows a Taiwanese cop as he attempts to get over his ex girlfriend.  The second story involves another cop, who was also recently dumped.  Bitches be crazy.  He catches the eye of a girl working at a snack bar, who has some...unconventional ideas about starting a relationship.

Obviously, this film intends to be disjointed, although it is hard not to feel jarred by the sudden shift in stories.  I would have liked to have seen more of each story; it seemed like the first one ended right when things were about to heat up.  I guess if a movie leaves you wanting more, it does its job well.

So one to check out, but not the most satisfying film I have ever seen.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Wong Kar-wai based Brigitte Lin's character on Gena Rowlands and Greta Garbo.