In the Mood for Love

Synopsis

This period romance, set in 1962 is, as you are probably aware, a masterpiece. It is far from Wong Kar Wai’s earlier manic style, but it gives the viewer something to look at and contemplate every moment of screen time. The two lovers, whose spouses are themselves having an affair, are played by the luminous stars Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Maggie Cheung. In terms of color and detail and the joy of looking at beautiful people wearing beautiful clothes in beautiful rooms, it succeeds right away, but it is also, like HAPPY TOGETHER, a film of performances and closely observed humanity. This is the work of an already accomplished filmmaker as he attains a new high ground, kind of like a world class singer who adds an octave to his range.