Chungking Express to be (re)discovered in the rooms
This week of December 20, 2023, fans of Wong Karwai (In the mood for love), fans of Asian cinema and film enthusiasts in general will be able to (re)discover some of the filmmaker’s best films. In fact, three of his feature films and one short film are being released in theaters: Chungking Express (1994), Fallen Angels (1995) e Happy together (1997) e The hand (a segment ofEros which dates back to 2004). The opportunity to remember that, in the lot, there is one of the favorite films of Quentin Tarantino.
Indeed, the filmmaker, known as much for his films as for his cinephilia, is capable of highlighting famous masterpieces but also niche rarities. This is how he introduced himself Chungking Express In a presentation video, later available in several DVD editions of the film. In it, the director talks about his affection for Wong Kar-wai and his discovery of Chungking Express during a festival in Stockholm where he presented his part pulp Fiction. And the magic would work immediately.
It drove me crazy. I absolutely loved it. I love romantic films and this film has that wonderful romantic comedy feel, whilst being encapsulated in the fast paced and crazy world of Hong Kong.
The Impossible Loves of Wong Kar-wai
Chungking Express it is in fact a romantic comedy that also mixes elements of a detective film. Two stories are told there, with initially a police officer depressed by the separation from his girlfriend and who will come across a strange woman in a blonde wig. Then, the film follows another police officer, who every evening goes to a fast food restaurant where the beautiful Faye is, who would like to attract his attention.
Because as in all his films, Wong Kar-wai puts the scene failed love stories. His characters generally meet at the wrong time or simply cross paths. As in Fallen Angels, which features a hitman and his partner who can never see each other despite their affection for each other. Much darker and more experimental than Chungking Express, Fallen Angels should, furthermore, originally, being the third segment.
Faye Wong, quite simply
For Chungking ExpressWong Kar-wai then inserts poetic and fantastic elements. Like the first cop to give an expiration date to his broken relationship. After a certain date, if his girlfriend has not returned, he will eat all the cans of canned pineapple that she has collected so far, so he can forget his old love for her. Next to it, there is also this fascinating piece of madness from Faye who, after finding the key to the policeman she secretly loves, will secretly go to his apartment to improve this man’s daily life.
If Brigitte Lin, Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Takeshi Kaneshiro are excellent in casting, it is the performance of Faye Wong which makes the biggest impression (Quentin Tarantino will not contradict us on this). Just see it Listen dreaming California all day to fit us into her bubble, enough to make us fall in love with her. And for pop music fans, the song Dreams The Cranberries also occupy an important place Chungking Express. We also get to hear Faye Wong, a big Chinese singing star, perform a cover.
Chungking Express, Fallen Angels, Happy together AND The hand will be released in theaters on December 20, 2023. Check out our other movie recommendations this week here.
Source: Cine Serie
Ray Ortiz is a journalist at Gossipify, known for his coverage of trending news and current events. He is committed to providing readers with accurate and unbiased reporting, and is respected for his ability to keep readers informed on the latest news and issues.
