Seen before: No
'2046' is a sequel (of sorts) to 'In The Mood For Love', Wong Kar-Wai's critical and commercial breakthrough to the West. As a big fan of Asian cinema, and a big fan of science fiction, it's safe to say I was looking forward to viewing this (even after an evening of drinking).
---Plot Summary---
Tony Leung plays Mr. Chow, a writer on a permanent vacation in a small Hong Kong hotel. He is writing his latest novel, '2046', a story about a fictional place where a fictionalised version of himself searches for lost memories, represented in the forms of fictionalised versions of people he is involved with in reality. As he struggles to come to terms with the fallout of his previous relationship with his true love, he encounters several women who become involved in his life in some way or another...
---Review---
As much as I'd like to avoid it, this film cannot avoid comparisons with 'In The Mood For Love'. It is essentially a carry on from that earlier film, with Tony Leung's character Mr. Chow apparently comfortable with the result of his failed affair with Maggie Cheung's character in that film. Stylistically, the two films are very similar. Wong Kar-Wai is an absolute master at producing sumptuous visuals to support his equally sumptuous actors (Zhang Ziyi and Faye Wong, who star in this film, are without a doubt two of the most achingly beautiful actresses around). Scenes which appear simplistic at first, such as those filmed within a restaurant, are given layers of detail which other filmmakers would pay less or no attention to. Chow's mental visualisation of his own idea, the realm of '2046', is a perfect representation of a future that is both bleak and beautiful.
If Tony Leung was an English speaking actor, he would probably have more Academy Awards than anyone else. This film provides just another shining example of his supreme acting talent. He purveys a subtle, accomplished performance of a man who at face value appears to have moved on, but deep down is still seeking what he once loved. With a single glance Leung expresses more repressed angst than most actors can manage in a career. He is amongst my favourite actors of all time (others on the list include David Thewlis, Paddy Considine, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Toshiro Mifune and Vincent Cassel). His co-stars also perform admirably, with Zhang Ziyi's playful Bai Ling providing a welcome 'distraction' for Chow throughout the first half of the film (perhaps providing Chow with the relief of not having to write).
In the second half of the film, Chow's vision of '2046' becomes fixated on the presence of another two women, Jing-Wen Wang (played by Faye Wong) and Su Li-Zhen (Gong Li), with the latter turning out to be a namesake of his lost love. It is from Chow's encounters with these two women that he gradually begins to remember what he once had with Maggie Cheung's Su Li-Zhen in 'In The Mood For Love', which he channels into one extremely emotive act towards the climax of the film (accompanied by the haunting music of 'Casta Diva' by Vincenzo Bellini).
I was however, frequently frustrated by the constant use of slow motion. I don't feel it added much to the film, therefore I deemed it unnecessary.
One of the last lines of the film is as follows, Chow addressing Bai Ling with:
"Do you remember you asked me if there was anything I wouldn't lend? I've given it a lot of thought and now I know there is one thing I will never lend to anyone."
It is clear from this that Chow will never allow his love to someone else. Su Li-Zhen is his true love, and will be forever. In reality, and in '2046'. Excellent film, can't wait to watch it again in 2 years time ;) (or maybe even 34 years!)
---Rating---
9/10
Tomorrow: (500) Days Of Summer (Marc Webb, 2009)
'2046' is a sequel (of sorts) to 'In The Mood For Love', Wong Kar-Wai's critical and commercial breakthrough to the West. As a big fan of Asian cinema, and a big fan of science fiction, it's safe to say I was looking forward to viewing this (even after an evening of drinking).
---Plot Summary---
Tony Leung plays Mr. Chow, a writer on a permanent vacation in a small Hong Kong hotel. He is writing his latest novel, '2046', a story about a fictional place where a fictionalised version of himself searches for lost memories, represented in the forms of fictionalised versions of people he is involved with in reality. As he struggles to come to terms with the fallout of his previous relationship with his true love, he encounters several women who become involved in his life in some way or another...
---Review---
As much as I'd like to avoid it, this film cannot avoid comparisons with 'In The Mood For Love'. It is essentially a carry on from that earlier film, with Tony Leung's character Mr. Chow apparently comfortable with the result of his failed affair with Maggie Cheung's character in that film. Stylistically, the two films are very similar. Wong Kar-Wai is an absolute master at producing sumptuous visuals to support his equally sumptuous actors (Zhang Ziyi and Faye Wong, who star in this film, are without a doubt two of the most achingly beautiful actresses around). Scenes which appear simplistic at first, such as those filmed within a restaurant, are given layers of detail which other filmmakers would pay less or no attention to. Chow's mental visualisation of his own idea, the realm of '2046', is a perfect representation of a future that is both bleak and beautiful.
If Tony Leung was an English speaking actor, he would probably have more Academy Awards than anyone else. This film provides just another shining example of his supreme acting talent. He purveys a subtle, accomplished performance of a man who at face value appears to have moved on, but deep down is still seeking what he once loved. With a single glance Leung expresses more repressed angst than most actors can manage in a career. He is amongst my favourite actors of all time (others on the list include David Thewlis, Paddy Considine, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Toshiro Mifune and Vincent Cassel). His co-stars also perform admirably, with Zhang Ziyi's playful Bai Ling providing a welcome 'distraction' for Chow throughout the first half of the film (perhaps providing Chow with the relief of not having to write).
In the second half of the film, Chow's vision of '2046' becomes fixated on the presence of another two women, Jing-Wen Wang (played by Faye Wong) and Su Li-Zhen (Gong Li), with the latter turning out to be a namesake of his lost love. It is from Chow's encounters with these two women that he gradually begins to remember what he once had with Maggie Cheung's Su Li-Zhen in 'In The Mood For Love', which he channels into one extremely emotive act towards the climax of the film (accompanied by the haunting music of 'Casta Diva' by Vincenzo Bellini).
I was however, frequently frustrated by the constant use of slow motion. I don't feel it added much to the film, therefore I deemed it unnecessary.
One of the last lines of the film is as follows, Chow addressing Bai Ling with:
"Do you remember you asked me if there was anything I wouldn't lend? I've given it a lot of thought and now I know there is one thing I will never lend to anyone."
It is clear from this that Chow will never allow his love to someone else. Su Li-Zhen is his true love, and will be forever. In reality, and in '2046'. Excellent film, can't wait to watch it again in 2 years time ;) (or maybe even 34 years!)
---Rating---
9/10
Tomorrow: (500) Days Of Summer (Marc Webb, 2009)
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