In The Mood For Wong Kar-Wai: A Movie Lover’s Guide To Asia’s Favorite Filmmaker

Post date: Jan 04, 2017 11:55:9 AM

What makes a good movie? Some say it’s the cinematography; others think it’s the plot. But for fans of Wong Kar-wai, it’s a symphony of both.

Wong is considered one of the greatest filmmakers of this generation. His style is unique from others, and his work does not have the usual blockbuster recipe. His characters often have concealed emotions and desires with haunting pasts, yet their stories are beautifully written and marvelously executed on the big screen.

Image source: thedissolve.com

A lot of movie lovers are intrigued by his work, but they don’t know where to start. Here’s a list of Wong’s greatest creations that gained him a huge fan following.

Chungking Express (1994): “Chungking Express,” also known as Wong’s “break time” film, is about unrequited lovers in troubled Hong Kong. Tony Leung plays a young cop who has to deal with girl problems, drug dealers, and criminals. Aside from its beautiful plot, fans were also enamored by the impressive camerawork.

Image source: theredlist.com

In the Mood for Love (2000): “In the Mood for Love” is a Wong must-see. It’s about two neighbors with cheating partners who find comfort in each other. Its plot shows a struggle between passion and duty. The film is set in Hong Kong in the 1960s and is brought to life by wonderful acting and poignant shots.

Happy Together (1997): Wong did not disappoint with “Happy Together.” This love story between two men explored LGBT themes even before it was accepted by a wide audience in 1997. The film also features Argentina in the eyes of a traveler. This movie made Wong Best Director in Cannes that year.

Hi, I’m Joe Cianciotto, a movie buff and architect based in San Francisco Bay Area. Interested in films? Visit my blog for some interesting reads.