In the Mood for Love

2001 "Feel the heat, keep the feeling burning, let the sensation explode."
8.1| 1h38m| PG| en| More Info
Released: 02 February 2001 Released
Producted By: Paradis Films
Country: Hong Kong
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website:
Synopsis

In Hong Kong of 1962, Mrs. Chan and Mr. Chow, a journalist, move into neighbouring apartments on the same day. Their encounters are formal and polite—until a discovery about their respective spouses creates an intimate bond between them.

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Reviews

Solemplex To me, this movie is perfection.
Bergorks If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.
Arianna Moses Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.
Bob This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.
851222 Greetings from Lithuania.Probably i'm going to be the only one here who didn't get this movie. I thought that it was boring and not involving. While acting was good, that is the only good thing i can say about "In the Mood for Love" (2000). While it isn't a bad film either, i expected it to be much more better character study movie, but it just didn't connected to me for a whole extremely slow paced 1 h and 34 min - i was bored out of my mind (and i know that "boring" is not the best word to describe a movie).Overall, for me personally "In the Mood for Love" is a big disappointment. While i wasn't expecting from it anything in a first place, it didn't involve me for a minute, and that is not a good thing when watching a movie to say the least.
christianleepoulsen I am surprised by all of the reviews, they talk about the artistic way things were portrayed through cimetography through wardrobe etc. All great points and this is an artistic masterpiece for sure, however the real beauty I believe is in the message and how it is portrayed through the art in this film. I won't spoil it for others but I will try and stead you in the right direction. Look at what great pains the film goes through to help you see that this movie is about helping us all understand we are all vulnerable and capable of any of the errors or flaws we see in others. A great movie with a great message and what a beautiful way of showing it as well!
tomgillespie2002 The second of an unofficial trilogy by Chinese director Wong-Kar Wai which started with Days of Being Wild (1990) and concluded with 2046 (2004), it would be difficult to describe and appreciate In the Mood for Love without using the words beautiful, sumptuous and erotic. For a film trying to capture the pure eroticism and sweeping romance of the meeting between lost souls, there is precious little dialogue or conventional narrative, with Wong instead choosing to tell this story through gorgeous visuals and, to steal a word from the film's English-language title, an overbearing sense of mood. Continuing with the semi-improvised, free-flowing approach that brought him international success with the likes of Chungking Express (1994) and Happy Together (1997), In the Mood for Love is an achingly romantic experience, and may just be his finest work.Set mostly around a cramped apartment block in 1962 Hong Kong, the central 'love' story is between Mr. Chow (Tony Chiu-Wai Leung) and Mrs. Chan (Maggie Cheung), who, along with their spouses, rent a room in neighbouring flats. They regularly eat alone at night as their other halves call to say they are working overtime, and they both suspect infidelity. eventually coming to the conclusion that Mrs. Chow and Mr. Chan are indeed having an affair. Despite the ever-presence of the pleasant Mrs. Suen (Rebecca Pan) and her mahjong-playing friends, the couple feel isolated and alone, often venturing out to the nearby noodle stand to purchase a meal for one. The two start to bond through imagining and even re-enacting how their spouses met and courted each other, while insisting their own blossoming relationship remains platonic. But feelings are developed and suppressed, with things intensifying when they begin work on a martial arts serial, renting a hotel room to escape the gossiping of neighbours.The era in which the film is set not only gives the opportunity for some exquisite costume design (Mrs. Chan's colourful dresses radiate sensuality), but also offers the chance to reflect on a more conservative, socially-conforming time. While the couple refuse to allow their friendship to boil over into romance, there are still whispers and raised eyebrows. With this kind of secrecy and restraint forced upon them, they are made to pass each other on the street with barely an acknowledgement, and this is where Wong's style becomes the substance. Sexual tension is captured by the brush of a hand, a sideways glance, and even the dipping of meat in hot sauce. In the film's most effective scene, they pass each other on a stairwell, barely daring to offer the other a glance, just as the rain starts to lash down to bring them together under shelter. Where most films will have their characters lay their romantic cards on the table, Wong says so much more with repressing as much as possible, climaxing in a haunting final scene set amongst the ruined temples Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
CinemaClown Elegantly crafted, mesmerisingly told & brilliantly performed, In the Mood for Love is a fascinating example of restrained craftsmanship that paints one of the most enchanting, alluring & powerfully evocative portraits of love & romance on the film canvas and is further uplifted by its wonderfully detailed period setting, awe-inspiring photography & spot-on chemistry between its leads.Set in 1960s Hong Kong, In the Mood for Love follows the lives of two neighbours, a man & woman who find solace in each other's company after suspecting that their spouses are cheating on them. A beautiful relationship blossoms between the two as they spend more time together and attempt to reenact how their partners' affair must have begun but decide to keep their bond platonic.Written, produced & directed by Wong Kar-wai, the movie allows ample space for its characters to breathe and the bond that develops between the two isn't hurried either as Wong establishes their similar predicament first, while little details such as coincidental interactions & fleeting glances on a daily basis give their budding relationship a genuine touch & natural feel. And their well-defined arcs only helps the cause.The 1960s Hong Kong setting is expertly brought to life by its detailed set pieces & wisely chosen shooting locations. Camera follows our characters around like a silent observer and is thoroughly focused on their activities, however, what stands out are the brief slow-mo vignettes of their lives which is accompanied by a specific track that makes those particular sequences more memorable while enriching the overall experience.Coming to the performances, In the Mood for Love is steered by compelling inputs from Maggie Cheung & Tony Leung, and the sizzling chemistry between the two is the real highlight that makes their romance work so effortlessly. Both actors bring their A-game to the table and challenge each other to up their acts, while the emotional rush & sexual tension that's evident every time they are together makes their on-screen bond more authentic.On an overall scale, In the Mood for Love is a teasing, tempting & transporting illustration of love, longing & loneliness that brims with irresistible charm and radiates endless warmth from start to finish. Presenting Wong Kar-wai in total control of his craft, photographed with an aesthetic eye, and strengthened by measured performances, it is a masterly rendered love story that stumbles a little in its final act but its universal appeal & artistic approach is enough to catapult it into its genre's finest works. Definitely recommended.