In the Mood for Love (2000) Fa Yeung Nin Wa

Movie Rating PG Contains: Strong Language Mature Situations

Director: Wong Kar Wai Movie Genre: Drama, Romance Country: Hong Kong In the Mood for Love Score Card The following scores are based on a 0.0 to 10.0 rating scale Hover your mouse pointer over the name of each scoring category below for a description Direction: 9.8 Writing: 7.8 Acting: 9.0 Cinematography: 10.0 Sound and Score: 8.9 Functionality: 9.0 Presentation: 9.5 Genre Comparison: 8.9 General Comparison: 8.0 Overall: 9.0 Reviewed 2005-12-21 00:36:04

It has been said that director, Wong Kar Wai is one of the most romantic directors working today. This statement is reinforced by his film In the Mood for Love. The story revolves around a man named Chow Mo-wan and a woman named Su Li-zhen Chan, played by Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung, who move into neighboring apartments on the same day. They soon develop a close friendship and realize Su Li-zhen Chan's husband is having an affair with Chow Mo-wan's wife. As the bond between them strengthens, it becomes more and more important to them to uphold the structure their failing marriages and not stoop to the level of their spouses.

In the Mood for Love is the most beautiful movie I have ever seen. The cinematography by Christopher Doyle and Bin Ping Lee is so gorgeous that it almost brings tears to your eyes. The camerawork along with the dark and subdued colors greatly enhances the subtleties of the narrative. The scene where Chow Mo-wan lingers to watch Su Li-zhen Chan descend the staircase to buy noodles is my favorite scene in all of cinema. The film-noir lighting during this scene is a perfect representation of the longing that Chow Mo-wan feels.

The music in the movie is both passionate and delicate. The emotions conveyed in the score enhance the bittersweet forbidden love that these two feel. The use of the theme from Seijun Suzuki's Yumeji during the staircase scene brings the sorrow in Chow Mo-wan's heart to the surface as he reflects on their situation.

In the Mood for Love is my favorite love story. This film succeeds on every level. I had no idea that such tender, innocent love stories were still being made in this day and age. Even people who find it hard to lose themselves in the story, will at least be mesmerized by the masterful cinematography.