In the Mood for Love

Wong Kar-Wai, Hong Kong 2000. 98mins. Certificate PG

A love letter to love itself, In the Mood for Love is Wong Kar-Wai’s most masterful film, celebrated by award ceremonies, critics and audiences alike.

Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung (who won Best Actor at Cannes for the role) star as Su and Chow, two next-door neighbours who come to the conclusion that their spouses are having an affair. As they plan their respective confrontations an intimate friendship develops.

Set in a beautifully rendered, claustrophobic, 1960s Hong Kong, and accompanied by the mournful repetition of Yumeji’s Theme, this is a subtle and sensuous dreamlike film. But don’t take our word for it:

★★★★★ “Every charged frame of the film pulses with the central contradiction between repression and emotional abandon; the formalism and sensuality are inextricable. Career-best performances from both leads.” TIME OUT

★★★★★ “Creating credible characters out of almost nothing, the performances are masterly, and the photography beautiful. It’s a genuinely romantic romance and makes for sublime cinema.” EMPIRE

★★★★ “Every lush image, from wisps of cigarette smoke to Leung’s oiled hair and Cheung’s swishy dresses, revitalises the visual language of longing as seen in Wong’s earlier features. Heat rises from the film like steam from its noodle bars. It’s enough to make you giddy.” TOTAL FILM

“This love is intricate, consuming and elegiac… Wong Kar-Wai, chameleon amongst great directors, has done it again.” GUARDIAN