Very good cinematography. Though the story is interesting, screenplay and direction was a bit convoluted. Both the female lead in 1st story and male in 2nd story are so expressionless that it is confusing. The first story seemed a bit underdeveloped than the 2nd- It didn't make an emotional impact on me. I was beginning to think that the film was overrated when the second story started (so abruptly - confusing me again). But the second story & excellent acting by Faye Wong saved the film for me
Pulsing lives clash in instants that sometimes bleed into longer brushes, as Wai captures the ephemeral nature of relationships in our impermenant times. These romantic elements are accentuated by whimsical humour that lightens the tone of some otherwise dour tales. The camera work is innovative and compliments the narrative, which is composed of two disjoint stories that have strong thematic connections. Characters in each story have an adorable earnestness that is both childlike and profound.
Maybe it doesn't age well, but just watched it (2010) and found it utterly boring and confusing. Just didn't connect with it at all, I'm even more confused seeing all these T9 and T10 scores.
Reminded me of "Lost in Translation" in how I was more enraptured by the experience, unexpectedly so, rather than the film. Interwoven with some awe-inspiring cinematography, clarified with rich colors, "Chungking Express" reminds us that, although memories are meant to last, the most unlikeliest of encounters is just around the corner ready to cast a spell on you. Without a doubt, a notch above "In the Mood for Love" and probably Wong's finest effort. On a side note: today is May 1st, hmmm...
Chungking Express is a tremendously gorgeous film, in both cinematography and story. Rewatching it for a second time, now a year later, it resonated even more with me. It's beautiful in every way, one of the best and most stylish movies of the 90's.
"Despite the liveliness of Chungking Express's first half, it's this second story that catapults it into the company of Wong's best films." - Matt Noller
Extremely Fresh even in 2010, this untraditional and original film is extremely sweet and warm. Theres a gigantic heart at the core of this which beats only when your involved in this carefree and stylized romantic film. Thank God I watched this or I would have avoided the talents outside the english speaking world.
It combines a certain realism - the looks at chance, the story often being built on tiny moments rather than huge arcs, the sublimely beautiful camerawork in the first half that lights the film entirely by inside lighting - with a certain escapism. The emotions feel real, and yet the characters yearn so much as to take us with them on their flights of fancy. Wong's incredible usage of style only emphasises this and is genuinely exciting with the kineticism he brings. Delightful and enchanting.