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Chungking Express
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Chungking Express

1994
Romance
Drama
1h 42m
Wong Kar-Wai's movie about two love-struck cops is filmed in impressionistic splashes of motion and color (imdb)
Directed by:
Kar-Wai Wong Kar-Wai Wong
Written by:
Kar-Wai Wong Kar-Wai Wong
Starring:
Tony Chiu-Wai Leung Tony Chiu-Wai Leung Takeshi Kaneshiro Takeshi Kaneshiro Faye Wong Faye Wong Brigitte Lin Brigitte Lin Valerie Chow Valerie Chow Chen Jinquan Lynne Langdon Lee-na Kwan Vickie Eng Zhiming Huang Liang Zhen Songshen Zuo
More
Genres:
Romance, Drama, Mystery
AKAs:
Chong qing sen lin, Chung Hing sam lam
Country:
Hong Kong
Languages:
English, Mandarin, Japanese, Cantonese, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi
imdb More information at IMDb
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Chungking Express

1994
Romance
Drama
1h 42m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 73.46% from 3850 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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barthalenBarthalen
Rated 28 Dec 2015
75
68th
You discover Local Girl has been breaking into your apartment for a while, mainly to mess with and fondle your possessions, while behaving weird and distant when you meet her in real life. How do you respond? [If you find this ridiculously romantic, rate this movie a 90 and go to page 12. If you find this quite inappropriate yet don't want it to sour the experience as a whole, rate it 75 and go to page 13. If you dislike people in general, gain +5 Misanthropy Points and go back to page 1.]
Rated 28 Dec 2015
pickpocketPickpocket
Rated 21 Feb 2009
8
82nd
Cop663: You like noisy music? Faye: Yes. The louder the better. Stops me from thinking. Cop663: You don't like to think? What do you like? Faye: Never thought about it.
Rated 21 Feb 2009
fredericg54frederic_g54
Rated 01 May 2010
10
97th
(2nd viewing) Reminded me of 'Lost in Translation' in how I was more enraptured by the experience rather than the film. Combined with some amazing cinematography 'Chungking Express' reminded me how, 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...
Rated 01 May 2010
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 14 Aug 2007
86
87th
Utterly charming, bittersweet comic romance from Wong Kar-Wai. Chungking requires an abnormally high tolerance for The Mamas and the Papas, but otherwise it's a wonderful little film. I prefer the second half, but the first has some excellent moments as well.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
mikeparasolmikeparasol
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
99th
My favourite film, from my favourite filmmaker. Very beautiful movie thanks to Christopher Doyle, who isnt afraid to stretch the limits of the medium, but never gets artsy for the sake of being artsy. Great story, great characters, and one of the best endings ever in film.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
cinemaasiaCinema_Asia
Rated 15 Jan 2010
85
92nd
It's one big abstract quirky postcard about life in urban Hong Kong. It's composed entirely of random thoughts from the characters but you learn a lot about their ambitions, desires, happiness, and sadness from those small fragments. This isn't everyone's cup of tea but it is rather unique in its presentation and Kar Wai Wong is a master of film atmosphere.
Rated 15 Jan 2010
lisa_iilisa-
Rated 24 Nov 2013
2
11th
flashy but insubstantial. apparently it's about fleeting love in the urbane jungle, but after trying so hard to exude 'cool' and 'flair' it isn't really all that much, and it's only vaguely enjoyable.
Rated 24 Nov 2013
closefriendCloseFriend
Rated 22 Feb 2015
58
34th
It makes me sad that this film didn't spark a trend of stalkers breaking into people's houses just to clean them.
Rated 22 Feb 2015
kmcneilKMcNeil
Rated 26 Nov 2009
9
94th
Love through a blurry, colorful lens softly.
Rated 26 Nov 2009
roujinroujin
Rated 28 Jun 2007
90
99th
"Where do you want to go?" "Wherever you want to take me."
Rated 28 Jun 2007
tweedaleTweedale
Rated 24 Mar 2010
10
98th
Absolutely amazing and beautiful in every way
Rated 24 Mar 2010
alex_watkinsAlex Watkins
Rated 03 Aug 2011
6
98th
Chungking Express made me fall in love three times. First, with the films of Wong Kar-Wai, whose dreamy, romantic, and melancholy sensibility is cinematic escapism at its purest. Second, with Hong Kong itself, a vibrant urban metropolis whose every street seems to provide the possibility for adventure. And third, with Faye Wong, who provided a template for every girl who could ever break my heart: flighty, free-spirited, and forever out of anyone's grasp.
Rated 03 Aug 2011
goremeatgoremeat
Rated 12 Apr 2012
85
89th
Really good, but not nearly on the level of In The Mood For Love. Chungking feels more chic and less moody than Wong's other prominent work, although we still get some of the stylised lighting and colour and romantic themes that we'd expect. The two-act focus on first expiration, and then replacement makes for some excellent thematic layering, but I thought the impact was noticeably more tepid than Wong's other fiery and emotive films.
Rated 12 Apr 2012
judge_holdenJudge Holden
Rated 31 Dec 2011
5
69th
Somebody already compared this to Amelie, and while I don't think it's THAT awful, it's still far too whimsical for me to find compelling. I have to draw the line somewhere and I draw it at characters talking to stuffed animals.
Rated 31 Dec 2011
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 13 Jun 2016
30
15th
Bored me stiff, just like everything else I've seen from Wong Kar Wai. It seems he's trying very hard to be cute, but the characters having empty conversations with inanimate objects gets really tired, everything else is totally fake and off-the-shelf, and having to hear "California Dreamin" almost non-stop is the final straw. That this piece of shit movie has received so much acclaim is truly stupefying.
Rated 13 Jun 2016
actionbergActionberg
Rated 16 May 2011
95
97th
This film has such a unique perspective on urbanity through its story and art direction, one that prompts the viewer to consider the concept down to its infinitesimal details. The whole thing is a glorious and maddening flurry of bright colors emanating from every corner of every frame that portrays a universe where walls and buildings are inescapable in life, and the desire to express oneself or connect with another human being makes for bizarre and intriguing results.
Rated 16 May 2011
rufamRufam
Rated 02 Jan 2014
75
72nd
As with other Kar Wai endeavors, I was more enarmored with the style and atmosphere than with the plot and characters. Still, "Chong qing sen lin" makes for a charmingly quirky romance, benefiting from typically brilliant camerawork, affable performances and a fabulous soundtrack (albeit one that feautures 'Califonia Dreaming' a few times too many) to overcome the messy, unfocused structure and some less-than-captivating narrative stretches.
Rated 02 Jan 2014
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 22 Feb 2009
91
95th
An excellent pair of love stories told with wonderful style.
Rated 22 Feb 2009
manhattaManhatta
Rated 05 Feb 2008
96
90th
I loved this movi-ALL THE LEAVES ARE BROWNNNN, AND THE SKY IS GREYYYY
Rated 05 Feb 2008
stillfuchsiastillfuchsia
Rated 04 Jan 2007
90
93rd
The second half of this movie is the cutest thing I may have ever witnessed on screen.
Rated 04 Jan 2007
obdurateObdurate
Rated 04 Apr 2021
85
80th
Others seem to prefer the second half but I prefer the first because I think it tackles having a broken heart just as well as the second while also having a mysterious, interesting and yes, slightly confusing, plot on top of it. Both halves share the same kinetic, colourful, distinctive style, but narratively the second half meanders a little more and has some kind of silly moments (his reaction to finding out the girl keeps going into his apartment). But as a whole, a great, original flick.
Rated 04 Apr 2021
farzanFarzan
Rated 08 Apr 2011
63
51st
I really had high hopes for this film. The beginning seemed interesting but as I continued to watch I found myself deeply bored and confused. I am sure I can say with utmost honesty that you all were too. The film is pretty linear in it's narrative and presentation; the confusion is from the lack of, well, cogency. To me there was no point to this film, just a convoluted mess to express a broken heart; which is presumably the point. But it didn't work for me. This is not my can of pineapple.
Rated 08 Apr 2011
bownBown
Rated 08 Feb 2010
92
95th
Really fun and frantic and stuff.
Rated 08 Feb 2010
zayankZayanK
Rated 25 May 2011
98
98th
This is what would have happened if 60s Godard went to Hong Kong to shoot a film.
Rated 25 May 2011
natebarriosnatebarrios
Rated 17 Feb 2011
100
99th
Beautiful and sublime. Each scene and frame shows Wong Kar-wai's exceptional skills. It's like cinematic ecstasy.
Rated 17 Feb 2011
luckyLucky
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
96th
A perfect movie for the dreamers. Kar Wai's best work so far.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
okkervilOkkervil
Rated 06 Sep 2012
90
97th
A stylish and technical masterpiece; Kar Wai Wong's direction is, as so often, without reproach. The whole movie really is amazingly charming and involving. The first story is whimsical, desperate and lonesome, and the second story (in which the movie elevates itself to greatness) is a true work of romantic genius. Valerie Chow's energetic performance is utterly suductive and Tony Leung is always just awesome. Brilliant.
Rated 06 Sep 2012
magbMagb
Rated 07 Mar 2007
95
94th
Quirky, but in a good way -- like Amelie. Like most people, I prefer the second segment to the first, but it's not like the first part completely pales in comparison to the second or anything like that. It's all good stuff.
Rated 07 Mar 2007
fabfunkfabfunk
Rated 14 Aug 2007
96
94th
An enduring, time-fractured classic, about being lost in the void of time and questioning one's placement.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
jebJeb
Rated 25 Jul 2009
98
93rd
I will admit that the first half of the film did not make a astronomically infinite impression on me. But the second half is conspicuous, it makes up for the first in every way. It's well-directed, well-acted, well-shot and the movie carries an approach unparalled. It is fitted with splashes of motion which is now Wong's signature. Wong's introduction to the world of cinema, and also possibly his best movie ever even today after fifteen years.
Rated 25 Jul 2009
gnalkhereGnalkhere
Rated 12 Oct 2015
90
91st
Last time I logged this film I repeated the first 2 lines of California Dreaming over and over again and that was because I was less smitten by the film than other people. I thought it dragged, I thought Faye Wong was grating. Boy was I wrong. I'm smitten by everything and everyone.
Rated 12 Oct 2015
shmendrekShmendrek
Rated 09 Jul 2007
2
33rd
Saw this awhile back and I honestly didn't care about it. It looks really nice, and Faye Wong is cute, eating pineapples is cute, but it's not enough to make me care. Maybe I'll give this a re-watch sometime and see if my opinion changes.
Rated 09 Jul 2007
syntheseizurSyntheseizur
Rated 02 Jan 2013
98
99th
A vibrant, energetic, evocative romantic drama. The film has a subtle Godard flavor that I love, but it's also much more intimate and tender. I found the second half far more engaging on every level, but the two parts being together really elevates both of them. The film's visuals, especially the expressive cinematography and rich colors, are the real draw -- while the romantic stories are great in their own way, it's the saturated, nuanced look of the film that makes it so moody and unique.
Rated 02 Jan 2013
purgatospurgatos
Rated 14 Jun 2009
78
68th
It's stylish and that certainly works in its favour, but it never drew me in. I wasn't terribly interested in the characters or their relationships beyond the very basics. Cute I guess, but no more. The stylish direction is enough to recommend a watch, but I doubt I'd see it again.
Rated 14 Jun 2009
terrymacterrymac
Rated 29 Jun 2009
85
93rd
Definitely worth a rewatch, stylish and entertaining.
Rated 29 Jun 2009
vassagoVassago
Rated 19 Jul 2015
50
15th
Exact definition of overrated.
Rated 19 Jul 2015
delirium9Delirium9
Rated 13 Sep 2008
100
93rd
Such a powerful, moving film. Hauntingly beautiful.
Rated 13 Sep 2008
senseisensei
Rated 24 Aug 2011
80
69th
I expected a bit more continuity between the two stories, I was a bit turned off by the sentimentality, and I normally don't like watching weird, creepy dudes fumble about in romance films... but I liked it, probably for the colourful world its cinematography depicts and its true-to-life supporting cast and extras. And somehow it is emotionally evocative.
Rated 24 Aug 2011
glumpy99glumpy_99
Rated 09 Aug 2019
53
12th
Fitfully intriguing effort from Kar-Wai is certainly visually inventive and well-performed, but the striking visual design and atmospheric direction can only carry this plotless affair so far (especially in the at times excruciatingly dull second story). At its best in the first half, which tells a rather sweet and romantic short-story of infatuation.
Rated 09 Aug 2019
tzakieltzakiel
Rated 12 Feb 2012
98
99th
Possibly my favorite movie. This film is the simple result of throwing some great talent into a mixer, and out comes a rock and roll masterpiece. Kar-Wai didn't spend a ton of money or time obsessing about this film, and it comes across as incredibly genuine and creative. Great characters and a refreshingly non-cliche story.
Rated 12 Feb 2012
eee_e
Rated 10 Feb 2009
100
99th
Wong Kar Wai is just ridiculously good. There needs to be a new genre created just to inhabit his work.
Rated 10 Feb 2009
supergloosupergloo
Rated 05 Jun 2012
7
38th
Unconventional story structure is not always a good thing.
Rated 05 Jun 2012
nepetaNepeta
Rated 10 Jan 2013
100
99th
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.
Rated 10 Jan 2013
hotsakehotsake
Rated 25 Jun 2012
95
99th
A masterwork in every sense of the word. This is my favorite film from one of my most favorite directors. Both stories are exceptional and would make great short films by themselves, when seen together it makes a feast for the eyes, ears and heart. The only reason that this film doesn't rate higher is that is is slightly uneven. The first story is great but is completely over shadowed by the near perfect second story.
Rated 25 Jun 2012
cowmanCowman
Rated 19 Apr 2014
55
18th
Wong Kar Wai seems to be a champ in making very complex movies from a simple plot. The lack of focus annoyed me after about 45 minutes. Great atmosphere, but still, pointless.
Rated 19 Apr 2014
twincinematwincinema
Rated 02 Feb 2021
95
96th
Delightfully weird. It is a great feeling when you start to realize with each passing moment that you absolutely love the film you are watching. I was impressed that that guy was able to eat that much. 30 cans of pineapple is a recipe for a bloody mouth, I think. I have never tried it, so I am prepared to have some internet weirdo correct me.
Rated 02 Feb 2021
djrossdjross
Rated 14 Aug 2007
35
19th
The purported significance of this movie largely eluded this viewer.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
nobletNoblet
Rated 12 Jan 2012
87
89th
Has a lot going for it - the dynamic camerawork and colorful cinematography, the feeling of loneliness in a big city, the unrealistic (but heartfelt) romance. It all adds up to a really enjoyable film.
Rated 12 Jan 2012
hsncrspywlhsncrspywl
Rated 25 Feb 2013
49
18th
I just don't know. I like the anthology idea, and the camerawork and scenery is great. The score also evokes a great sense of time and place (I could do without hearing California Dreamin' so much though). Good performances but they're one note - we don't get to know our characters well. Style over substance? I found myself bored by the story (especially the second part) and the dialogue seemed very on-the-nose - metaphors about expiry dates and planes will only get you so far, it seems.
Rated 25 Feb 2013
mattorama12mattorama12
Rated 30 Sep 2019
72
68th
I connected with this one quite a bit more than In the Mood for Love, even though the later effort felt a little more mature in its direction and composition. But here, the characters hit that perfect mix of quirky enough to be interesting, but grounded enough to be relatable and recognizable. The first story does a little better job of setting the atmosphere, but the second story is more enjoyable overall due to the more satisfying arc.
Rated 30 Sep 2019
prowlerprowler
Rated 26 Jul 2013
44
41st
movie's cool and all but it's starting to age and i think in the future it'll show even more
Rated 26 Jul 2013
redflagredflag
Rated 23 Jan 2018
94
75th
a e s t h e t i c. California Dreamin'....
Rated 23 Jan 2018
chorbbchorbb
Rated 25 Dec 2022
67
29th
Puzzling. Very puzzling.
Rated 25 Dec 2022
moraesfelipemoraesfelipe
Rated 27 Apr 2021
80
85th
90s comprised in a shaky, feverish, casual, paranoid, sunny, rainy, colorful (yet gloomy and mundane as any transport station) neonoirish romcom. Both videoclip-esque and naturalistic. Both westernian (songs, brands, capitalism) and yet so local (places, foods, shops, moods, HK's urban fury that never ends). Policemen are dumb, eat pineapple and watch towels cry. Women are beautiful and quirky, are called May, wear sunglasses and don't fear change (or chance). True vibe movie.
Rated 27 Apr 2021
mentaculusMentaculus
Rated 13 Apr 2011
91
90th
Kar-Wai's entire filmography relies on the internalized time and space in between falling in love and doing something about it: and this is easily one of the strongest, and best, film representations of that melancholic romantic longing. The one-of-a-kind cadence set by the editing and Doyle's camerawork heightens the effect, while the popular musical score - very Tarantino in its mood and milieu place-setting - is overlooked but does wonders. Something so sad should not be so joyful. Yet it is.
Rated 13 Apr 2011
frankhowleyFrankHowley
Rated 12 Oct 2010
95
98th
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.
Rated 12 Oct 2010
nathan_sNathan S
Rated 14 Sep 2011
5
93rd
Estrangement: a recurring theme not only in Wong's own filmography, but so common among this generation of Chinese filmmakers. It's pretty incredible to see another of these unfulfilled longings which nevertheless feels so... good. It's cute, charming, romantic, poppy, drifting, spontaneous, urban, internal, and despite all these adjectives, almost indescribable.
Rated 14 Sep 2011
schwabeschwabe
Rated 17 Apr 2015
94
94th
not a typical but a real romance film. i loved it!
Rated 17 Apr 2015
dardandardan
Rated 18 May 2016
45
38th
Hipster moviemaking.
Rated 18 May 2016
qvtQVT
Rated 30 Dec 2008
100
99th
Do you like pineapples?
Rated 30 Dec 2008
djfntstquedjfntstque
Rated 14 Aug 2007
67
41st
Chungking Express is neither here nor there; the song "California Dreamin'" is played by Faye Wong at least five times, seemingly in its entirety. Interesting to see Wong struggle against the grain to figure out his own sense of pace.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
parcalihamparcaliham
Rated 11 Jan 2012
95
95th
11 Ocak 2012 & "knowing someone doesn't mean keeping them. people change. a person may like pineapple today..and something else tomorrow."
Rated 11 Jan 2012
psychedelicrpsychedelicr
Rated 27 Aug 2008
95
94th
Why have I not rate this film yet?! Nonetheless, I am absolutely enamored with this film. Watch it for yourselves; it inspired me to listen to Dennis Brown (he has an incredible song in there called "Things in Life").
Rated 27 Aug 2008
somnivoresomnivore
Rated 23 Mar 2009
90
80th
Love's a blur.
Rated 23 Mar 2009
oskarhuoskarhu
Rated 01 May 2021
76
46th
Visually creative and appealing, yet fragmented and aimless.
Rated 01 May 2021
moviemanwillmoviemanwill
Rated 04 Sep 2011
50
24th
So overrated.
Rated 04 Sep 2011
tj_monsterTJ monster
Rated 09 Mar 2023
89
96th
I watched it last year and turned of halfway through as it was so boring. But today i rewatched and marvelled as the brilliance of it all. The soundtrack and motifs all together with a masterpiece filmed like a low budget film. Wow
Rated 09 Mar 2023
caimancaiman
Rated 15 Aug 2014
78
56th
I loved the style; the kinetic blurred motion of the city, the still solitude of the apartments, the vibrant color palette, the effective use of music (though admittedly California Dreamin was played about twice too many times). But for whatever reasons the stories didn't entirely jive with me. I enjoyed them, but they didn't produce that special spark that other great romance tales have.
Rated 15 Aug 2014
guy_piranhaguy piranha
Rated 10 Jul 2016
75
81st
i had an asian woman clean my apartment once. so i can relate.
Rated 10 Jul 2016
vandelay1Vandelay1
Rated 27 May 2009
84
94th
Nice Movie
Rated 27 May 2009
bakcheiabakcheia
Rated 20 May 2013
98
96th
At points I think that Wong Kar-Wai can do no wrong. This movie is electric and both stories are very simple, yet ultimately human and beautiful at their core. Plus, the lively, colorful, and almost impressionistic cinematography really make the whole experience incredibly memorable. I feel as though the second half does surpass its predecessor, but both are pretty damn near perfect.
Rated 20 May 2013
tjekhovTjekhov
Rated 28 Jan 2011
80
86th
Chunking express doesn't deliver the full doze of the usual hardcore Wong Kar Wai unbearable love trademark, but like his other films there is an overall humanistic touch, which makes the films seem as soothing as a summer day. I'm not sure if the two narratives worked in relation to each other, but who cares - Tony Leung, enough said..
Rated 28 Jan 2011
hehejajahehejaja
Rated 28 Apr 2008
70
57th
Never powerful, but charming and at times seductive.
Rated 28 Apr 2008
febrarofebraro
Rated 25 Jun 2009
80
63rd
Despite it being two stories in less than two hours, I thought it quite dragged at some points. It's easy to overlook that though, as both segments, particularly the second one, end up being well developed. It's definitely a good film, but to me it doesn't quite ring as truly great.
Rated 25 Jun 2009
bmuniseBmunise
Rated 23 Jul 2009
100
97th
Very well written, very well shot, very well designed, very well directed. There's not much to dislike about this.
Rated 23 Jul 2009
auhasarderikauhasarderik
Rated 02 Sep 2012
8
79th
Neon drenched romantic noir brimming with local colour and almost undone by careless plotting. The very kinetic style has a lot of feeling to it, and the movie reaches an ocassional sensation overload.
Rated 02 Sep 2012
feublofeublo
Rated 28 Oct 2019
80
57th
Two stories that intersect at love's most reflective moments. How small the world really is when it feels like time and routine consume us, makes for quite an uplifting film.
Rated 28 Oct 2019
schnofelschnofel
Rated 21 May 2011
39
24th
A very precious student film. Kar-Wai had a better sense of his camera and soundtrack by the time In The Mood For Love came along. Still, in general I find his ruminations on love and solitude trivial and his poetry too affected.
Rated 21 May 2011
thereeldealthereeldeal
Rated 20 Apr 2014
70
50th
The weakest thing about Chungking Express is that the first (much shorter) part of the movie is far superior to the second. Takeshi Kaneshiro has more charm and is much funnier than Tony Leung Chiu Wai, who is often expressionless. Kaneshiro is much more sympathetic due to his personality and his pain feels more real. His unlikely relationship with a drug smuggler was also more interesting and believable than the other. Expertly shot and edited, but is only much more than that for 45 minutes.
Rated 20 Apr 2014
paulofilmopaulofilmo
Rated 07 Aug 2008
73
85th
LiT meets Amelie meets an emotionally-charged washcloth. For me it's all about the wardrobe and decor and how they're photographed. What I mean to say is that I so love the '90s. so so so so so
Rated 07 Aug 2008
tarantinoleTarantinOle
Rated 16 Feb 2012
65
40th
If you didn't find the "impressionistic splashes of motion and color" fascinating. What are you stuck with then? I feel this is some kind of cult moovie where the only people who enjoy it are it's die hard-fans. The two female maincharacters were stiff and motionless...
Rated 16 Feb 2012
vincentevincente
Rated 15 Nov 2007
81
78th
null
Rated 15 Nov 2007
joojooJooJoo
Rated 28 Mar 2010
4
55th
Combination of California Dreamin' + Tony Leung + Faye Wong saves this for me. The scene Pickpocket points out, especially.
Rated 28 Mar 2010
ronthedogronthedog
Rated 29 Nov 2010
85
82nd
Self indulgent maybe, but there's loads of richness to this beautifully shot and presented tale.
Rated 29 Nov 2010
nobambanobamba
Rated 13 Feb 2019
70
76th
I built this film up too highly in my head, after placing In the Mood for Love as one of my favorite films and waiting forever to watch this after its Criterion release went OOP. While I can appreciate the cinematography, this doesn't have the same unstated feelings that I loved about ITMFL. I didn't get the point of splitting the plot into two stories. As for a breakup movie, it almost felt worse than 500 Days of Summer. Fav scene: homeless guy tossing back the expired canned food.
Rated 13 Feb 2019
apparatusapparatus
Rated 04 Sep 2010
90
93rd
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.
Rated 04 Sep 2010
susie_mauvesusie-mauve
Rated 14 Aug 2013
87
70th
I had no idea that Hong Kong romance can look so european. Good part is i felt like i was watching a pre-Amelie, with a much more genuine approach. Very delectable.
Rated 14 Aug 2013
chengmingchengming
Rated 29 Jun 2021
90
97th
Yes, great way of storytelling, particularly in cinematography and editing!
Rated 29 Jun 2021
kito1kito1
Rated 25 Mar 2018
50
24th
It starts really good, but then it mysteriously switches characters. I liked the second story a lot less, mostly because of the obnoxious overuse of a certain song and the unlikable female character.
Rated 25 Mar 2018
bencgauldbencgauld
Rated 23 Jan 2023
92
87th
Vibrant meditation on love and life following two cops going through break ups. Amazing cinematography with wonderful juxtaposition of the energy and isolation of Hong Kong in the 1990's.
Rated 23 Jan 2023
anomalyAnomaly
Rated 01 Jun 2011
80
75th
Two wonderful stories are reinforced with some great energetic direction and music. Unfortunately I didn't feel much of anything afterwords, both stories ultimately don't add up to too much. But if it's not a masterpiece, it's still great, and there's plenty of atmosphere and ambiance to enjoy. Hong Kong is such a beautiful place.
Rated 01 Jun 2011
panzerwolfpanzerwolf
Rated 30 Mar 2024
80
85th
It really is more about the visuals and the feels than any conclusive plot. It deals with emotions rather than events and for the most part, the visuals are the story in itself. Loved how the movie looked; the rain, the city lights, the reflections and the creatively framed shots. Even mopping the floor looks gorgeous in this one. The soundtrack choices were awesome, as well, and they are as much part of the story as the cinematography is.
Rated 30 Mar 2024
sallystormsally_storm
Rated 19 Nov 2018
95
90th
CALIFORNIA DREAMIN
Rated 19 Nov 2018
mohkoMohko
Rated 22 Jan 2008
85
92nd
First half isn't as good as the second one. Luckily it's also shorter and the second part with Tony Leung is so good that you don't really care about the flaws of the first part.
Rated 22 Jan 2008
yotsugiYotsugi
Rated 14 May 2021
97
75th
ALL THE LEAVES ARE BROWN
Rated 14 May 2021
wetwillieswetwillies
Rated 19 Feb 2012
90
80th
There are two things striking about this film. First, the look. This film has a style all its own, from the lighting to the freeze frames to the coolest parts of Hong Kong. Second, the music. There are two distinct sections to this film and each is defined by its songs. You think "California Dreaming" would get old, but let me assure you...it doesn't.
Rated 19 Feb 2012
kaioshinKaioShin
Rated 04 Oct 2011
6
57th
I had seen Fallen Angels first, and during the first half I thought this movie wasn't nearly as good, but then the second half just swept me away.
Rated 04 Oct 2011
petrostserPetrosTser
Rated 26 Feb 2023
70
69th
An engaging film with a rather unique visual flair, really good score (despite arguably overusing "California Dreamin'"), realistic acting, a spontaneous plot that is naturalistic without being pretentious and some great pieces of dialogue now and then. And even though the first story, despite strong moments in both its visuals and content, is nothing I couldn't do without, the second one, where the film comes into its own, is a captivating, touching, humorous depiction of love, loss and change.
Rated 26 Feb 2023
theyshoot07theyshoot07
Rated 01 Mar 2008
83
72nd
# 333
Rated 01 Mar 2008
scurryscurry
Rated 24 Jan 2008
80
95th
The first part is weaker, but still strangely magnetic. The scene with the little girl out for ice-cream gets to me. Second part is just adorable, but the music is overdone. Obviously Mamas & the Papas means something else to Wong Kar Wai.
Rated 24 Jan 2008

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