I’ve always found myself revisiting In the Mood for Love, a film that has captivated me over the years. My journey with Wong Kar-wai’s films began years ago and though I didn’t watch this particular movie in my Contemporary Chinese Cinema course during college, I was introduced to his work through films like Happy Together and Chungking Express.
The first time I saw In the Mood for Love was during the COVID lockdown. I had a Criterion subscription and used it to explore classic cinema. Revisiting the film recently, I decided to watch it for the fourth or fifth time, paired with a homemade beef noodle soup—a perfect complement to the film. In the Mood for Love unfolds in 1960s Hong Kong, before its return to China. Chow Mo-wan, a journalist, and Su Li-zhen, his new neighbor, both find themselves alone frequently due to their partners’ absences.
Their initial interactions are minimal, but when they discover that their partners are having an affair with each other, they begin to investigate the affair’s origins. As Chow and Su spend more time together, their bond deepens, and they begin to confront their feelings. The film is rich with sensual tension, conveyed not through overt displays of romance but through the subtle, unspoken moments they share. Chow is offered a job in Singapore and asks Su to join him, but she arrives too late.
The story concludes with Chow visiting Angkor Wat during the Vietnam War, where he whispers into a hollow wall and fills it with earth—a poignant symbol of lost possibilities and unspoken truths. In the Mood for Love is visually stunning, with its masterful use of color and the nuanced performances of Leung and Cheung. The film’s minimal dialogue and understated romance only enhance its beauty. It’s a film that stays with you, resonating long after the credits roll.
If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend watching In the Mood for Love. Its subtlety and depth make it a timeless classic, and it’s no surprise that it continues to be a favorite among many. Follow me on Instagram and Goodreads for more reviews and recommendations.
