In the Mood For Love (2000), and its futuristic sequel,
2046 (2004). Emerging across the set is a world whose governing principles of love and melancholy dictate the lives of its inhabitants from above, while looming political questions threaten from below.
As Wong’s first feature length film,
As Tears Go By represents his first effort to balance these competing influences. The film follows Wah (Andy Lau), a ‘big brother’ within the local mob, and the recipient of a spontaneous visit from his cousin Ngor (Maggie Chung). As Wah juggles the demands of mafia life with to keep his friend and partner Fly (Jacky Cheung) out of trouble, a burgeoning romance develops between the two cousins.
In the Mood for Love: The romantic imposters of Wong-kar Wai’s transcendental narrative The general consensus is that In the Mood for Love is one of the greatest love stories ever made. This is because, in many ways, In the Mood for Love is the greatest love story never made. Rahul Desai February 05, 2021 09:55:50 IST The reason Wong-kar Wai’s In the Mood for Love transcends the conventions of storytelling is because, for once, it’s the betrayed who hijack the moods of love.
The Viewfinder is a fortnightly column by writer and critic Rahul Desai, that looks at films through a personal lens.