In the Mood for Love – Fa yeung nin wa (2000)

Directed by: Wong Kar Wai | 98 minutes | drama, romance | Actors: Maggie Cheung, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Ping Lam Siu, Tung Cho ‘Joe’ Cheung, Rebecca Pan, Lai Chen, Man-Lei Chan, Kam-wah Koo, Roy Cheung

With ‘In the Mood for Love’, the Chinese director Wong Kar Wai won the 2000 edition of Cannes. The print won two prizes (best actor award and Grand Prix technique). The international press received the film very enthusiastically. What makes the picture so special?

‘In the Mood for Love’ can best be compared to the American film ‘Lost in Translation’ by Sofia Coppola. As in Coppolla’s work, the Asian director manages to evoke a special, calm atmosphere and emotions with his film. The visual language is just as important as the dialogues. The linchpin of the film is the chemistry between the actors and the controlled camerawork.

All these elements are incorporated in Wong’s film. Asian superstars Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung Chiu Wai are a perfect match. The chemistry between them is so compelling that it’s like you’re a voyeur in real people’s lives. And not just ‘watching a movie’. The emotions of the characters are deepened in a very subtle way. Instead of a load of explanatory dialogues, the actors present the viewer with a single glance. Purely from body language and appearance you can tell what the characters think. The story is not that important. Emotions are central, not the way of storytelling. The film plays on the feelings of the characters. By not showing things, the ambiance becomes more mysterious and atmospheric. Thus, Chow and Su’s partners are never seen. Only their voices can be heard. The closing of a scene between Chow and Su can also take place behind closed doors, the viewer can draw his or her own conclusion. Do the characters give in to their desires, or not? By not chewing every situation, the film acquires a certain depth. With every viewing there is something new to learn from the picture.

Christopher Doyle’s beautiful camerawork enhances the melancholy atmosphere. Bright colours, pastel shades and unusual close-ups give the film a special atmosphere. The print tries to arouse a melancholy feeling, not so much by highlighting a single aspect but by a combination of factors. For example, not only the acting is central, or the story, but the fusion of image and sound. The music is also noteworthy. The film is set in the 1960s, as can be heard from the soundtrack. Songs by jazz legend Nat ‘King’ Cole and Chinese evergreens are interspersed with modern, instrumental music by composer Shigeru Umebayashi. The composition ‘Yumeij’s theme’ keeps coming back, accompanying Su Li-zhen’s emotions and actions. Despite the constant repetition of this piece of music, the song does not start to irritate, because it is so well in tune with the visuals.

The film has a slow pace, the story ripples along calmly and you don’t have to expect action, sex or witty dialogues. ‘In the Mood for Love’ is a sensitive, moody film about the desires and emotions of ordinary people. Suppressed emotions, pain, sadness, being in love all these emotions flow into and through each other, the print is melancholic. This production will not appeal to everyone, but it is a film that deserves to be watched by a large audience.