Movie No. 1 (2019): IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE

In The Mood For Love (2000)
Director: Wong Kar Wai
Cast: Tony Leung, Maggi Cheung
In Chinese, with English subtitles

This is probably my third time to have seen the film in full. First two times were in early 2000s. I'm quite sure I'll be seeing it again in the future. Great films need repeat viewings.

I agree with international critics who consider the films one of the greatest films ever made. It achieves a lot. However, the film is considered great for what it is, not because of what is has achieved. The story is simple. Two neighbors (Mr. Chow and Mrs. Su) in 1960s Hong Kong live in a cramped apartment. They suspect that their spouses are having an affair. They decide to avoid confrontation. Instead, they unexpectedly fall into the spiral of unrequited love due to their strict morals. They're in the mood for love, but they can't and won't give in to their feelings. 

Conspicuous in the film are its exquisite visual style, lush colors, and use of music. I've never seen other movies that use slow motion very stylishly and beautifully to emphasize a point. The cinematography is splendid. The clandestine meetups are well played. Everything about the film is beautiful. Except of course for the conclusion. Well, that's the way it should be because of the characters' actions and decisions. Yes, the movie is about love, or love that never was. But, what is so glaring is the suggestion of missed opportunities, loneliness, and the pain associated with betrayal.

Rating: 4.0/4.0

Date seen: January 2, 2019