Chungking Express

About Chungking Express

Chungking Express, a critically acclaimed movie, directed by Wong Kar-wai, was released in 1994. The movie follows two love stories set in bustling and neon-drenched Hong Kong with a unique narrative style. The first story focuses on a lovesick cop who is struggling to get over his recent breakup. The second story revolves around an enigmatic woman in a blonde wig who forms a bond with a man who pines for his flight attendant girlfriend.

Making / Production

Chungking Express was directed by Wong Kar-wai, a renowned Hong Kong filmmaker known for his unique cinematic style. It was shot with a small crew and with an improvised script. The "Chungking" in the film's title refers to Chungking Mansions in Tsim Sha Tsui, where part of the movie took place.

Actors

• Brigitte Lin played the role of a mysterious drug dealer, delivering a spellbinding performance that stood out for its engaging intensity.
• Tony Leung Chiu-wai played Cop 663, displaying a range of emotions from heartbreak to hope with a deeply engaging performance.
• Faye Wong played Faye, a snack bar worker who strikes up an unusual relationship with Tony, with her quirky and energetic performance a stand-out in the film.
• Takeshi Kaneshiro played He Qiwu/Cop 223, bringing to life a heartbroken character dealing with a breakup with authenticity and sensitivity.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The title Chungking Express holds dual meaning, referring not only to Chungking Mansions but also to the midnight flight between Hong Kong and Taipei, code-named "Chungking Express".
• The film was shot in sequence with much of the script written as filming progressed.
• Some of the scenes were shot in a real-life fast-food restaurant named Midnight Express.

Quotes

• "We're all unlucky in love sometimes. When I am, I go jogging. The body loses water when you jog, so you have none left for tears." - Cop 223
• "We split up on April Fool's Day. So I decided to let the joke run for a month. Every day I buy a can of pineapple with a sell-by date of May 1. May loves pineapple, and May 1 is my birthday." - Cop 223

Music, Soundtrack

• "What a Difference a Day Made" - Dinah Washington
• "California Dreamin'" - The Mamas & the Papas. This song became a motif, repeating throughout the film, representing hysterical longing and dreaming.
• "Dreams" - Faye Wong. A Cantonese cover of the Cranberries' song which is showcased in Faye Wong's performance.