Fallen Angels

About Fallen Angels

"Fallen Angels" is a 1995 Hong Kong film, directed by Wong Kar-wai. The film is a moody, noir-drenched love story that investigates the emotional toll of living on society's margins. The narrative is divided into two thematically connected storylines, both emphasising the fluctuating dynamics of human relationships.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Wong Kar-wai, who is known for his visually stunning, atmospheric and lyrical movies. Cinematographer Christopher Doyle, who has worked with him on various other projects, aided to achieve the stylistic lushness of the film. The script was initially intended to be part of Kar-wai's renowned 1994 film, "Chungking Express", but due to runtime constraints, it was developed into a separate film.

Actors

• Leon Lai as the hitman: The performer brought a sense of depth and enigma to this speechless character, who drifts through the gritty night-time world of Hong Kong.
• Michelle Reis as the hitman's agent: In her mostly silent role, Reis portrayed an emotionally imbalanced woman obsessed with the hitman, providing a counterpoint to Lai's character.
• Takeshi Kaneshiro as He Zhiwu: Kaneshiro plays a quirky ex-convict who breaks into businesses at night, not for theft, but to offer his peculiar services.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is known for its extravagant visual style featuring innovative cinematography and eccentric framing.
• The film contains little dialogue and relies more on physical communication and visual storytelling.
• Throughout the shooting of the film, Wong Kar-wai didn't use a full script and preferred to develop the storyline as the filming progressed.

Awards

While Fallen Angels didn't win many awards, it was selected for competitive screening at the 1995 Venice Film Festival, contributing to Wong Kar-wai's global prestige.

Quotes

• "Why would I want to wipe away all of my yesterday's? They're what make me today."
• "Every day we brush past so many other people ... people we may never meet, or people who may become close friends."

Music, Soundtrack

• "IT: Kodo Remix" by DJ Shadow
• "Forgot Our Names" by Luna
• "Baroque" by Michael Lai
• "Midnight at the Oasis" by Maria Muldaur