In the Mood for Love

About 'In the Mood for Love'

'In the Mood for Love', released in 2000, is a romantic drama film directed by Wong Kar-wai. It tells the story of two neighbors, a woman and a man, who form a strong bond when they suspect their respective spouses of infidelity. They then start to spend time together, bonding over their shared predicament. The plot masterfully balances the intense feelings of love, hurt, and betrayal that emanate from the two main characters. It is ultimately a tale of unexpressed love, filled with a poetic narrative that encapsulates the poignant sense of yearning and repressed emotion.

Making / Production

Directed by Wong Kar-wai, 'In the Mood for Love’ was produced by Wong and Block 2 Pictures. The film was meticulously and carefully crafted, shot in the narrow lanes of Hong Kong using stunning cinematography and masterful direction to create a powerful atmosphere of implicit feelings and unspoken words. The film is renowned for its beautiful and detailed set designs, costuming, and scene composition, which contribute to its captivating aesthetic.

Actors

• Tony Leung as Chow Mo-wan: Brilliantly conveyed the melancholy and yearning of a man suspecting his wife of infidelity.
• Maggie Cheung as Su Li-zhen: Enthralls viewers as a woman experiencing the same plight, capturing a wide range of emotions.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• 'In the Mood for Love' is often cited as one of the greatest films of the 2000s.
• The film was shot in sequence without a script. The actors were given their lines each day they were to shoot.
• The cheongsam dresses worn by Maggie Cheung in the film have since become iconic.

Awards

'In the Mood for Love' was widely recognized for its achievements. Most notably, it won the Best Actor award (Tony Leung) at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for the Palme d'Or. It also won four Hong Kong Film Awards, including Best Actor, Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction.

Quotes

• "Feelings can creep up just like that. I thought I was in control."
• "We won't be like them."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's score, composed by Shigeru Umebayashi and Michael Galasso, plays a crucial role in setting the film's mood and tone.
• The soundtrack includes songs like ‘Yumeji's Theme’ and ‘Quizas Quizas Quizas’.
• The soundtrack also includes a number of classics from the era, reflecting the time period the film is set in.