Hong Kong director Wong Kar-wai’s critically acclaimed film, “In the Mood for Love”, has been named one of the greatest films of the century – and the best Asian film of the century – by the BBC.
In a list of the “The 21st century’s 100 greatest films” published two days ago, the venerable Beeb placed “In the Mood for Love” second only to David Lynch’s neo-noir psychological thriller “Mulholland Drive”.
Cheung (L) and Leung (R) in “In the Mood for Love”. Photo: Mei Ah Entertainment, via FilmGrab
Often praised as one of Wong’s best works, “In the Mood for Love” tells the story of an unconsummated affair between two neighbours, played by Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung, in 1960s Hong Kong. Its themes of loneliness and repressed love, coupled with Leung and Cheung’s delicate and nuanced performances, have won the film universal praise since its release in 2000.
Aside from the heartwrenching romance at its core, “In the Mood for Love” is a devastatingly gorgeous film, thanks in large part to cinematographer Christopher Doyle, who deftly creates a hazy, saturated and almost dream-like vision of Hong Kong of yesteryear.
And who could forget the costume design? Maggie Cheung’s rotation of picture-perfect cheongsams has cemented the film as one of the most stylish, if not the most stylish Hong Kong movie ever.
Click here to see the full list of this century’s greatest cinematic hits, as determined by the BBC.
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