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FA YEUNG NIN WA - Review

Fa yeung nin wa ( In the mood for love)

( Cantonese , 2000)

Director: Wong Kar Wai

Cast: Maggie Cheung, Tony Leung Chiu

Every once in a while comes a movie that simply blows you away. And a certain Mr. Wong Kar Wai is a master at making such movies. Although I don't generally prefer love stories , Kar Wai 's movies are an exception to the rule.

"In the mood for love" , is set in Hong Kong in 1962. Mr.Chow ( Tony Leung) a journalist rents a room in an apartment , and moves in with his wife. Mrs.Chan / Su ( Maggie Cheung) a secretary also moves into another room in the same building. Incidentally , both of them move in on the same day , without their spouses , who are always busy at work. Being lonely most of the time , with their respective spouses away , this story portrays the relationship between Chow and Su .

Although the story is very simple , Wong Kar Wai gives us a breath - taking movie . The bond between Chow and Su , the lonely neighbors , is beautifully portrayed. It is the emotional appeal of these two characters which takes this movie into the next level.

The two of them then realize that their respective spouses are having an affair . This is where we get to feel the Wong Kar Wai magic. Although the characters of the spouses are a fairly integral part of the story , there is not a single scene which shows these two characters. All we get is very few scenes shot from behind Mrs.Chow never really showing her face. Mr.Chan is even more elusive , we only get to hear his voice once in a while .

Once the reality of the fact that their spouses are having an affair hits them , Chow and Su are pretty much disturbed , but it never really shows in the beautiful characterization. This is where the movie takes you for an exquisite ride across emotional valleys. Although both of them are quite unique characters , we get to notice certain similarities in their preferences in a few scenes. The sequences involving their frequent visits to the noodle shop and their interest in martial arts based fiction are excellent. The two of them move closer emotionally.

They are one of the most unforgettable characters . Although shocked , they try not to stoop down to the same level as their spouses. This aspect of their relationship is portrayed in the most elegant manner possible and forms the crux of the movie. They try to help each other to come out of their emotional turmoil , and at the same time try not to fall for each other.

To truly experience the magic of this movie , you have to be really patient . The reason being that the story never really unfolds through the Screenplay. It is the dialogues and and the subtle expressions of the characters , which carry the story , throughout the movie , and this is what makes it such a treat to watch.

The acting is something to be truly appreciated. Both the lead actors have underplayed their roles to perfection. There are no lengthy dialogues or loud scenes which are normally associated with such delicate relationships , like this one.

Visually this movie is brilliant , yet, it is very unlike other Wong Kar Wai movies which I have seen. You dont get to see the slanting angles , the purposefully dodgy camera work , the surreal imagery nor the perfectly exaggerated use of bright colours in "Fa yeung nin wa".

However the director uses his trademark slow motion camera work , which might be the only similarity to his other movies which I have seen . And the background score is very refreshing and perfectly matches the characterization . Another trademark Wong Kar Wai touch !!

The other characters in the movie are also rather interesting. You have the neighbors who keep playing Mahjong all the time . And Chow's friend , Ping , who is eternally in monetary need . And Mr. Ho , Su's boss , who himself is involved in an extra-marital affair.

There are some sequences which are truly excellent . Watch out for the restaurant scenes in particular. And the one in which Su is stuck in Chow's place as she cant get back home since the neighbors are playing Mahjong throughout the night.

Watch this movie for its pure magic which you can experience only if you pay careful attention to the dialogues and subtle expressions of the lead actors.

Wong Kar Wai's movies are truly brilliant and this one exceeded all expectations , by a mile.

I will give it 4 out of 5. Please do watch this movie .

Verdict : Uber ( Ultimate) 4/5