The Best Movies of the 21st Century (No 25): IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE
The New York Times just released its 100 Best Movies from 2000-2025- a quarter century of cinematic excellence. They had input from 500 individuals involved in the film industry and also recruited self identified movie lovers. I read the results with interest and was inspired to develop my own list. I have limited my list to 25 films- basically one per year. Honestly, I do not believe there were 100 great movies in this time frame and have generally been underwhelmed with Hollywood’s choices and output. The NYT list was thought provoking though- I was amazed by how many movies on their list that I had actively disliked. Also, there were a handful of films that I had not seen and the reviewer’s comments convinced me to watch the movie. Several movies in that category have made the final list. Today, we begin with one of them- In the Mood for Love. I recently watched it on the Criterion collection platform.
In the Mood for Love was released at the Cannes film Festival in 2000. It was a hit there. The commercial release was limited though and the critical response internationally was uneven. It was nominated for a BAFTA Award and the NYT critic Elvis Mitchell describe it as the most beautiful movie of the year. Other critics found it dull. It gained notoriety when Sight and Sound’s Critics Poll in 2022 ranked it No 5 of movies released since 2000. Time Magazine then listed it as one of the 100 Best Movies of the past 100 years. WOW! It has now become a “cult” movie and a darling of contemporary critics. In the face of this acclaim, I dived in- thinking why not. I loved it!
The movie was directed by Wong Kar-wai and starred Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung. It is a masterpiece- restrained and poetic. It is a simple story of two lonely neighbours who gradually develop a special relationship. Set primarily in 1962 Hong Kong, the film captures a world of cramped apartments, gossiping neighbours and unspoken desires with breathtaking cinematography. The movie is simultaneously gorgeous, unconventionally romantic with moody and sad overtones. The plot pacing is deliberate, even slow. It seduces you- hypnotic is good description. Mr Chow (Tony Leung) and Mrs Chan (Maggie Cheung) discover their respective spouses are having an affair with each other. We never actually see the spouses. They live in a claustrophobic apartment building where colourful neighbours dine communally and play mahjong constantly. Privacy is impossible. The respective spouses travel for business regularly, and the Mr Chow and Mrs Chan find solace in each other’s company. They carefully maintain propriety. The relationship is basically isolated stolen moments- shared meals, walks down Hong Kong’s narrow backstreets, but remains unconsummated, defined more by what isn’t said than what is.
Kar-wai direction is meticulous and bold. He is a stylist and we are bombarded with rich reds, emerald greens, rain soaked alleys and smoked filled noodle shops. Emotions are expressed with remarkable subtlety- glances, pauses, hesitation. Maggie Cheung is stunningly sexy and her wardrobe is scintillating. The couple create an atmosphere of longing and melancholy. The lead actors are outstanding and have great chemistry. They communicate emotions with small gestures. They are supported by a quirky group of secondary characters- the nosy landlady, Chow’s goofy friend who provides comic relief and Chans philandering boss. They all serve as counterpoints to the protagonists behavioural restraint.
The film’s slowly evolving plot may challenge some viewers, but I thought the pacing suited the story perfectly. You grow to appreciate the main characters and the tough choices they face in a very conservative and restrictive milieu. There is a first rate Nat King Cole soundtrack, featuring classics like “Quizas, Quizas, Quizas.” The music and the locations- crowded Hong Kong, evocative Singapore and haunting Angkor Wat underscore and complement the film’s themes of romantic possibilities and missed connections. Ultimately, this film is far more powerful than a conventional Hollywood love story.
In the Mood for Love has earned a place in my top 25 movies of the 20th century. You should see it if it escaped your attention back in 2000. It is sweet and sad! I enjoyed the company of Mr Chow and Mrs Chan.
