Review of 2046 (2004) by Yashin M — 23 May 2010

"2046" is slow and melancholic and entrancing in its visuals. Wong Kar Waiâ??s films are like experiencing beautiful lucid dreams. They are sad without ever becoming merely self-pitying portraits of depression.

They are romantic in a realistic way, not being without the Hollywood stylization of sexuality, but instead understanding that romantic relationships between individuals are extremely complex and giving due credence to the depth of emotion that exists within them.

In many ways, "2046" may not be a necessary sequel to "In the Mood for Love," as that film was certainly complete in almost every sense. But necessity is not always the mark of great art, as "2046" succeeds very much through its heavy stylization and a tortured performance from Tony Leung.

Wong Kar Waiâ??s appreciation of science fiction also shows itself clearly here and it does great credit to the film, as the titular story written by Leungâ??s Chow is nearly as intriguing as the post-love wanderings of Chow himself.

Credit must also be given to Ziyi Zhang as a brilliant mirror version of Chow in the first film. Altogether, "2046" is lyrical and often troubling, a film keenly understanding the emotions of love and desire decorated as a highly stylized package.

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