Review of Chungking Express (1994) by Jess K — 29 May 2011
There are moments in all of Kar Wai Wong's ruminations on love and loneliness that make them both endearing and frightening. Endearing that among pain and indifference such emotion can endure, frightening in the obstacles at work to destroy it.
While the first of the stories is very good, with its expiration date metaphor and smuggler intrigue, the second feels closer to fully formed and lived-in (plus Faye Wong is achingly cute), making it almost a shame that neither is given a deserved spotlight.
This is the film's only flaw, but also a big one. As noted by every reviewer, Chungking Express is a textbook on cinematic style, from the juxtaposition of movements between the stories to, of course, the use of music as structure.
As with all things which have come and gone, Chungking Express is less about total effect and more about the enduring moments which are lost too fast.
This review of Chungking Express (1994) was written by Jess K on 29 May 2011.
Chungking Express has generally received very positive reviews.
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