Review of Chungking Express (1994) by Leon H — 14 Sep 2009
It takes a true visionary like Wong Kar-Wai to deal with cliched ideas like love at first sight, self-destruction at rejection and all the other usual romantic bullshit, and still not have to worry about becoming too tacky and corny. Cynicism about love is the curse of mediocrity, but someone like Wong Kar-Wai can do anything.
In true Wong Kar-Wai fashion the film is visually breathtaking and stunning. His beautiful use of the Step Printing Process, the constantly jerking camera, the frequent use of very shallow focus and most importantly his inherent affinity towards cinematic style and flair, all of these culminate into something that's almost divine. It's bravura film making at its very best.
And don't let the reviews of the critics fool you into thinking it's some esoteric Godard-esque shit, because it's simply not. With all due respect to Godard, one the forefathers of innovation in movies, you have to admit that he wasn't half the director Wang Kar-Wai is. Unlike Godard, Wong can seamlessly blend style with substance. If you love movies you will love this.
This review of Chungking Express (1994) was written by Leon H on 14 Sep 2009.
Chungking Express has generally received very positive reviews.
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