Review of In the Mood for Love (2000) by Allen G — 22 May 2013

Very cool film, like, very cool. It feels like an older film- it has that emotional clarity and aesthetic texture while being subtle and understated, its a rare one nowadays for sure.

It's maybe too reserved for some- it alludes to far more than it ever actually gives away. From a direct approach, it gives very little away but it isn't hiding or half-baked, its just honest and sweet, hauntingly sweet in its own strange way. Its a rain film- mysterious but clear plus there's some great scenes with rain too. (Why am I talking about rain? I don't even know!? I suckkkk at this.).

It could do with being longer (Those who did not enjoy it are likely facepalming right now considering how much time this spends with slomos and a repeating musical theme) but I mean telling a longer story rather than actually having a longer running time. I was just so into it that I wanted more and a bit frustrated that I didn't get it. With most good films you want more but this one deserves to give us more and it just doesn't.

It's a beautiful film to look at and think about and it has lots of interesting ideas but it doesn't all amount to something that great. Something special yes and certainly something you should watch but not something I'll be adding to my favourite films list or anything. Still, there's nothing amateur about this one. Stylistic minimalist romance at its best.