Written and directed by Wong Kar-Wai, two melancholic Hong Kong policemen fall in love: one with a mysterious female underworld figure, the other with a beautiful and ethereal waitress at a late-night restaurant he frequents. Starring: Takeshi Kaneshiro, Brigitte Lin, Tony Leung, Faye Wong, Valerie Chow, Piggy Chan Kam-Chuen, Kwan Lee-Na and Leung San.
If ever there was a song to have to hear repeatedly throughout a film, California Dreamin’ by The Mamas & the Papas is the one, not only is it a perfect choice but it blossoms the energy and charm of Chungking Express. One of many terrific song choices the filmmakers made. There’s something to the tone and atmosphere which Wong Kar-Wai has created that is quintessential of romance and romantic comedies. It’s utterly charming, a little bit quirky and it’s funny in a casual, natural way.
That then blends so well with his directorial style which has this hazy, frenzied quality. It’s not removed from everyday life but there’s something to it that’s elevated or dreamlike. It manages to somehow simultaneously feel spontaneous and planned, it has an impulsive edge. Especially since impulses have a huge part to play in these stories. Wong Kar-Wai employs a unique style that’s endearing, captivating and colourful. It moves with a suaveness, a confidence and flirtation, in a way that feels non-committal, which very well matches a story filled with lack of commitment.
Unsurprisingly, Tony Leung is a standout, his stoic yet sensitive cop is a joy to watch. He has a quietly odd personality while also being incredibly kind. He meets his match in Faye Wong’s Faye, who is eccentric and bold, sweet yet charmingly unreliable. The two make for a beautiful pairing, making you want the story to carry on after the credits roll. Their story undoubtedly wades into some creepy territory with unhealthy behaviour, which may feel a tad uncomfortable to watch today, and yet it still works which speaks to the quality of the film. There’s also a strangeness to it which is remarkably individual.
Their story takes up the majority of the runtime, the brief fling between Takeshi Kaneshiro and Brigitte Lin’s characters feels like an entrée to the main event. It’s a shame not to see more of their story, Chungking Express does feel a little unbalanced in that respect, as if you’re always held in anticipation of them returning and yet they don’t. Lin’s mysterious woman makes for a very interesting character who could have easily held her own for an entire feature.
Chungking Express deserves to be in the hall of fame for romantic films. While it may not be perfect, Wong Kar-Wai created something unique, charming, touching and a little bit weird, in the best of ways. His direction is inspired, to take all the usual elements of a romantic film and blends them into different genres, dipping its toes in crime, comedy and mystery. It’s so natural yet so purposefully sculpted, it’s clever and unusual, the performances are superb, and it has outstanding taste in music.
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