The original Chinese title for Wong Kar-wai‘s In the Mood for Love was inspired by Xuan Zhou’s ’30s song “Hua Yang De Nian Hua” which I’ve seen translated to “The Blossom Youth”, “The Enchanted Years”, “Full Bloom” and more, all three of which suggest an interesting interpretation of the film. At first glance, the English title presents more of a description of the film’s tonal elements and, if that, a misguided description.
To simply say Chow Mo-wan (Tony Leung Chiu-wai) and Su Li-zhen (Maggie Cheung Man-yuk) are simply in the mood for love doesn’t speak to their want to be loved and desire for companionship. I do, however, love the insistence on love in the title rather than something more carnal and “between-the-sheets.” This may be why the English title, while suggestive of tone rather than explicit in narrative, actually works so well.
Chow and Su are both married, living as neighbors in 1962 Hong Kong. Chow works at a local newspaper and his wife is often away as his Su’s husband. Su works as an executive secretary with a boss whose cheating on his wife, leaving Su to manage his affair and ensure both women, and her employer, remain happy.
Their circumstances change once they learn their spouses have crossed paths and are carrying on an affair behind their backs.
The revelation brings Chow and Su closer together, but appearances must be kept as they attempt to sort the mystery of how the affair between their spouses found its roots while also keeping in check their own desires. Their journey explores and recognizes the cliche, mundane and routine behavior that might lead someone astray. Even the slightest touch can lead to electricity, but as Chow says, don’t worry… “it’s just rehearsal.”
Wong toys with the audience, with our expectation of the road cinematic love affairs travel. Before we even take the ride we feel as if we know every turn. We don’t. The intricate nature of this film’s narrative structure plays on our expectations. Even the best filmmakers will resort to cliches, thinking there’s no better way to tell even the most simple of story details. Wong wields them as a narrative weapon and he’s truly masterful in his execution with two magnificent performances that do more without words than most of today’s actors could accomplish with even the most adept screenplay.
The excellence continues in the technical execution of the picture. Its stunning cinematography, dominated by reds and blue smoke-filled blackness is scene-stealing. Slow motion is sporadically utilized and never more effective than when watching Su slowly wipe away water from her rain-soaked arms as she makes one of her many trips to a nearby noodle stand.
The music is defining from its period songs and international varietals to the cello-driven alt version of the film’s sultry theme. Each scene wakes to life either with music alone dominating the track or simply serving as background.
Criterion’s Blu-ray release is a stunning testament to the film’s visual and emotional appeal. It’s a film that deserves a high-definition release, helping the audience appreciate every aspect even more.
To go along with the improved high-definition transfer a slew of extras are included, though there are a few differences when compared to the previously released Criterion DVD edition.
Included is Wong Kar-wai’s very own documentary for the film called @ “In the Mood for Love”, which features the excerpt you see to the right, detailing a portion of the film that never saw the final cut featuring the two lead actors in a lighthearted dancing scene. It’s curious to wonder how it would have played in the film, which is far more serious than anything seen in the clip and, in my opinion, it was best left removed.
Additionally you get deleted scenes, Wong’s short film Hua yang de nian hua, archival interviews, the 2000 Toronto International Film Festival press conference, a “cinema lesson” from Wong from the 2001 Cannes Film Festival and two new interviews with critic Tony Rayns, one focused on the film and another one, totalling around 30 minutes overall, taking a look at the film’s soundtrack.
I had only seen the film once before watching this new Blu-ray edition and while the memory of the first viewing wasn’t entirely fresh, it was amazing to see just how “new” it all felt all over again. It showed me this was a film made for repeat viewings and whether you choose to take not of the cinematography, music, story, performances, directorial choices, etc. there will always be something to discover. I wholeheartedly recommend giving this one a look and possible purchase consideration.
