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Pure gorgeousness, start to finish. Visually, this is one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen. Story-wise, it's not that simple.
On the surface, the story is about a guy who returns to a building where he loved a woman who lived across the hall, in room 2046. He is writing a futuristic story, set in the year 2046, about people who travel to a place filled with the memories they long to return to.
Interpretations of the author's intent have varied, which makes for a great conversation piece. It's been said that the central character, played beautifully by Tony Leung, is in love with a woman he once met and with whome he had a very polite affair. This was the story of the precursor to this film, In The Mood FOr Love. I'm not sure I agree that the reflections on his former relationship with Su Li-Zhen mean that she was his true love. I think it might mean that he is in love with tragic love. He wants to strain and ache and reach... and have his fingertips just brush her skirt as she walks by. I think that's what is going on with several of the characters in this film, in fact, and that WKW shows us that in their self-absorbed moments. I mean... have you EVER seen a person smoke so slowly? They moon and mope and louge and reflect til I kinda wanted to shoot at their feet and watch them dance a bit. That is not a criticism, though. I think it takes a brilliant storyteller to create characters who have flaws, and make them really compelling. WKW does this in Fallen Angels too, with the super-cool hipsters that you wind up caring about. It makes for a truer relationship between the audience and the characters, that we see their faults and get caught up in their story, all the same. To his credit, Wong doesn't take sides, and the story conveys the turmoil of the character without judgement.
Also of note in this cast are Ziyi Zhang, whose character goes through a touching metamorphosis, Li Gong and Faye Wong. You just can't take your eyes off these people.
I was a bit bowled over by it the first time through - its a lot to take in. Second viewing, I found the themes to be clearer to me and was able to get caught up in the art of it without wondering if I was losing the point. It's a beautiful film... WKW, in combination with cinematographer Christopher Doyle are a masterful team. I wouldn't recommend 2046 for people who just want something to look at while eating popcorn, but if you're looking to really get absorbed in story, theme, character and incredible visuals, he's the guy to see.
4/5
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On the surface, the story is about a guy who returns to a building where he loved a woman who lived across the hall, in room 2046. He is writing a futuristic story, set in the year 2046, about people who travel to a place filled with the memories they long to return to.
Interpretations of the author's intent have varied, which makes for a great conversation piece. It's been said that the central character, played beautifully by Tony Leung, is in love with a woman he once met and with whome he had a very polite affair. This was the story of the precursor to this film, In The Mood FOr Love. I'm not sure I agree that the reflections on his former relationship with Su Li-Zhen mean that she was his true love. I think it might mean that he is in love with tragic love. He wants to strain and ache and reach... and have his fingertips just brush her skirt as she walks by. I think that's what is going on with several of the characters in this film, in fact, and that WKW shows us that in their self-absorbed moments. I mean... have you EVER seen a person smoke so slowly? They moon and mope and louge and reflect til I kinda wanted to shoot at their feet and watch them dance a bit. That is not a criticism, though. I think it takes a brilliant storyteller to create characters who have flaws, and make them really compelling. WKW does this in Fallen Angels too, with the super-cool hipsters that you wind up caring about. It makes for a truer relationship between the audience and the characters, that we see their faults and get caught up in their story, all the same. To his credit, Wong doesn't take sides, and the story conveys the turmoil of the character without judgement.
Also of note in this cast are Ziyi Zhang, whose character goes through a touching metamorphosis, Li Gong and Faye Wong. You just can't take your eyes off these people.
I was a bit bowled over by it the first time through - its a lot to take in. Second viewing, I found the themes to be clearer to me and was able to get caught up in the art of it without wondering if I was losing the point. It's a beautiful film... WKW, in combination with cinematographer Christopher Doyle are a masterful team. I wouldn't recommend 2046 for people who just want something to look at while eating popcorn, but if you're looking to really get absorbed in story, theme, character and incredible visuals, he's the guy to see.
4/5