Chungking Express: Viewer Comments

Viewer Comments:
Chungking Express
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by Iron Mantis

"Chungking Express" is the rare film that is both experimental yet irresistibly fun. It will be more well appreciated by fans of art cinema than it will by most HK cinema fans, but those who approach it with an open mind will likely find it to be an enormously rewarding experience.

"Express" eschews traditional plot structure for a more "slice of life" approach to narrative, portraying the daily lives of four lonely Hong Kong dwellers. Besides the gorgeous cinematography courtesy of Andrew Lau and Christopher Doyle, the real scene stealer is first time actress Faye Wong, who plays what can really only be described as an endearing stalker.

This film, along with its spiritual sequel "Fallen Angels", is probably the most accessible of Wong Kar-Wai's oeuvre. While much is to be said about all of his films in general, "Chungking Express" remains my personal favorite.

AGREE?	READER COMMENTS	AUTHOR
Y	Absolutely. I'm not the biggest WKW fan, but this film is tops.	Choco

by Jan

by ladynka

by Geoff Edwards

The thing that probably thrills me about "Chungking Express" is just how unique it is without being even slightly complicated. It just kind of jumps into these great stories, and takes off, leaving you completely hooked by these characters from moment one.

The mood of the film moves in several different directions, but not very far in any one of them. There's a limited amount of comedy, action, a little drama, and all themed around great romance.

Chungking Express deserves a five star rating from me because I absolutely loved it. I can't fairly compare it to any other films by Wong Kar Wai because it's my first feature from him. But if it says anything, you can rest assured it definitely won't be my last. Highly recommended!

by RW24229

Nobody films people like Wong Kar Wai. To me, this is the film where it all came together: outlook, actors, chisled editing and the joy of living. The obvious fun they had making this little jewel (a diamond) is contagious long after the film has been seen. As well as the usual optical brilliancy and love of filming, there is something about the dialogue that makes these subtitles as enjoyable as reading an engrossing book. A vein that Wong Kar Wai should definitely explore, humanity and humor.

by City On Fire
www.cityonfire.com

Art-house director Wong Kar-wai, in a brief hiatus from editing his epic Ashes of Time, found the time to film this little masterpiece, which is considered by many to be a superior effort. Two intersecting stories about lost love and isolation are enhanced by superb cinematography and delightful performances from Faye Wong and Tony Leung Chiu-wai. Although the soundtrack is plagued by repetition (The Mama's and Papa's California Dreamin is played at least 6 times, maybe more), that in no way alters the enjoyment one receives when viewing this delightful production. Also features Valerie Chow, Takeshi Kaneshiro, and Brigette Lin in her final screen performance.

by City On Fire
www.cityonfire.com

Wong Kar-Wai's film, "Chungking Express", is easily one of the most visually pleasing films I have ever seen. The film revolves around two separate stories about two police officers who have recently been ousted from their respective relationships.

There's not much that can be said about this film that hasn't been said before. The cinematography is perfect, the acting is great, and the music is superb (although, you may be sick of "California Dreamin" by the end of it)...

I'll have to agree with Jeff on this one, I did not find anything wrong with the film. It's fun, it's uplifting, and we can all relate, because I'm sure we've all been there before.

by City On Fire
www.cityonfire.com

Hehee! Now I'm going to be radical and NOT to give this film a 10! Why? Erhmm... let me see... yes, the movie is beautifully shot and acted and directed, but the plot sucks. Now everbody goes mad; what? Plot sucks??? He sure is a uncivilized jack-ass! He doesn't understand! The plot DOES NOT suck! It's a magnificent art masterpiece! Well, maybe it is, and if the film would be the second story (with Faye Wong & Tony Leung) alone, I would give this film a 10 too. But the first story is too bland and the director leaves it unfinished! When the second starts, you don't even remember what happened in the first half [let me think.... some lonely guy ate old confitures, right?]. Wong Kar-Wai's next (?) film, "Fallen Angels" was supposed to be a third story to this film, but I'm glad that it's a movie of it's own, because "Fallen Angels" suck! Nevertheless, "Chungking Express" is a great movie.

by City On Fire
www.cityonfire.com

This is the best Hong Kong film I have ever seen. Hell, this is the best film in any country I have ever seen! There is not one bad thing I can say about this film. The acting is amazing, the direction superb, and the cinematography(courtesy of Christopher Doyle) is beautiful. After seeing this film, I had such a huge crush on Faye Wong. She is great in this film. Another great performance was that of Takeshi Kaneshiro. He is too cool, and if you dont crack up when he starts yelling at the employee at the store about the feelings of the expired pineapples, there is something seriously wrong with you. I never grow tired of this film. I watch nearly every other week. I can't praise this film enough. Wong Kar Wai is a genius.

by City On Fire
www.cityonfire.com

Certain films offer the same nostalgic feelings that often envelope us when listening to a favorite song or catching a familiar scent. For example, "Reservoir Dogs" and Woo's "The Killer" will forever remind me of one memorable summer seven years ago when I caught both on video, back-to-back, for the first time. Wong Kar Wai's "Chungking Express" also stirs feelings of nostalgia for another summer not too long ago. Not everyone will revere this film like I do, but most will agree it's a wonderfully simple, quirky film with outstanding, energetic performances by Takeshi Kaneshiro and a beautiful Faye Wong. Sure, it meanders off-course a couple times (expired pineapples?!), but that's part of the appeal. To date, Wong Kar-Wai's best -- and certainly most fun -- film.

by Victor F.

How is it possible it's out of print? This was one of the best movies I've ever seen. 5 [stars] is not strong enough to rate it.

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