100
The New York Times by A.O. Scott
Probably the most breathtakingly gorgeous film of the year, dizzy with a nose-against-the-glass romantic spirit that has been missing from the cinema forever.
In the Mood for Love(花樣年華)
✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ Read critic reviews
Hong Kong, China · 2000
Rated PG · 1h 39m
Director Wong Kar-wai
Starring Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Maggie Cheung, Rebecca Pan, Kelly Lai Chen
Genre Drama, Romance
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In 1962 Hong Kong, neighbors Chow and Su are both suspecting their spouses of adultery. With the partners often away, the pair find solace in each other's company. Though their attraction is evident, Chow and Su must keep the bond platonic so as not to commit their spouses' same wrongs.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
75
San Francisco Chronicle by Edward Guthmann
Wong denies us the satisfaction of resolution, but in sharing his mastery of cinema, and his gift for conveying mood, desire and vivid emotions, he's more than generous.
83
Entertainment Weekly by Lisa Schwarzbaum
Although In the Mood for Love isn't in the mood for action, it dazzles with everything but.
75
Chicago Tribune by Michael Wilmington
Shimmers and glows. But it also stings a little -- like the lovely flame that dies and the smoke that, in yet another Cole song, gets in your eyes.
50
A stylistically fastidious, exasperatingly affected package that will put most people in the mood for slumber.
50
New York Magazine (Vulture) by Peter Rainer
In the Mood for Love has novelty value, I suppose, and plenty of pretty camera moves, but it's not really a movie you can warm to.
90
Rolling Stone by Peter Travers
The film is alive with delicacy and feeling...It's a beauty.
90
This enthralling, enigmatic, romantic drama from Asia's most influential auteur (Chungking Express) is an essay in appetite and inhibition.
90
Smolders with more reserved passion than "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."
100
Philadelphia Inquirer by Steven Rea
A feast for the eyes and succor for the soul.
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This film is so beautiful—the iconic soundtrack, the costumes, the lighting, everything! A must watch if you want to feel nostalgic for the universal feeling of falling in love.
This film is incredibly moving not despite, but because the writing and performances are beautifully understated. But the costumes, and Mrs. Chan's dresses are as iconic as Grace Kelly's in Rear Window or Cecelia's green dress in Atonement.
An absolutely gorgeous film. The longing between the two characters combined with the beautiful camerawork make this into a truly impactful piece. It really sticks with you. Just a wonderful viewing experience.
This film blew me away the first time I watched it on a tiny laptop screen. It also blew me away remastered in the Criterion Collection (highly, highly recommend this!) The two songs that play throughout, Quizas sung by Nat King Cole and Yumeji's Theme, haunt my favorite memories. Definitely the best of the informal trilogy (Days of Being Wild and 2046)!