In the Mood for Love

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In the Mood for Love

PG

Released Mar 9, 2001

1h 37m

Romance

Drama

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92%

Tomatometer

190 Reviews

94%

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50,000+ Ratings

In 1962, journalist Chow Mo-wan (Tony Leung Chiu Wai) and his wife move into a Hong Kong apartment, but Chow's spouse is often away on business. Before long, the lonely Chow makes the acquaintance of the alluring Su Li-zhen (Maggie Cheung Man-yuk), whose own significant other also seems preoccupied with work. As the two friends realize their respective partners are cheating on them, they begin to fall for one another; however, neither wants to stoop to the level of the unfaithful spouses.

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Critics Consensus

An exquisitely shot showcase for Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung that marks a somber evolution of Wong Kar-wai's chic style, In the Mood for Love is a tantric tease that's liable to break your heart.

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Elvis Mitchell

New York Times

In the Mood for Love is 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.

Jul 17, 2023

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Joe Morgenstern

Wall Street Journal

In the Mood for Love excites us with words not spoken, passions not played out. A mood story more than a love story, it's all about sustaining a state of exquisite melancholy in the face of desire.

Jul 15, 2023

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

If it is possible to find the erotic register of despair, or the romantic dimension of ennui, then Wong Kar-wai certainly achieves it in his new film.

Rated: 5/5

Jul 15, 2023

Full Review

Laney Gibbons

Loud and Clear Reviews

This cinematic achievement, which leaves a lasting effect on the spirit, reminds us of the tremendous depths of the human heart and the persistent appeal of what might have been.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 3, 2024

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Alan Jones

Radio Times

Sumptuously shot in tight corners, cramped corridors and tiny alleyways for maximum intimacy, the unspoken longing of the star-crossed lovers is both palpable and poignant, though the rushed ending somewhat undercuts the glorious build-up.

Rated: 5/5

Jul 31, 2024

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Joshua Polanski

Boston Hassle

The heterodox style collapses time on itself—prolonging the marital collapses of the two couples and expanding the potential for a union between [the two main characters].

Jul 9, 2024

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Spencer Nielsen

In the Mood for Love is overwhelming. All aspects of its production come together in harmony to craft an aesthetic you can practically feel.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/18/24

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Audience Member

This movie is very dark and uplifting all at once. Having said that, it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea because it is slow and one needs to grasp the aesthetic of the moods attached to what you see. Definitely a beautiful movie but if you just got your heart broken don’t watch it

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/15/24

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Sean S

Has a tiffin of noodles ever looked sexier? If it’s possible for there to be a love Hexagon then it’s here; between Maggie Cheung, Tony Leung, Christopher Doyle, Shigeru Umebayashi, William Chang and Wong Kar-Wai there is an undeniable propulsive energy and synergy. So it’s ten minutes too long but I’d still give it six stars out of five if I could. An aching, achingly beautiful and evocative iconic love story that manages to say so much in every frame without needing to say much at all. There’s politics, art, class and ethics woven between the fabric between these tremendously raw characters. Has a man smoking a cigarette ever looked sexier?

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/05/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Cinematic poetry. Every moment , every scene, every movement of the camera takes you into a journey along the two primary characters of the story. Love is restrained and expressed through the expressions and body language of the actors. You feel the angst and the pain without melodrama, with a stoic sense of longing . There’s not a single scene that goes beyond the claustrophobia of walls and stairs , analogous to the constraints of the relationship the two lead characters have to their relationship. No wonder this is a masterpiece.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/28/24

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Liam R

Wasn't sure exactly how I would feel about this movie when purchasing but it was absolutely fantastic. If you are okay with watching with subtitles then you are in for an absolute treat! Visually beautiful cinematography, great acting and chemistry between the main leads definitely a must watch you will not be disappointed.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/23/24

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Christian K

Gorgeous, and some the best cinematography and music in filmmaking. Fills you only with loneliness and regret, though, which aren't always exclusively bad feelings.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/16/24

Full Review

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Kar-Wai Wong

Director

Tony Leung Chiu Wai

Chow Mo-wan

Maggie Cheung

Su Li-zhen

Kelly Lai Chen

Mr. Ho

Rebecca Pan

Mrs. Suen

Ping Lam Siu

Ah Ping

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Synopsis

In 1962, journalist Chow Mo-wan (Tony Leung Chiu Wai) and his wife move into a Hong Kong apartment, but Chow's spouse is often away on business. Before long, the lonely Chow makes the acquaintance of the alluring Su Li-zhen (Maggie Cheung Man-yuk), whose own significant other also seems preoccupied with work. As the two friends realize their respective partners are cheating on them, they begin to fall for one another; however, neither wants to stoop to the level of the unfaithful spouses.

Director: Kar-Wai Wong
Producer: William Chang
Screenwriter: Kar-Wai Wong
Distributor: USA Films
Production Co: Block 2 Pictures, Paradis Film, Jet Tone Productions
Rating: PG (Thematic Elements|Brief Language)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Original Language: Chinese
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 9, 2001, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 15, 2020
Box Office (Gross USA): $2.7M
Runtime: 1h 37m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.66:1)

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