DVD Hong Kong Buena Vista Region 1 98 minutes Directed by Wong Kar-Wai Written by Wong Kar-Wai With Brigitte Lin Tony Leung Faye Wong Takeshi Kaneshiro A different version of this DVD is available to purchase at HKFlix.com 
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Home | Upcoming | Reviews | In Cinemas | Links | Features | Editorials | Search R E V I E W Chungking Express (1994) Wong Kar-Wai wrote a number of scripts before directing his own, As Tears Go By, in 1988. He followed that up with the non-mainstream Days of Being Wild in 1990. While filming the mysterious swordplay epic Ashes of Time, he took time off to make this "urban, arty film" (in the words of the Hong Kong Movie Database). The film played in Hong Kong cinemas for about three weeks beginning in mid-July 1994. It grossed HK$7.6 million, but gained acclaim from world cinema critics far beyond its monetary returns. The style and techniques in the film have been incredibly influential, not only on more adventurous Hong Kong filmmakers, but also on directors across the world. MOVIE Plot: Two stories are played out in Hong Kong. In the first, a policeman (Takeshi Kaneshiro) mourns the loss of his girlfriend. His path crosses that of a drug smuggler (Brigitte Lin Ching-Hsia) whose life is on the line. In the second tale, another policeman (Tony Leung Chiu-Wai) also mourns the loss of his girlfriend. His path crosses that of a restaurant worker (Faye Wong) who becomes infatuated with him. Performances: The film is anchored by the performances of Brigitte Lin Ching-Hsia and Tony Leung Chiu-Wai. Lin's expression barely changes - is she being stoic, or is she resigned to her fate? - yet her body language speaks volumes as she sets about her work of organizing a highly-dangerous operation with ruthless efficiency. Leung's eyes are the key to his performance. Just watch the way he reacts to Faye Wong at different points in the story: at first wary, and then, slowly, begrudgingly, curious, and, finally, some other feeling entirely. Wong is limited as an actor in her first role of any substance (evidently she also appeared in a supporting part in Beyond's Diary in 1990), but she has a beguiling look, and many of her expressions are priceless. Takeshi Kaneshiro also had limited experience in films (this was one of his first parts), but he belied his inexperience with his heartfelt (and not overplayed) emoting. Valerie Chow Kar-Ling is quite attractive as Tony Leung's lost love. Production: Books have been written about Wong Kar-Wai. Thousands and thousands of words have been written about this movie. What can I possibly add? So here's my review: This is a movie about hope beyond reason. And the ending makes me cry. Rating: Category IIB for non-explicit violence and brief sensuality. DVD Look: The letterboxed presentation looks very good, with deep black levels, accurate flesh tones, and spot-on colors. The source print is quite clean, with very occasional imperfections apparent. Sound: Good DD 2.0 (stereo) mix and dynamic range for the audio track (which is mostly Cantonese but also includes some Mandarin and English dialogue). Subtitles: The yellow removable English subtitles were excellent. I didn't catch any mistakes. English-language closed-captioning for the hearing impaired is also provided. Features: Two trailers are provided: the original Hong Kong theatrical version, as well as an international version (with booming English narration). Director Quentin Tarantino (whose company, Rolling Thunder, had a hand in arranging video distribution in Region 1) provides a hyper-enthusiastic introduction and a wrap-up. "Sneak peeks" are included for the Region 1 versions of Iron Monkey, Jet Li's The Enforcer, Best of the Best 3: No Turning Back, Best of the Best 4: Without Warning, Mighty Peking Man, and Switchblade Sisters. RECOMMENDATION Hard-core collectors may wish to order the Region 3 version from Korea, which features a full-frame presentation with no English subtitles. Otherwise, I recommend you seek out the Region 1 release. Multiple viewings are richly rewarded. Note on the Region 1 release: Buena Vista has not handled Hong Kong cinema in a very respectful manner. They have dubbed and edited numerous films in an evident effort to make the films more palatable to mainstream North American audiences. Whether Hong Kong films have become more popular because or their efforts or despite their interference is a moot point. They have tampered with films in ways that would outrage major Hollywood talent. Much more information on this subject can be found at this web site. That being said, I rushed right out and bought this DVD. I love the movie, and it's handled - basically - the way it should be (I would have preferred less Quentin Tarantino on the packaging). Trivia note: in my most recent viewing, I noticed that each of the three principal actors from the second story appear - extremely briefly - during the first story. I'm positive I'm not the first person to notice that, but I just wanted to share my excitement at the discovery! Home | Upcoming | Reviews | In Cinemas | Links | Features | Editorials | Search |