Asia's One Man New Wave: A Guide To The Films of Wong Kar Wai

Wai's films have achieved widespread success both critically and commercially, both in Asia and the rest of the world. Before we dive into the films themselves, lets examine just what it is that makes Wai's films so successful, striking, and inspiring.

#1 Strong team of collaborators

Wai's had a consistent and reliable team of actors and fellow filmmakers that have powered his films since his first big successes in the early 90's. Most notable among them is Australian born cinematographer Christopher Doyle, who has lensed almost all of Wai's feature films. Much of the bold visual style attributed to Wai can really be credited to Doyle. Likewise Wong's strong and frequent collaborations with actors Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung, and Takeshi Kaneshiro (all superstars in Asian cinema) have produced great results both artistically and commercially.

#2 Poetic romanticism, drawing from east and west

Wong's genius is largely reflected in the diversity of his influences. His films have a strikingly Asian attention to detail and elegance in tone and style, yet also draw strongly from western film traditions and new wave. Wong seems to embrace a style that marries the energy of a Hong Kong action film with the more progressive tendencies of French New Wave and the haunting imagery of American film noir.

#3 Creative Control

Wong's status as Asia's premier auteur in the larger world of film has bought him the clout to allow his creativity to run wild. His films are unmistakably his own, and (in the case of 2046 especially) his creative process is one that refuses to be easily confined by deadlines or limitations. The repeated delays and re-writes on the set of the film caused some to wonder out loud if 2046 was in fact going to end up as its release date.

Now lets get to the films themselves. I've arranged them in three categories, bare in mind that I consider all of these films worth seeing, but understandably not all of us have that kind of time. Here's a starters guide to Wong's masterpieces, great films, and curiosities.

THE MASTERPIECE COLLECTION

#1 Chungking Express

Wong's first mega-success on the world stage (and a favorite of Quentin Tarantino, who released it on DVD in the states) Chungking Express does a great job of summing up Wai's appeal for a first time viewer. The film tells two strikingly different (but subtly related) stories of two very different young Hong Kong policemen having two very different relationships with mysterious women. The first half showcases Wong's love of film noir with Takeshi Kaneshiro falling for a sexy killer in a blonde wig, and the second shows his love of new wave with a Godardian look and bright eyed Jean Seberg-esque female heroine. Foreign movie fans will likely note the influence this plotline had on Jeunet's runaway success Amelie .

#2 Fallen Angels

Wong's most stylistically intense film, Fallen Angels is a tragic and darkly stylized film that showcases Wong's 90's style at it's peak. With a striking color palette and violently sexy story,Fallen Angel s may remind viewers a little of a Fincher or Aronofsky film. This is Wong at his stylistically rebellious peak, and is my personal favorite of his films. An intoxicating movie experience, one worth coming back too.

#3 In The Mood For Love

Shockingly different from the films listed previously, In the Mood For Love is formal, restrained, and ceaselessly romantic. A run away success with western audiences, this is Wong's best known film stateside. This films abandons the stylistic wildness of his prior films for a much more subtle and traditional, but still distinctly Wai experience. Wong's greatest talent may be his incredible skill for photographing his stars (especially his women) with incredible grace and beauty. Though the characters restrain themselves, the film broods with a sensuality and sexual tension, reflected in the rich reds of its warm colors. A great film.

#4 Happy Together

For a director so famed for his sensual deification of his leading women, its interesting that one of Wai's best films is a tragic love story between two men with an almost all male cast. Taking place in Buenas Aires, Happy Together is a real departure from his usual settings and stories. But its just as involving and intoxicating as his other films, and makes wondrous use of its South American setting.

The Great Films

#1 2046

A sort-of-sequel to In the Mood For Love , 2046 only misses the masterpiece collection because it covers so much of the same ground as the some of the other films in it. Personally, I like it as much if not more than ITMFL. With an absolutely gorgeous cast and some of Tony Leung's best acting (as well as a compelling sci-fi fantasy subplot) 2046 is still essential viewing.

#2 Days of Being Wild

Wong's first great film, Days of Being Wild is where we first see his talents really let loose. Wonderful performances, this is great film for those who enjoy a middle ground between the chaos of Fallen Angels and the formality of ITMFL .

Worth Seeing

#1 The Hand (EROS)

Wai's contribution to a film made up of several short films by great directors on the subject of sex. Wai's is certainly the most subtle (and arguably the only one thats actually good), and features beautiful performances from its two leads. A static, understated film, its nonetheless beautiful at moments and distinctly Wai. Worth seeking out.

#2 My Blueberry Nights

Wong's first foray into english language films and western casts. Mixed reviews and reactions, but worth checking out. Certainly more accessible for those wary of subtitles.

#3 Ashes of Time (Redux or otherwise)

Wong's Wuxia epic is beautiful, but more than a little confusing. The original release is marred by a poor transfer and weak translation, with the redux significantly cleaned up, with beautiful new soundtrack and color correction. Not all were fans though, cinematographer Christopher Doyle disliked the new color, saying it distorted the film's original look. Judge for yourself, personally I recommend checking out the redux for a better first experience with the film. Incredible cast of nearly all Hong Kong's greatest.

Wai has also produced several notable commercials and short commercial films or music videos. Particularly notable are his works for Philips, his entry in BMW's Driver series (starring Clive Own) and his music video for DJ Shadow. All can be seen online for free.