MovieChat Forums > Chun gwong ja sit (1997) Discussion > Best portrayal of a relationship in WKW?

Best portrayal of a relationship in WKW?

posted 20 years ago by cirving39
4 replies | jump to latest

Let me say firstly, I am a huge fan of Wong Kar-Wai, as a wonderful film-maker. I wouldn't say this is my favourite - although I've only just watched it for the first time, whereas I've seen all the others many times (so that may be subject to change).

In his other films, the relationships are somewhat stylised and full of romantic yearning. This relationship, between Tony and Leslie's characters however, worked on a totally different level for me. It felt incredibly real. For anybody who's ever lived with a loved one in close proximity for long periods of time, it was absolutely on the mark. The way situations can change from moments of great tenderness into blazing rows and then suddenly back to tenderness. The way that you can mistreat the one you love the most, without even thinking. The way lovers can fall in and out of love dozens of times every day

Let me also say, the performances were astonishing. Tony and Leslie really bared their souls for these parts. Any suggestions that the sex scenes were exploitative are ridiculous. As others have said - its really not about men, or gay relationships - its about two souls in love trying to reconcile that love with each other and the world around them. As somebody who at times finds scenes of men kissing or going further difficult to watch, I have to say those moments were acted and directed with great subtlelty and tenderness.

'That era has passed. Nothing that belonged to it exists any more.'

[–] QueenNadine 18 years ago

It's definitely the most elaborate portrayal of a relationship, simply because all the other films I can think of (e.g. Chungking Express, In The Mood for Love) are about beginning, or failing relationships. This one is about an existing one that breaks up.

Apart from that I absolutely agree with you- the characters are perfectly developed and counterpoised, they come alive most vividly in the setting and with the art direction, and the performances would have to be among the two actors' best. I was really stunned and touched, especially by Tony Leung's portrayal of this sad and lonely character. The very first time I saw it, I had no idea what was about to hit me. I had taped it off late night TV with no idea who the actors or the director were, just with the semi-pervy thoughts of a girl in her late teens about two yummy chinese guys making out. I have since been revisiting the film almost regularly as it has been one of the richest, and most personal, film experiences I can remember. Great, great pirce of filmmaking.

Nadine :)

[–] Bree_33 11 years ago

The way situations can change from moments of great tenderness into blazing rows and then suddenly back to tenderness. The way that you can mistreat the one you love the most, without even thinking. The way lovers can fall in and out of love dozens of times every day

Yes. The mode of repetition is best illustrated by Ho's pet phrase let's start over. This is a great story of how two very different men love each other and can't tolerate each other.

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[–] ibbi 11 years ago

I think it makes a play for best portrayal of a relationship anywhere in the movies.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWiA6BGfasA

[–] 11 years ago

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