Synopsis

Two neighbors form a strong bond after both suspect extramarital activities of their spouses. However, they agree to keep their bond platonic so as not to commit similar wrongs.

Curators’ note

Director’s bio

Wong Kar Wai is a renowned director known for his poetic visuals and exploration of love, loneliness, and time. His acclaimed films, such as In the Mood for Love（2000）, Chungking Express（1994）, and Happy Together（1997）, have won numerous international awards. As the first Chinese jury president at the Cannes Film Festival, Wong’s innovative style and narrative techniques have secured his place as a global cinematic icon.

Director‘s statement

Wong Kar wai describes In the Mood for Love （2000）as a film about time, memory, and emotion, exploring missed connections and restrained feelings. Through narrow compositions, vintage art design, and the masterful performances of Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung, he conveys a sense of emotional suppression and subtlety. He sees the film not merely as an unfulfilled love story but as a poetic exploration of loneliness and regret, capturing the unspoken moments that linger within the passage of time.

Festival & Awards

2000

53rd Cannes Film Festival Nominee Palme d'Or, Winner Best Actor,Winner Technical Grand Prize

37th Golden Horse Film Festival Best Feature Film,Best Leading Actor,Best Director,Best Art Direction

2001

20th Best Picture、Best Director、Best Actor、Best Actress

Casts

Maggie Cheung, Tony Leung Chiu-wai

Credits

Scriptwriter: Wong Kar Wai

Cinematography: Christopher Doyle, Mark Lee Ping Bing

Music: Michael Galasso

Production Designer: William Chang

Editor: William Chang