Chungking Express [DVD] [1994]

This film is great entertainment and not at all predictable. It is also humorous and lovable and whereas I feel it falls short of what most film buff would regard as a great film, it is great nevertheless as how otherwise might you rate a film that entertains you, surprises you, charms you and makes you want to watch it twice, three times and so on. It's pointless attempting to describe the the plot/s. It's a bit silly on occasions but I wouldn't let that hold you back as it achieves this with great enchantment. Okay so it is not Fellini or Antonioni but it will nevertheless entertain the pants off you and as well, there is some quite brilliant camera work. There is some tongue in cheek acting in the same manner as perhaps Pulp Fiction; but as in that film the acting, tongue in cheek as it might be is also quite brilliant within its format. Faye Wong is a charming actress as Tony Leung is a perfect match for her and that's just one of the two stories. Hey, it's not serious stuff. It should make you laugh and maybe shed a tear or two. Personally I believe you should just buy it and watch it and write a review of it from another aspect from what I have. I doubt whether you will be disappointed whatever level you take from it? Unless you like serious Art movies (and then you 'might' like it) or a Hollywood Blockbuster fanatic which gratefully I have a brain and so therefore thankfully Iam not.

To me this is still best Wong Kar Wai film. And one the earliest. It is the film that made me meet this director. At that time it represented a refreshing and really uncommon way to make films, reminding of french nouvelle vague and music videos, but with a true inspiration where characters are genuine altough bizarre, and the storytelling style just makes us slip into this unusual world and view of life that represents almost a poetic reaction to the oppressive and asfittic city life in big cities like Hong Kong. Here everything is original and new, even the structure, since the film is made of 2 episodes that in a way tell two similar stories but from opposite points of view: male and female. Cinematically challenging and surprising, This film is an unstoppable yet intimate and poetic look at a author, who will soon become one of world renowned masters of cinema

This blu-ray is my first and only experience of this quirky and touching film, and it definitely succeeded in winning me over. Colours are gorgeous and vibrant, contrast and definition are good, and I didn't notice any pesky digital noise reduction or edge enhancement.However I understand the Region A  Criterion Collection blu-ray  presents the film in its correct aspect ratio of 1.66:1, whereas this edition is slightly cropped to fit 1.78:1 widescreen televisions. You don't lose much information from the frame, but it isn't quite what would have been seen in cinemas, which is a shame. If you have multi-region blu-ray capabilities, I would probably recommend the Criterion edition. However for most of us region-locked folks, this edition is more than adequate.

Bought this after my visit to Hong Kong and my facination with Chungking Mansions where a short part of the movie was filmed. A hotbed of crime, drugs and prostitution in neon lit corridors. Watching the film brought that all back and I was strangely drawn to the movie in the same way I was drawn to Chunking Mansions. Although strangely odd, I had to watch till the end. Loved the characters and the music played in the film although disappointed that the movie soundtrack album does not reflect this.

Said to be Quentin Tarantino's favourite film for many years... A joyful reinvention of the French New Wave, this time with music added. Was intended to be three short stories and shot as an interlude to a movie with which he was having difficulties. He only managed two stories before running out of juice and time.. It's the second story that lights the blue touchpaper. The incomparable genius of Chris Doyle's camerawork and WKW's direction soar above most plodding explorations of love and indeed, most other inventions of recent cinematic storytelling. The best combination since Godard and Coutard? Sublime.

If you are into the work of Christopher Doyle and Wong kar-wai I would highly recommend, quirky, fun, with highly artistic filming

This is still one of the best films ever made. Exploring the interactions with strangers we make every day,some will mean something some will be forgotten. Filmed in a wonderful pop art style, with a great soundtrack. On first watching, you might think i'm mad saying it's so good, then you'll keep remembering things from the film and want to watch it again, and you'll realise how good it is. I think it will appeal to people who like spending time on there own, and like people watching. The Blu-Ray conversion is good and worth the upgrade at this price.

OK, it's arty and more than a little strange, but it cheered me up considerably after a hard week. This film abounds in that off-beat cheerfulness which you find in so many films from Hong Kong, whether they're about very nasty gangsters or quirky love affairs, reminders that life is worth living, from the can-do capital of the world.PS I'm no fan of Quentin Tarantino - if you're not either, don't be put off by his endorsement!