Chungking Express (1996)

We can thank Quentin Tarantino for this one.  His new distribution 
company has imported this remarkable romantic comedy by Hong Kong 
filmmaker Wong Kar-Wai.  The story has two segments, both about 
policemen coping with the loss of love.  Officer #233 (Takeshi 
Kaneshiro) meets a mystery woman (Brigitte Lin) who helps him over 
the hump; Officer #663 (Tony Leung Chiu-Wai) is rescued by a deli-
counter worker (Faye Wong) who sneaks into his life.  Both stories 
are very sweet and *very* stylish.  Don't let the words "romantic 
comedy" fool you; CHUNGKING EXPRESS is a technical marvel.  This is 
amazing, virtuoso stuff-- such as Kar-Wai's incredible high-speed 
slow-motion-- that was shot, believe it or not, in just 23 days.  
The world should have so many good filmmakers. (Rated "PG-13"/97 
min.)

Grade: A-

Copyright 1996 by Michael J. Legeros

Originally posted to triangle.movies in MOVIE HELL: May 12, 1996