2046 (2004)
In 2046, no one is emotionally available.
Presentation:
The sequel to In the Mood for Love, this made me appreciate the original so much more. The reason I prefer 2046 is because there more of a concrete story to connect with, but oddly enough, even though I still don’t resonate with Wong Kar Wai’s masterpiece, thins film makes it clear that it is a superior film. The cinematography in this film is just as if not more decadent with beautiful blocking despite the copious amount of close-ups. I’m not really impressed by the sci-fi sequences, but I am by the overall color and presentation. The attention is spread thin with 3 love interests, and though I love Zhang Ziyi, I don’t think her persona fit this role. Even if they brought on the trifecta with Shu Qi, I still don’t think they could have matched the chemistry and grace of one Maggie Cheung.
Analysis:
The main theme of the film is how all lovers are soul searching for a love from the past. Tony Leung's character can't get over his first love from the first film, and becomes a nihilistic lover, jaded from heartbreak and passing woman to woman. All of the lovers are lonely and searching for love, but as the film states, timing is everything in love. These miserable lovers can't get over their past and it prevents them from continuing on with their lives. There's a key point being made, which is that all people are pursuing love, but they all have a traumatic history of heartbreak. No one is emotionally available and it's quite poetic how everyone is a missing puzzle piece that doesn't fit in the chronology of time. People never come back from 2046.
Conclusion:
You really shouldn’t be taking romance recommendations from the Hall of Spice, but if you are so inclined, I think this inferior sequel is more enjoyable than the legendary In the Mood for Love. They say whether a movie is a comedy or tragedy depends on when the film ends, well this film shows what happens after the heartbreak and it beats you to a pulp. It’s depressing, nihilistic, and reveals a completely believable truth. But if you are in the mood for heartbreak, this allows you to marinate in that misery for an eternity.
Recommendations
In 2046, no one is emotionally available.