In the Mood for Love: Picture Worth a Thousand Words | Video Essay

[@joelman1989]

I remember my twin brother renting this movie from Netflix years ago and watching it multiple times. He jokingly invited me to watch knowing I wasn’t into his weird foreign films. Now, I’m actually going to watch it, and surprise him with my insights of the film. Man, how time changes you. Edit: I watched it! I texted him “are you in the mood for love?” He freaked out. “What you know about that?” I talked to him about all the things I learned in this video and other things I picked up. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him visibly proud haha. He was so happy.

[@TheSwordfish009]

watch "Stations of the Cross (2015)". German.

[@Iwatchyoutube777]

My boy is finally getting sponsors👍

[@AccentedCinema]

I'm a real KZbinr.

[@Iwatchyoutube777]

Accented Cinema a real good one too

[@Kay-kg6ny]

So exciting!

[@duchi882]

*I'm a simple man* if Accented Cinema recommends a film I'm watching it

[@Phanithc192]

Lol

[@tccandler]

"In the Mood for Love" is one of my Top 10 Films of All Time. Breathtaking cinema.

[@robinvlog8878]

Suggest me rest 9☺️

[@kingsleylincoln339]

i know Im asking randomly but does anyone know of a trick to get back into an instagram account?? I was dumb forgot the login password. I appreciate any tips you can offer me!

[@kingsleylincoln339]

@Brock Kobe i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and im in the hacking process atm. Takes quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.

[@kingsleylincoln339]

@Brock Kobe it did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much you saved my account !

[@brockkobe9594]

@Kingsley Lincoln glad I could help xD

[@bessyxyz]

When I was watching the movie, I always felt like I know I'm watching a conversation that I'm not a part of. Even when the camera was so close to their faces, I felt like I was intruding. This feeling kinda made sense when I realized that the movie was supposed to be called Secrets, because whatever secret they had, it's supposedly only shared between the two of them, and that filled hole in the wall.

[@sandra3269]

Personally, I find that the film belongs in one's memory, rather to be seen over and over. Maybe it's stupid, but I really prefer to remember, to contemplate on this movie a lot more than I actually want to experience it again - splendid as it is! This film (along with 2046) is one of those I will think about for the rest of my life. :)

[@riva2003]

As it should be. It used to be the case that people only get watch a film only when it is in cinema. After that, it lives on in one's memory. It is a beautiful thing.

[@aryaroy476]

"He remembers those vanished years. As though looking through a dusty window pane, the past is something he could see, but not touch. And everything he sees is blurred and indistinct."

[@onemillionpercent]

for sure, this. its meant to be reflected upon, simmering in the mind

[@grey_f98]

I actually agree. The film goes to great pains to make itself feel like a dream or an old nostalgic memory. And now as time has passed I actually remember this movie like it's an old rosy memory from my own past. I remember it with the same nostalgia and reverence with which I remember similar events from my own past. So to watch this movie again would sort of break that nostalgia. For example, imagine a very memorable moment from your real life past. It's special to you because it happened only once and now you can only relive that faded memory by remembering it again and again till you die, but you can never redo that moment again, and this makes it feels legendary in some ways. If you experienced that moment twice then it would feel less special or legendary. Similarly, this movie feels so special because it has created a permanent home in my memory, now I have those same wistful feelings when I remember this movie that Tony Leung's character also felt in the movie, and rewatching the movie might take that magic away.

[@vincentsalvadorlatosa5077]

Great performances from Maggie Cheung, Tony Leung and all of the cast and crew. This maybe the best movie Wong Kar Wai directed.

[@oliverdelica2289]

Vincent Salvador Latosa wait Ka Kui Chan's girlfriend from Police Story and Tequila's buddy from Hard Boiled in one movie?

[@vincentsalvadorlatosa5077]

@@oliverdelica2289 I'm not sure if it is Maggie Cheung.

[@maxvetter1336]

I’m personally more preferential to Chungking Express.

[@vincentsalvadorlatosa5077]

@@manvithharikiran2675 Thank you.

[@maggiejetson7904]

@@vincentsalvadorlatosa5077 It is her.

[@carilhoimelda6577]

I cried watching the ending and I never fell in love with a movie but this one took the cake

[@fujitafunk]

One of my favorite films. There’s so many layers to this film it’s ridiculous and the way it’s just patched together leaves you wanting more yet the characters are SO developed. The deleted scenes and cast interviews are also so intriguing as well. Truly Wong Kar Wai’s masterpiece.

[@andersdenkend]

One of the most beautiful HK movies. Kudos to Christopher Doyle for making almost all Wong Kar-Wai movies look great!

[@AccentedCinema]

It's hard to believe Doyle only worked on half the film, consider how consistent the visual is.

[@andersdenkend]

Oh, I did not even know that.

[@muhammadrajaul1035]

Actually Doyle denied when the director Wong Kar wai asks him to reshoot not because the earlier version was not good, it's because the director thinks Chinatown looks more familiar to 60's Hong Kong.

[@khoowenshi]

hahaha @ "almost all"

[@huangcuping1801]

I'm an overseas born Chinese. I found your channel and immediately attracted by your specialty on Chinese related movies. I really enjoy and love the way you analyse the film. Bravo! Always inspiring. Make me know more on Chinese movies.

[@qklese]

The first time I watched this as a kid, I remember being so confused at the end. Rewatched it a few years ago and the experience completely changed my mind.

[@acadia5898]

one of, if not my favorite movies being covered by one of, if not my favorite channels. thank you!. i'm a filmmaker and writing a specific script that is heavily inspired by In The Mood For Love, so i'm probably gonna watch this video many many more times. again thank you so much!

[@kiernanhahn6712]

Between this and another recommendation, I finally got to see this film. It was genuinely one of the most emotionally resonant sensations I've experienced.

[@comradejosephstalinoftheus8698]

This is my favorite film ever. It's indescribably beautiful.

[@johngomez3134]

nice to hear your feedback Stalin.

[@hailhummus]

My favourite movie of all time. I've watched this film probably 10 times but haven't read or watched too many analyses. Yours is very insightful. Thank you!

[@hamidachan7392]

Thank you for your footage,and explanation of the film, through your'camera eyes'.Yes, I've seen the film.Very artistic, charismatic, and beautiful especially the Chongsams, Mrs.Chan wears.

[@terrencebadger4149]

I own it and watch it at least once a year. The colors,sounds ,clothes and performances are truly breathtaking.

[@karisfrazier1800]

I remember watching this movie as a kid. My dad loved Chinese cinema and he still does. It’s refreshing to a well made video like this.

[@muzzzai1130]

No one mention their dress are different when they are together and when they aren't together? when they are in single frame they have Mrs. Chen dark dress and Mr. Chow have dark neckties...when they are together in single frame, they both have colorful attire..

[@cheesymoi]

張叔平 William Cheung is the greatest Art Director / Stylist in Hong Kong cinema.

[@AnNguyen-ev7nd]

Out of all the video analyses I have watched, this one is the most eye-opening

[@karlchandran4631]

The beauty of the movie grabbed me and gave me a profoundly impactful experience. The first thing you notice, is its pacing. The pacing felt patient and at times ruptured. The way Chow and Su play-act imaginary scenes between their cheating spouses is amazingly beautiful to watch! I saw the movie years ago, and I just watched it again after watching this video! The movie hasn't lost any of it's beauty and impact.

[@andyzhang7890]

I watched this movie last night. I don’t think I’ve ever been so mesmerized by a movie before. I compulsively move and fiddle whenever I’m sitting, but I think for the first time in my life, I was a complete statue through an entire film. I was literally speechless after finishing it.

[@timgriffin3368]

One of the best movies of this century, and of all time.

[@Ironheart73]

This has to be the most tragic story ever put on film. Not because someone dies, or their spouses catch the affair, but because they did have feelings for each other that could never be realized and moreover, fate just keeps bringing them apart. Romeo and Juliet, and even Brokeback mountain are less tragic love stories than this because at the very least the couple got to experience the full extent of their love and happiness even for just a while. Here that never happens. We see them help each other through the pain of learning that their spouses are having an affair. They act out the affairs themselves to help cope with their realities, until they finally begin to have feelings for each other, but before they could begin an affair of their own, it had to end. But the most painful part is that they now have to live the next few years of their lives missing each other, and clearly you can see how fate just keeps separating them.

[@makukawakami]

there is so much things to talk about in this film. the frames, the routines, the clock, the setting. it is an amazing movie. i remember talking to a film student friend about this movie for thirty minutes. it's an amazing movie

[@acvenga]

This is one of my favorite films of all time, the mere thought of it puts a smile on my face everytime. Thank you for your video!

[@Hananotaka]

That change from cuts to pans is freaking genius. The intangible made visceral.

[@caesartopacio9636]

This is your classiest movie review/analysis so far.

[@AccentedCinema]

Had to do this movie justice.

[@oeleos6730]

I just saw the restored 4k version in the cinema, and loved it. A masterpiece.

[@kengrayfield]

One of my most beloved films. Pure poetry in motion!

[@MTheory333]

Just watched last night. A truly remarkable film. Your perfect summary is its poetry on film. As well as you explained and brought to light things I missed there is just something about the film that can’t be explained. Only felt. Very very few films are capable of that. I thoroughly look forward to the rest of Wong Kar-Wei’s films

[@sainaa0316]

I remember watching this video. 2 years ago after watching the movie. Back then you had only few thousand views. So glad your channel doing great.

[@theruleofthree2851]

Thanks for your insightful analysis of this timeless masterpiece. In The Mood For Love is on top of my list of favorite films, along with Days of Being Wild and 2046. I've watched it a number of times. And I see something new each time. Now, this video has just made me want to see it again tonight.

[@katrinaschnatterinaasmr7757]

Thank you for analyze this movie. It's my absolutely favourite of love/romance movies.

[@merryjman]

Great movie and excellent analysis. You have a narration style that is perfect for the films you analyze: very patient and clear. Bravo!

[@random-fish]

Thank you! Such a wonderful breakdown of the visuals of this movie: space, framing, camera work. This movie really is a poem. I love it so much.

[@enriqueestebanantoniosuare6414]

I have no words, it's a piece of poetry. Beautiful!

[@onewinter9411]

I've been wanting to watch it for years until my cinema aired the 20th anniversary restoration and boy was I in the mood for love. It was everything I imagined it would be; utterly beautiful.

[@williamc9578]

Wong Kar Wai's most atmospheric work to date. I am not a big fan of his, but this was really really well done in an art-house film kinda way. Maggie Cheung was exceptional, Tony Leung was also excellent in his subtle way. Wong puts a lot of thought into his cinematography, much more so than most of his HK contemporaries. This film is a classic, and probably a good case study for film students.

[@modtomodern]

Thanks, you scratched my surface. The colours are so subtle and restrained, I love the pure design of this movie.

[@fatimash.9223]

It is one of my favorite movies, and your video made me understand it from another angle, thanks a lot.

[@michaelgarza8271]

One of the greatest films of all time.

[@lhdraw]

I never noticed and appreciated the framing so much until you pointed it out. Another great essay. I'm going to watch this again and soak up the visuals with a new appreciation

[@yalekho5040]

The frames, the tight collars of chen-Sam, the tight suits and the windows not only give us a view as the peepers but also as the symbolic of suppression, pressure and restrictions on these characters. If you watch this movie on the bigger screen, the audience will feel the tightness, sitting in the narrow hallway, alley peeping these people fallen in love.

[@amileoj9043]

Superb piece of film criticism, on a richly deserving subject: Wong Kar-wai's masterpiece, and one of the most visually striking & powerful films of the last several decades.

[@jacksonbrown4112]

Rewatching this as its one of the best essays out there ❤️

[@purika8324]

Thank you for reviewing this movie. Had you not made this video, I never would've heard about this movie. I just watched it and all I can say that it's so beautiful -- the story, character interaction, everything -- I just love it. I especially love the aspect that it didn't have that cheesy romantic scenes which are very common in Asian shows (as far as I have seen). It was presented in a sweet and mature way. It kinda reminds me of the anime movie 5cm per second.

[@beaudanner]

"even the teapot was sexy"

[@feruknb100]

hahahaha lmao

[@beaudanner]

@@feruknb100 not my line ;) A line from an actual review when it was released... which is even better

[@carpatifara4951]

Thanks!

[@kanishkbaluni]

"IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE " is one of its kind film....a film which has no comparison......i remember how i was not looking for something like this but it struck me soo hard that it became one of my favorite movies ever !!!! and which led me to see all of wong kar wai's (director of the movie) movies...... p.s - (i liked all the other wong kar wai movies too)......... the thing that i liked the most about the movie "in the mood for love " is the attraction of the leads towards each other which was soo much... that it burned my mind and my body !...........but the reality of the situation was and always will be rough and they both couldn't be together .

[@Maros_Mari]

I really loved that movie and this was first of Wong Kar Wai's movies Id seen. It is beautiful and has many layers like a poetry. Similarly 2046 was amazing and close to this one. Thank you for the insight, I enjoyed it and could uncover and look deeper. Well done.

[@chrislee3601]

Just watched this film for the first time, and this wonderful video helped me appreciate it even more than I did on a first watch. Thank you!

[@GiantGeekGuy]

Been watching this channel for a few years now, and it introduced me to this masterpiece of a movie, so I thought of rewatching this video, and probably the food video as well. This movie really is, as the video says, poetry. You need to have an eye for detail, an artist's vision, in order to fully appreciate every touch of art. In poetry, you notice the words used or the wordplay, how a single word can add a lot of meaning. In this movie, you notice the lighting, the design, the shadows, the camera angle and movement, the placement of characters, everything complementing the film so well, to a degree that makes you think, "Damn, that was a beautiful." Easily Top 10/Top 20 of my favorite films.

[@alvinkuo777]

It would be nice to see you do an exploration of 2046 and then when It’s sequel Blossoms comes out, an overall examination of the trilogy. Though who knows if Wong Kar Wai will change the film as he is making it. He is the improviser of cinema today; I can’t think of many directors who are willing to edit out characters and create new stories from his footage. Btw I miss the old Hong Kong cinema, both the stars and the directors. Great movies coming from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan from the 80s to early 00. Now there are only a few directors who are putting out work on that level, usually at festivals and sometimes banned or censored.

[@seanc9520]

a shout out to Christopher Doyle the cinematographer for this movie. in a movie without cg or stunt work , the person who puts everything on film deserves greater respect

[@billysanpidro]

It's also Mark Lee Ping-bin's work. Half of the film is shot by Doyle, the other by Lee.

[@Meeeeeee37]

You brought me into chinese cinema , love from india

[@tykszeto]

Sadly, I've NEVER watched this film... but definitely looking to check it out now! Back in the days I remember my mom telling me how Wong Ka Wai movies are "boring"... so we never rented the LD (or was it VHS at the time?)... Often opting for action films, or comedies...

[@isn0t42]

I saw "In the Mood for Love" for the first time yesterday, back to back with "2046" (2046 first), and I believe that's the best way I could've watched it.

[@samkun2516]

Movie is so deep,and that's where it ends for me .Unfortunately I cant even try to "scratch the surface " as our narrator said. I can't Express myself that good but I know what is a good movie . I felt it instantly. Around the same time there was movie "Baran" premiered,and if you liked ITMFL check this picture too. Foreign movie makers don't have money to make spectacle that's why they work so hard to present something worthy watching. They always had my attention.

[@zenli1407]

Just watched this movie and have lots of feelings I can't exactly explain. Thanks for this video essay, it helped clear some things up.

[@datdoodle]

I'm so glad I've discovered your channel. Definitely one of my top favorite channels I'm subbed to.

[@victorurosa]

Loved your analysis, one of my favorite films ever. And I love the frase at the end!

[@EnnameMori]

Oh god I love this film. I first saw it on a crappy, tiny, airplane screen and fell for it entirely. Still haunts me.

[@yalekho5040]

You should watch Criterion Director’s Extended Cut Version.

[@EnnameMori]

@@yalekho5040 ordering :)

[@chrislee3601]

@@yalekho5040 what is added in that version

[@TheMeatballSwede]

I saw this movie a few years ago and remember it being a bit difficult to understand. I might want to give it a try again.

[@dojinho]

I have seen this movie several times, probably around twenty. It is a piece of art like a Monet or a Cézanne, that I don't get tired of looking at (or watching). But I like this type of analysis which make me realize a few things I did not catch on. I'm certain there is much to say about this film. One thing is for sure: I will need to watch it again soon. Thank you for this hommage to this great director, the superb actors and the music score, which is almost like another actor in the movie! 🙂

[@bhaskarsuryanarayan5251]

Thank you for such a lucid explanation. Am sure that your teacher would be proud of you. Keep up the good work 🙏🙏🙏

[@vice2997]

Beautiful channel, sad I only came to know of it's existence only now. Best video i've seen about the this beautiful film.

[@tefstepho]

This is amazing. You are amazing. I love how you talk, how you present your observations and ideas. Thank you for another great video!

[@boredguy52]

This is a fantastic breakdown!!! Thank you, great work.

[@tamlandipper29]

This film is the epitome of a cinematic transport into another life and world.

[@jordanlaramore5430]

You never ever disappoint!!! I'm about to watch this movie again!!!

[@RClover2461]

I teared up watching this more than when I was watching the film itself lol. In The Mood for Love is one of those films that I really should love, but it just didn't connect with me as much as I want it to. Fallen Angels and Happy Together, however, are transcendent films.

[@akajkyt]

Great video! I just watched this film and I absolutely loved it!

[@Mmxxaamm]

Amazing analysis, I wish you start reviewing films without minding about spoilers, so you can go deep into the narrative and key points of the story, I'll love to hear what you think about every film I watched this quarantine lol. I always wondered, why Kar-Wai chose Quizás, Quizás, Quizás, an hispanic song singed by an american for a Honk-Kong movie, and play it repeatedly through it, always wondered about that

[@janbonne]

Thank you for this, it is such a nice thing to watch but also I watched the surf shark promo and really feel it's nice how you did a preamble and label for the sponsored content.

[@AstonMartinStig]

This video is one of my favorite youtube videos.

[@idham21y.c84]

One of my fav film

[@ilovecodemonkeys]

I think Every Frame a Painting (edit: It was Nerdwriter1 thanks for the correction AC) did a video on this about the framing of enclosed spaces where the characters are put into cramped spaces during times of conflict It’s a beautifully shot movie Edit: you’ve got the chops to make it big in film analysis. I get huge vibes of EFAP from you :)

[@AccentedCinema]

The video you are thinking about is probably from Nerdwriter1, another great video essay channel.

[@ilovecodemonkeys]

@@AccentedCinema I stand corrected :D I forgot Nerdwriter sometimes does video essays about movies too

[@Mr.Turano]

Thank you, every time you mentioned it, I wished you would do a stand alone. I'm glad you did.

[@rebok58809]

Thank you, that was a lovely essay for one of my favourite films.

[@rafaelandrade7627]

The best film of the century so far. One of the best films of all time.

[@philiproberts7748]

Amazing review, you totally got me in the mood of understanding all the details and deepness, significance, symbolic of this wonderful movie, thanks so much! :)

[@marcosriano56]

Great video. Thanks for sharing your perception. Valuable.

[@spanishderp]

You're highly underrated, you should have a couple million subscribers atleast

[@johnchoi8748]

Awesome analysis!! I love that "poetry in cinema"... So cool that you got to watch a 35mm print!

[@viratubaltseva5391]

Thank you for a great review! I'm absolutely in love with this film..

[@evl619]

My favorite movie ever, thank you for the video. However, you didn't once mention about the music, how could you!!!

[@Leguinan]

Totally off topic, but, dude, I love your voice.

[@oligreen1192]

That movie is absolutely beautiful and so humane in a way that’s it shares truth of love and lies.

[@Lanfeartyve]

I am binge watching your videos, thinking "I wonder what he thinks of In the Mood for Love" and voila! Subscribing right now. Thank you!

[@charlesheck6812]

I don’t think I’ve ever found another actress as absolutely magnetic, gorgeous, statuesque, and beautiful as Maggie Cheung in this movie. And Tony Leung…brilliant.

[@nanjarou103]

One of the best movies for anyone in film school

[@seankim2743]

Thanks for this. Excellent work as always.

[@therightone5708]

Awesome. All of your video flows really well.

[@niniru]

I just want to say, Thank You for making this video... You've helped me catch a grasp to this movie after 10 years >.

[@NaeemCho]

Wow wow wow. I cannot wait to rewatch this film for the third time with a new pair of eyes. Thank you so much for this analysis!

[@dojokonojo]

I heard about this film during some award for best foreign film. It's a terrible shame I still haven't found the time to see it yet.

[@ruedelta]

I'm sold! Now let me stop this video so that I can watch the original first. Why are you so damn compelling?

[@admiraltrung-ankancollepla2201]

Hey, Accented Cinema. Will you make about Chinese animation?

[@AccentedCinema]

Might be watching the recent Ne Zha animated film in a few days. Not an expect on the whole industry but I can talk about individual films.

[@wackywong]

You should do a video on Havic in Heaven.

[@wackywong]

Crap, how do I edit on the phone? I meant Havoc in Heaven, of course. Made right before the cultural revolution.

[@i1ov3Ram3n]

@@AccentedCinema should I watch your video before or after watching this movie haha. Afraid of spoilers

[@AccentedCinema]

@@i1ov3Ram3n if you have no prior knowledge on film aesthetics, I'd suggest watch the video, first. At any point during the video, if you think you got the idea, stop it and go watch the film. Then come back.

[@stevengallanter]

Cruel and beautiful at one and the same time.