2046 Movie Review

2046 (2004)

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Written by: Wong Kar-Wai (screenplay)
Directed by: Wong Kar-Wai
Starring: Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Ziyi Zhang, Faye Wong
Rated: R
Watch the trailer

Plot
Several women enter a science fiction author's life over the course of a few years, after the author has lost the woman he considers his one true love.

Verdict
This is one of those movies that is more of a mood and thought rather than a plot. The protagonist remembers people from his life, and you begin to feel his regret as he longs for what might have been. This movie wants to, and does, evoke a feeling, using colors and framing to that end. It's likely more enjoyable for movie buffs, as the average person will wonder what's happening and what's the plot. It certainly gets a boost because it's artistic, but it does excel at what it attempts.
It depends.

Review
I really like Wong Kar-Wai's  movies, my favorites being In the Mood for Love and Chungking Express. This movie is a loose sequel to In the Mood for Love, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung plays the same character from that movie.

Tony Chiu-Wai Leung plays Chow Mo-wan

Chow Mo-wan (Tony Chiu-Wai Leung) returns to Hong Kong, staying in room 2047. The movie revolves around his relationship with various women that stay in room 2046. Chow is an author and part of the movie portrays the book he's writing involving a mysterious room 2046. His science fiction story contrasts with his life. In his book, this destination is a place of balance and consistency where no one ever leaves. That's in contrast to the room that shares that number in his real life.

Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Zhang Ziyi play Chow Mo-wan, Bai Ling

Wong's movies have a train of thought quality to them. There isn't an end goal. We see things happen, glimpsing pieces of Chow's life. It's like we're jumping inside Chow's mind as he remembers the women that have stayed in that room, his relationship with them, and how they've impacted him. Those relationships also inform his book. This is Chow remembering his past, but like most of us he only remembers the best and worst parts.

The events don't unfold chronologically. The entire movie is mood and style first. All of Wong's movies are steeped in style, providing a distinct look and great visual composition. Through this look we get the feeling that Chow is thinking about what could have. All of these women eventually left while Chow remained. All he has left are memories.