Rent Chungking Express (1994)

Brash Hong Kong Style - Chungking Express review by CP Customer

Returning to Chungking Express does not diminish the brilliance of Christopher Doyle's cinematography. The lighting, colours and tapestry that he weaves onscreen are extremely vivid and distinctive. Unfortunately the quality of the DVD transfer is not as pristine as it deserves to be. This doesn't hamper your enjoyment of these two Hong Kong love tales, each thankfully completely different. Both feature a unique charm, and take you on a voyage of Hong Kong at night. A modern classic in the making.

Very enjoyable half of a film - Chungking Express review by DT

This is a film that was on my watch list for a long time, and if you watch the introduction on the DVD you'll hear Quentin Tarantino describe Wong Kar Wai as one of the most exciting and energetic directors to have emerged during the 90s.

Chungking Express involves 2 stories based around a fast food shop where the central characters spend much of their time. It contains many fun, emotional and memorable moments, but unfortunately almost all of them are in the 2nd story.

To describe the plot I would say Tony Leung's "Cop 663" breaks up with his flight attendant girlfriend who returns his key to the Midnight Express fast food shop that he frequents, and where Faye Wong works. Faye takes the key and secretly spends her time in his flat, cleaning, redecorating and just hanging out, while the cop is almost completely oblivious.

That's just the 2nd story. I saw this just 4 days ago and I can barely remember the 1st story. Something about pineapples? It's not to say it's bad so don't let me put you off. It just felt like it wasn't developed well enough for me to engage with it. Luckily the 2nd story has a longer running time and, as it's the 2nd part, the film doesn't peak too soon.

Supposedly there was supposed to be a third story, which was then developed into a stand alone film in Fallen Angels. I look forward to seeing this along with other work from Wong Kar Wai as I can definitely see potential when the plot is given room to breathe.

Simply a brilliant film. - Chungking Express review by TE

This is a twinned love story that has the feel of a modern 'Breathless' ('A Bout de Souffle').

The overall 'look' of the film represents a triumph of cinematography. There is a lightness of touch and a subtle wit about the whole enterprise.

This is not ultimately as satisfying and profound as Wong Kar Wei's 'In the Mood for Love', but it is a thoroughly enjoyable experience.