Fallen Angels (1995)
This was the natural “sequel” to Chungking Express, but it left me somewhat disappointed. The connection between the two films are clear where it almost goes for the reverse of the message in Chungking Express. Before we had bright day with the euphoria of love, while this movie is set entirely at night and goes for a much grimmer and depressive view of love.
I can see why Wong Kar-Wai sees those two as a whole, but I was barely invested this time around. The story is way more confusing and while I can appreciate the creative ideas behind the unique camerawork, having almost the entire movies shot in a distorted widelens was just too much for my taste. I didn’t like the assassination parts in Chungking Express and this turns it up to 11, but I would rather watch a John Woo movie for that kind of stuff.
Chungking Express won me over with its loveable and interesting characters which Fallen Angels lacked. Reading up on Wong Kar-Wais own thoughts about these two movies, it seems like his intent was to make the city itself the main character. And I am sure it gives an interesting and believable portrayal of Hong Kong, but I need a bit more than that to be engaged in a movie.
Rating: 2.5