Tony Leung (star of Happy Together, Hard Boiled and A Bullet in the Head amongst others),
introduced Wong Kar-Wei's new film In the Mood For Love at a special screening in Melbourne on the 20/3.

The session proved to be so popular that they had to screen the film in two cinemas with Tony introducing it
in one, then going accross to the other cinema.

The crowd was very excited, but they were told to take it easy as Tony Leung was mobbed at his Sydney
appearance to promote this film.

In his short Q&A with a representative from the AFI, Tony Leung talked about the differences in working
with Wong Kar-Wei and John Woo, his first movie role wiht Maggie Cheung (which he said many people
were surprised at because they worked very well together) and mentioned his role in Wong Kar-Wei's upcoming
film 2047.

Review:

Set in 1960's Hong Kong, Mrs Chan (Maggie Cheung) abd Mr Chow (Tony Leung) move in next
door to each other with their respective partners.

They are sharing appartments with two seperate families and during the move some
of their possessions get mixed up. This is when Mr Chow and Mrs Chan first meet,
but it is not the last.

They both settle in well to their appartments and go about their lives.
For some strange reason, we never see the faces of Mr Chan and Mrs Chow,
which is important but it is not explained fully.

Everything is not what it seems however, as Mrs Chow keeps working late and
Mr Chan is always away on business. Mrs Chan and Mr Chow try not to notice
and keep going on with their lives.

As much as they try though, two two can't live that way forever and they
seem to be drawn towards each other. Will they get together or not?

This is a very different Hong Kong movie from what has been released recently,
but it is extremely good for it. I've said it before and I'll say it again,
not all Hong Kong movies are about people kicking each other in the head.

It seems to be more of a dramatic film as the romance is very restrained.
The way the romance is handled is what will either make you love the film
or hate it, as it is portrayed as an "almost, but not quite" type of
relationship and it does take its own time play out.

The cinematography of this film is stunning, giving it a very unique and
intimate feel. (Most of it is shot indoors, but it never seems claustrophic.)

Special mention must also got to the soundtrack, which not only suits the era
perfectly, but helps give the film character over the many scenes in which it features.
(The cello is one of the instruments that features greatly on the soundtrack, and
is probably what you will remember most about the film appart from the food and smoking.)

I would recommend this film to people who like dramatic movies along with romance fans
(as long as they don't expect a "Hollywood Style" romance.)

Rating : 10/10