Feel the heat, keep the feeling burning, let the sensation explode.
In 1960s Hong Kong, two neighbors form an intimate bond after making a discovery about their spouses in this visually stunning tale of unrequited love.
DramaRomanceadulterynewspapersecret lovemartial artslovesicknesshusband wife relationshipshanghai, chinamarriage crisismarried couplesingaporedeceived husbandforbidden love
- Bleak ending
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Where do you stand?
Three questions people argue about. Answer first, then see how your circle and the community split.
Is this Wong Kar-Wai's best work?
Sign in to answer16 curators have answered. Answer to see the split.
Is it style over substance?
Sign in to answer11 curators have answered. Answer to see the split.
Is it the best drama film of its decade?
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Ask the title a question
Answered from the reviews and content notes on file, never made up. If nothing on file settles it, it says so.
Character
Earnest, prestige, contemplative and character-led.
- earnestironic
- unpretentiousprestige
- contemplativerelentless
- character-ledplot-driven
- intimateepic
Who loves it, who doesn't
10 profiled raters. Loved most by The Empaths; disliked most by The Thrill Chasers.
Reviews
- mara_kThe Empath★★★★★
Wong Kar-wai makes restraint feel like violence. The score alone would earn four stars; the hallway does the rest.(1 spoiler sentence hidden; tap to read)
Cast
- Maggie CheungSu Li-zhen
- Tony Leung Chiu-waiChow Mo-wan
- Siu Ping-LamAh Ping
- Rebecca PanMrs. Suen
- Kelly Lai ChenMr. Ho
- Joe Cheung Tung-ChoMan Living in Mr. Koo's Apartment
- Chan Man-LeiMr. Koo
- Koo Kam-WahMrs. Koo
- Mama HungAmah
- Paulyn SunMrs. Chow (voice)
Crew
- Wong Kar-WaiDirector
- Wong Kar-WaiScreenplay
- Christopher DoyleDirector of Photography
- Mark Lee Ping-BingDirector of Photography
- Michael GalassoOriginal Music Composer
- William Chang Suk-PingEditor
- Chan Ki-HopEditor
- Wong Kar-WaiProducer
Where to watch
| Stream | |
|---|---|
| Free | |
| Rent | |
| Buy |
US availability, powered by JustWatch via TMDB. Other regions
Pairings
Companions we picked from the closest works, and how to take them.
Similar in taste
Closest on the same fourteen dimensions, from everything scored on Curator Co. Other media included when they land close.
Ida 201379% alikeBoth earnest, prestige, contemplative.
Aftersun 202278% alikeBoth earnest, prestige, contemplative.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire 201976% alikeBoth earnest, prestige, contemplative.
The Remains of the Day 199374% alikeBoth earnest, contemplative, prestige.
Past Lives 202374% alikeBoth earnest, contemplative, prestige.
The Virgin Suicides 200073% alikeBoth prestige, contemplative.
The Piano 199370% alikeBoth earnest, prestige, grave.
Rashomon 195067% alikeBoth earnest, prestige, intimate.
The Remains of the Day 198974% alikeBook · Both contemplative, prestige, earnest.
Mad Men 200764% alikeSeries · Both earnest, contemplative, meticulous.
Often watched with
Recommendations from TMDB. Opening one adds it to Curator Co.
