Chungking Express (1994) - Jan Chen 44558058

CHUNGKING EXPRESS (1994) 

Directed by: Kar-Wai Wong 

* SPOILER ALERT *

Cop 223 and Qiwu 

Chungking Express (1994) directed by Kar-Wai Wong is a film that consists of two stories about two lovestruck policemen in the heart of Hong Kong. The first half of the movie focuses on Cop 223, who has broken up with his girlfriend of 5 years. His girlfriend had broken up with him on the 1st of April (April fools day) and his birthday is on the 1st of May, so he decides to give it a month before letting go. This is seen through the obsession he develops with buying every pineapple tin that expires on the 1st of May, as he believes that it will end in two ways; either their love will be reconnected or it would be expired forever. At the same time a woman is struggling in the drug world as she gets cheated by people she had trusted to help her smuggle drugs. The two cross paths in a bar and spend a night of sadness and tiredness together. 

The second story is about Cop 663, who is also dealing with a similar break up with a flight attendant. Whilst on duty he meets the new sandwich bar girl called Faye, who secretly falls in love with him and obtains the keys to his apartment. While he is out, she changes and redecorates his apartment to improve his lifestyle. Cop 663 unaware of these changes because of his breakup, gradually becomes happier as these subtle changes happen. Eventually the two arrange a date, but Cop 663 gets stood up. However Faye returns as a flight attendant and finds that Cop 663 has taken over the shop she used to work at and is now turning it into a business. 

Faye leaving Cop 663's apartment

Chungking Express (1994) was by far one of the strangest movies that I have watched and I must admit, my favourite story was the second one about Cop 663. It is hilarious and sad all at the same time and the mis en scene's throughout the story and also in the first story captures Hong Kong perfectly, with the small spaces and the busy streets and lifestyle that many people in Hong Kong live. It is a very different and creative film directed by Kar-Wai Wong. If you are looking for an interesting, funny, strange and open ended international film, then Chungking Express  is the film for you. 

Cop 663 in his apartment talking to the stuffed toy 

Trailer:

The Dissolve, (2013). Chungking Express Forum. [images] Available at: https://thedissolve.com/features/movie-of-the-week/218-chungking-express-forum/ [Accessed 13 Oct. 2016].

Chungking Express (1994)- Pineapples and relationships. (2015). [image] Available at: https://mealenscene.wordpress.com/2015/02/19/chungking-express-1994-pineapples-relationships/ [Accessed 13 Oct. 2016].

IMBD, (1996). Chungking Express (1994). [image] Available at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109424/mediaviewer/rm3056080128 [Accessed 13 Oct. 2016].

Jan Chen (44558058)