2046

A follow-up to 2000's In the Mood for Love, 2046 continues Chow Mo-Wan's misadventures in love. 2046 is set not long after where In the Mood for Love left off, and in this film, the viewer is given the opportunity to get to know the inner workings of Chow's mind. His motivations for his relationships and the issues of his daily life are woven together with excerpts from a science-fiction novel Chow is writing in order to pay the bills. This novel is not surprisingly, entitled 2046. In it, the world's people are all trying to get to a place called 2046 where one's best memories can be relived which is precisely what Chow is trying to do when he moves in next to another hotel room with the number 2046. Chow's good memories relate to his relationship with Mrs Chan as outlined in In the Mood for Love and through each new relationship, he tries to find the passion and happiness they formerly had. Sadly, by picture's end, Chow realizes that the past cannot be revisited. Stellar performances from Tony Leung, Faye Wong, Zhang Ziyi and Gong Li in a film with a similar dreamy quality to ITMFL, but far grittier and harsher about the realities of life and love. See the link below for a review.

http://www.lovehkfilm.com/reviews_2/2046.htm

PS. The review states that 2046's Chow isn't the one we see in In the Mood for Love. I disagree with this, otherwise what would be the point of referring to it? If you see both of these films, decide for yourself.