I had been wanting to catch up Won Kar-wai's flicks for long. He is a legend with many 'classics' to this name. So when I got the opportunity to watch ChungKing Express at Fun Cinemas, Andheri, there was no way I was going to miss it.
I had no idea what the story was about or what's the 'deal' with Won Kar-wai's films. So going with an open head made it a very interesting viewing.
ChungKing Express tells different stories. From what I recall (it's been a while since I watched it) the first one starts with a cop being ditched by his girl and falling for another woman who is going through her own issues and ends up drunk at his place; the second, unrelated story tells about a girl falling in love with another policeman.
The fact that two stories are part of one film, which are unrelated make it a not so normal viewing. The film production values are on the raw side but you are aware that an accomplished film-maker is at work courtesy the way the depiction happens.
The seemingly meaningless stories reveal about romance, betrayal & attachment. The stories, especially the second story seems to drag a bit but since the characters keep moving on, keep progressing the telling is pretty effective.
The film despite having no direct connection between the two stories manage to grip you courtesy the interesting characters who engage you and that's where Won Kar-wai scores including the clever way of using the songs and music.
The film or stories are not standard flowing. Highly likely that Kar-wai worked with an extreme low budget and courtesy his skills portrayed an effective portrait of the life of common people through his random-like action. He is like a painter who seems to free-flow with gay abandon and yet...conveying emotions through the characters.
Normal audience looking for entertainment may not have a great time watching this but cinema-loving folks, students of cinema should check this one out.
Writer: Won Kar-wai
Director: Won Kar-wai
Rating ***
[Max Rating ****]
[Viewed at Fun Cinemas with Bhumika on 15th Oct, 2009, 7pm show]
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