edward_tan

Being an avid fan of Wong Kar Wei, I must say that I'm really disappointed with this offering. Very much style over substance and overly long, 2046 could do with a bit more story telling.

None of the stories seem very interesting and one might surmise that Wong has dried up on ideas. The performances were good and the film is visually stunning (as with all works by Chris Doyle). However, it just doesn't move you as much as his previous works. And though there's always some suspicion in previous films of some link or reference to an earlier film (usually Days of Being Wild), this is the only offering where the references are less than subtle.

I'm sure this film will still impress newcomers but for those who have followed him the last 15 years, it's best to lower your expectations.

Johnny To (another HK director) once said that Wong wasn't doing anything new in his films. With 2046, I'm inclined to agree.

Read so much about this film that it was inevitable that I be let down by high expectations. It's good but not great. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more had I watched it when I was younger. Much like what Hal Hartley had over me when I was a teen but not now.

Anyhow, the soundtrack was a great throw back to the mid `80s. And there's this great version of Mad World (Tears for Fears) right at the end. But then again, it isn't great like the Some Kind of Wonderful soundtrack.

A beautiful movie that addresses life's simple pleasures.

Marooned on an island, this band of soldiers are left with nothing to do and no war to fight. They mull around waiting for their apparent "call up" while soaking up along the Mediterranean. As their thoughts of war wane, they begin to explore the meaning of life.

With minimal dialogue, the juxtaposition between death (war) and life (the sea) is remarkably achieved through brilliant cinematography. With the sea as a backdrop, we are asked to question our existence and deduce our priorities.

This film will make you go for a holiday!