But if watching Wong Kar-wai's films doesn't find the joy in his iconic plot and dialogue, then don't. To me, the part of Fallen Angels that echoes Chungking Express is a fascinating game. Shops, cans, stewardess costumes and Takeshi Kaneshiro, most of these symbols in this film have an existential value precisely for the purpose of "repeating" "Chongqing Forest". Without that, the fun of the movie would be much less. I think because of these "repetitions", "Chongqing Forest" and "Fallen Angels" are interestingly combined into a larger cinematic space. The men, women and emotions of the city were originally a wide puzzle.
Takeshi Kaneshiro from "Fallen Angels" is a variation of Takeshi Kaneshiro from "Chongqing Forest". All the connections with "Chongqing Forest" are actually borrowed from Takeshi Kaneshiro. This is intentional. For example, Takeshi Kaneshiro said that when he was five years old, he ate expired canned food and stopped talking. For example, Takeshi Kaneshiro's confession about passing by. For example, Takeshi Kaneshiro met his old lover dressed as a flight attendant in a shop that looked very much like "Chongqing Forest". I don't think the director re-uses used imagery, scenes or confessions because of the achievements of "Chongqing Forest". Since "Chongqing Forest" and "Fallen Angels" exist in the same space, it is not necessary to provide a connection point, but it has a finishing touch.
However, "Chongqing Forest" and "Fallen Angels" are different in tone. "Chongqing Forest" is basically happy, bright and mischievous. Even in the chaotic city, even if Brigitte Lin always wears a raincoat, even if Takeshi Kaneshiro evaporates tears by running; but many things are still under control, and life is not completely helpless. However, "Fallen Angel" is sad and dark and deep. Things were out of control, and everyone was at a loss. The connection point of Takeshi Kaneshiro is both happy and sad. His mischievousness and optimism in the film are inherited from "Chongqing Forest"; at the same time, behind his mischievousness, there is a deeper lead-like thing extending to "Fallen Angels".
Of course, the connection between people, the atmosphere of loneliness and the emptiness of life in the film are not to be missed. And these, these alone, are enough to touch me. Why do you still care about repeating "Chongqing Forest"?
December 28, 2000
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