In the Mood for Love

I was busily chatting the afternoon away, munching on crackers and sipping white wine when Nina {of shu uemura} mentioned the next collection, more specifically, the holiday collection of the brand was inspired by Asian filmmaker Wong Kar Wai. If you've ever seen a movie backtrack --- I have felt myself transported to those afternoons when I'd watch In the Mood for Love, as suggested by my film professor {Rica Arevalo}, who was a big fan of the filmmaker. I'd seen 2046 as well and Chungking Express but In the Mood for Love is by far my favorite Wong Kar Wai movie.

Set in Hong Kong, 1962, Chow Mo-Wan is a newspaper editor who moves into a new building with his wife. At approximately the same time, Su Li-zhen, a beautiful secretary and her executive husband also move in to the crowded building. With their spouses often away, Chow and Li-zhen spend most of their time together as friends. They have everything in common from noodle shops to martial arts. Soon, they are shocked to discover that their spouses are having an affair. Hurt and angry, they find comfort in their growing friendship even as they resolve not to be like their unfaithful mates.

I've only been in the face of cheating once and despite being over it, I was thrown into the rabbit hole of sadness and that suckerpunched feeling of being cheated on, as I remember the feeling while watching In the Mood for Love. At the same time, the brewing chemistry, comfort, romantic longing and love between Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung was enough for me to fall in and over in my head. True enough, Wong Kar Wai's signature palette was all over the movie {however more vivid in 2046}.

It is a restless moment. She has kept her head lowered... to give him a chance to come closer. But he could not, for lack of courage. She turns and walks away.

Chow Mo-wan: That handbag I saw you with this evening... Where did you buy it?
Su Li-zhen Chan: Why do you ask?
Chow Mo-wan: It looked so elegant. I want to get one for my wife.
Su Li-zhen Chan: Mr. Chow, you're so good to your wife!
Chow Mo-wan: Not really! My wife is so fussy. Her birthday is some days away. I don't know what to get her. Could you buy one for me to give her?
Su Li-zhen Chan: Maybe she wouldn't want one just exactly the same.
Chow Mo-wan: You're right, I didn't think of that.
Su Li-zhen Chan: A woman would mind.
Chow Mo-wan: Yes, especially since we're neighbors. Do they come in other colors?
Su Li-zhen Chan: I'd have to ask my husband.
Chow Mo-wan: Why?
Su Li-zhen Chan: He bought it for me on a business trip abroad. They aren't on sale here.
Chow Mo-wan: Then never mind.
Su Li-zhen Chan: Actually... I want to ask you something too. Where did you buy your tie?
Chow Mo-wan: I don't know where it came from. My wife buys all my ties.
Su Li-zhen Chan: Really?
Chow Mo-wan: She bought this one on a business trip abroad. It's not on sale here.
Su Li-zhen Chan: What a coincidence!
Chow Mo-wan: Yes.
Su Li-zhen Chan: Actually... My husband has one just like it. He said it was a gift from his boss. So he wears it every day.
Chow Mo-wan: And my wife has a bag just like yours.
Su Li-zhen Chan: I know, I've seen it.
Chow Mo-wan: What are you getting at, actually?
Su Li-zhen Chan: I thought I was the only one who knew.