Watch Chungking Express

Chungking Express is a 1994 Hong Kong film directed by Wong Kar-wai. The film features two separate stories revolving around two cops and their romantic relationships with different women. The first story focuses on Cop 223 (Takeshi Kaneshiro), a young and somewhat naive police officer who has recently broken up with his girlfriend. He becomes obsessed with counting down to his birthday, as he believes that once it arrives, he will forget his ex-girlfriend and move on. One day, he meets a mysterious woman in a blonde wig (Brigitte Lin) who is a drug smuggler, and the two begin an unlikely relationship.

The second story follows Cop 663 (Tony Chiu-Wai Leung), who has also recently been dumped by his girlfriend. He eats his meals every day at a local fast-food joint called Chungking Express, where he becomes infatuated with one of the waitresses, Faye (Faye Wong). Faye, on the other hand, is infatuated with Cop 663 and begins to secretly break into his apartment to clean and change things around.

The two stories are connected through their common themes of love, loss, and loneliness. The characters in both stories are struggling to find meaning in their relationships and overcome the obstacles that keep them from connecting with others.

As a director, Wong Kar-wai is known for his unconventional storytelling, non-linear narratives, and striking visual style. Chungking Express is no exception. The film is shot in a gritty, handheld style that captures the energy and chaos of Hong Kong's busy streets. It also features a mesmerizing soundtrack that blends 1960s American and British pop music with traditional Chinese ballads.

The film is a masterclass in mood and atmosphere. Wong Kar-wai creates a dreamlike world that feels both familiar and surreal. The neon lights of Hong Kong's streets, the bustling crowds, and the dizzying camera movements all contribute to the film's hypnotic effect.

Chungking Express is also notable for its performances. Takeshi Kaneshiro and Tony Chiu-Wai Leung both deliver nuanced and compelling performances as the two cops. Brigitte Lin is a revelation as the enigmatic drug smuggler, bringing a sense of danger and mystery to the film. And Faye Wong shines as the eccentric waitress, bringing a sense of whimsy and humor to the story.

Overall, Chungking Express is a brilliant film that defies easy categorization. It's a love story, a crime thriller, and a meditation on the human condition all rolled into one. It's a film that rewards repeat viewings, as there's always something new to discover in Wong Kar-wai's cinematic universe. For fans of unconventional storytelling and striking visuals, Chungking Express is a must-see.

Chungking Express is a 1995 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0 and a MetaScore of 78.