Watch Happy Together

Happy Together is a 1997 romantic drama film directed by Wong Kar-wai, starring Leslie Cheung, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, and Chang Chen. Set in Buenos Aires, the film tells the story of two Hong Kong lovers, Lai and Ho Po-wing, who have relocated to Argentina to start a new life. Initially, their relationship is passionate and seemingly unbreakable, but as time passes, their bond becomes strained as their past traumas and insecurities resurface.

From the opening sequence, the viewers are welcomed by the melancholic color palette and the extravagant soundtrack of the film. Wong Kar-wai's direction style is immersive and experimental, with saturated colors, ethereal slow-motion scenes, and unconventional camera movements. The cinematography, done by Christopher Doyle, is breathtaking, often juxtaposing the solemn atmosphere with vibrant neon lights that pour onto the city's streets.

The film focuses on the characters' psychological turmoil and their struggle with their identity, making Happy Together an emotionally charged and introspective movie. Lai and Ho's relationship is volatile, as they constantly veer between passion and conflict. Lai is a reserved and introverted individual, while Ho is reckless and impulsive, always seeking new experiences, and constantly wavering in his commitments.

The two protagonists' relationship is on a downward spiral, with much of the film revolving around their attempts to reconcile or move on from each other. Lai is often the voice of reason, trying to maintain stability in the relationship, while Ho is unpredictable and manipulative, causing Lai to spiral out of control.

One of the most impressive elements of the film is the way the city of Buenos Aires is used to accentuate the characters' struggles. The city is presented as a cold, distant place, filled with an array of characters from different backgrounds, all of them transient and disconnected from their roots. The vast emptiness of Buenos Aires, coupled with its melancholic atmosphere, creates a perfect backdrop for the characters' emotional distress.

Adding to the emotional turmoil of the protagonists is the film's soundtrack. The movie's music is a blend of Spanish-language tango music and tracks by established Brazilian musicians such as Caetano Veloso and Astor Piazzolla. The music adds an extra layer of emotional depth to the film by mirroring the characters' pain and suffering.

Leslie Cheung, playing Lai, delivers a powerful and nuanced performance that captures the reserved and discerning nature of his character. Tony Leung, as Ho, embodies a complex, layered character who is struggling with his identity and past. Chang Chen has a limited role, but his character is skillfully portrayed, infusing the story with a sense of hope and new beginnings.

Overall, Happy Together is a visually stunning film that explores the themes of identity, passion, and loss, with great skill and depth. The film showcases a masterful directorial effort by Wong Kar-wai, coupled with outstanding performances by the lead actors, making it a must-watch for fans of romantic dramas.

Happy Together is a 1997 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 70.