2046 (2004) - ♦♦♦♦

Directed by - Kar Wai Wong

Written by - Kar Wai Wong

Starring - Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Ziyi Zhang, Faye Wong 

"Wong Kar Wai was at this point praised by many as the culmination of East Asian romanticism, and for mixing a post modernist style with classicist themes and poetic structures. 2046 is certainly seen by many as one of his most definitive works. 

Influenced by cheap and edgy Hong Kong literary erotica, the leading character of this film is a science fiction writer living in a futuristic world who over the course of the year feels a growing regret over loving whom he considers to have been his one true love. 

The plot itself is a little confused and unfocused. Channeling at once films like Blade Runner and 8 ½ - with a dash of Terry Gilliam’s eccentricities, there certainly are influences of old and new in 2046 that, despite being set in the titular year, make it quite timeless. And this can be seen in the beautiful visuals and wonderful, stunning work by the art department, with its numerous eclectic mish mash of art waves from art deco to the practical futurism. 

It seems as if, however, in the long run, the visuals overtake the filmmaker’s intentions and ambitions in portraying a deep and varied storyline, where a phantomatic world of fantasy is difficult to be distinguished from the real world. Said vision of overcrowded chaos and decadence inevitably distances a viewer rather than interacting with the audience openly. 

Overall, 2046 remains a stunning, sensual and even sensorial vision that bravely even plays with a fiery erotic charge. However, it is also a feature that is constantly struggling to crumble over the scale of its imaginative nature."

Drama, Hong Kong/China/France/Italy/Germany