In 1960, Su Li-zhen (Maggie Cheung) first meets Yuddy (Leslie Cheung) at the snack bar of the South China Athletic Association. Then, in 1962, she meets Chow Mo-wan (Tony Leung) when they both move into apartments rented from Mrs. Suen (Rebecca Pan). The two soon discover that their spouses are having an affair, and when it becomes clear that their friendship is starting to blossom into something more, they are reluctant to begin an affair themselves.

Set in the 1960s, In the Mood for Love has a nostalgic yet repressive quality with its glamorous and calm visuals—a stark difference from the carefree and melancholic Days of Being Wild (1990). The parallels represent the loss of love as a metaphor for the end of an era. But the biggest difference this time around is that it is a straightforward story about two people, told through the masterful pairing of Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung. Not only does this film feature electrifying performances from the two stars, but also eastern elements, such as the eye-catching traditional Chinese cheongsams. It is no wonder that this has become one of Wong Kar Wai’s most internationally acclaimed and most popular films.

Wong Kar Wai (b. 1958, Shanghai) moved to Hong Kong when he was five. He was recognised as one of the most promising filmmakers with his first feature film, As Tears Go By in 1988. His works competed at Cannes, including Happy Together (1997), which won him Best Director; In the Mood for Love (2000); 2046 (2004); and My Blueberry Nights (2007). The Grandmaster (2013) that followed was the opening film of Berlin Film Festival that year. His most recent TV series Blossoms Shanghai (2023) was also a hit in China.