"There has never been a film that expressed the universal language of loss and desire this fluently."
Film critics around the world unanimously praised the film, calling it “the greatest love film of the 21st century.” Directed by Wong Kar-wai and starring Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung, “In the Mood for Love Extended Director’s Cut” remains a radiant masterpiece.
In 1962, Mrs. Chan (Maggie Cheung) and Chow (Tony Leung) move into the same apartment building on the same day. From the first day, the two frequently encounter each other and soon realize that Chow’s tie and Mrs. Chan’s handbag are identical to those belonging to their respective spouses. This leads them to sense what has been happening between their partners.
Curious about how that relationship began, the two continue to meet in secret and gradually fall deeper. Despite their growing feelings, they choose separation in order to keep their promise not to fall in love.
And in 2001, they meet again in different circumstances and once more face each other.
The expression “In the Mood for Love” (花樣年華), meaning the most beautiful and radiant time of one’s life, originates from the OST “Huayang de Nianhua” (花樣的年華) from the 1946 Chinese film “Jiang Xiang Si.” Just as the song recalls a beautiful past with longing, the phrase refers to a time one longs for yet can never return to.
Wong Kar-wai, the master behind “As Tears Go By” and “Chungking Express,” cast Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung to portray a restrained, mature love. Even after 25 years, the film continues to be regarded as a masterpiece due to its unmatched mise-en-scène. Wong’s restrained visual style sensitively expresses the characters’ psychology and circumstances, giving the narrative its emotional weight.
Premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2000, the film was nominated for the Palme d’Or but did not win. However, Tony Leung made history by becoming the first Hong Kong actor to win Best Actor at Cannes for his performance.
And in the winter of 2025, the previously unreleased episode of “In the Mood for Love Extended Director’s Cut” will finally be unveiled after 25 years. The new footage reveals an even more secret and beautiful moment, now including an additional 9 minutes and 6 seconds.
Christopher Doyle, the cinematographer behind Wong’s distinctive style, and William Chang, who oversaw art, costume, and editing, have joined once again to perfectly restore the mood and emotional texture of the era.
The story that could not be completed in 1962 is reimagined in 2001, presenting the two characters in another form. This extended director’s cut is not simply a re-release—it is the longest and most complete version, closest to Wong Kar-wai’s original intention. It is expected to be a special gift for fans who have long wondered about the film’s true ending. Additionally, the 4K remaster supervised by Wong himself raises expectations for a fully restored visual experience.
“In the Mood for Love Extended Director’s Cut,” presented by Wong Kar-wai, Maggie Cheung, and Tony Leung as a defining melodrama of the 21st century, will be released on the 31st.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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