Movie Review : "In the Mood for Love" is beautiful

If you are looking for an offbeat movie, In the Mood for love (Cantonese) is a movie that you shouldn't miss. There have been movies on extramarital affairs, but a very few is as impressive as In the Mood for love.

The movie, set in the early 60s, is about the story of a man and a woman who live next door in an apartment in Hong Kong. They eventually realize that their spouses are involved an extra-marital affair and while trying to cope up with the situation, they fall into a relationship that slowly transforms into what they feel as love. Let me leave the story right there.

The movie calls for a gorgeous viewing. The colors are vibrant and at yet so easy on the eye - watch out for the lady’s striking costumes. My favorite parts of the movie are when the frames starts slowing down as the violin soundtrack sets in. You’ll start yearning for these moments more as the movie progresses.

Both the lead actors have done a great job. The sympathetic face of Tony Leung (remember Lust Caution?) helps him a great deal in playing the role of a man whose wife is cheating on him. But my favorite is Maggie Cheung’s (Hero fame) portrayal of a betrayed wife. Her eyes are sparkling and attracts our sympathy immediately. As scenes change, the camera always starts with showing her beautiful curves in striking costumes. Artistic and Sexy!

The movie does not try to be preachy on whether an extramarital affair is right or wrong, but instead focuses on how people deal with it. A different treatment of a socially relevant issue with beautiful visuals along with good acting, excellent art direction and melancholy music. You are in for a visual treat.

A strong recommendation.