Welcome back to another movie review! Today, I’m writing about one of my favourite Hong Kong films: Chungking Express. I first watched it with my friend Anthony (it was actually recommended by one of his friends), and since then it has stayed with me. This movie from the 90s truly reflects the beauty of that era—whether it’s Wong Kar-wai’s unique filming style or the iconic Hong Kong locations, everything feels timeless and classic. Trailer check here.
Although the film tells two different love stories—both about men dealing with heartbreak—it manages to blend emotions that are funny, sad, strange, and tender all at once.
Few films capture the fleeting nature of love and loneliness quite like Wong Kar-wai’s Chungking Express. Released in 1994, this Hong Kong classic is less about traditional storytelling and more about mood, atmosphere, and the quiet ache of human connection. It’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll, not because it provides answers, but because it leaves you with questions.
Plot Summary – Two Stories of Love and Distance
Chungking Express is divided into two separate yet thematically linked tales:
- Cop 223 (Takeshi Kaneshiro): Nursing a broken heart, he obsessively buys canned pineapples that expire on May 1st, the same date he has chosen to “give up” on waiting for his ex-girlfriend. One night, he crosses paths with a mysterious woman in a blonde wig (Brigitte Lin), who is caught up in the criminal underworld. Their brief encounter is melancholic yet strangely tender.
- Cop 663 (Tony Leung Chiu-wai): Still reeling from a breakup with a flight attendant, his life is quietly transformed by Faye (Faye Wong), a quirky snack bar worker who sneaks into his apartment while he’s away. Instead of words, their connection develops through small gestures, silence, and the rearrangement of his personal space—until it blossoms into something fragile and hopeful.
Both stories unfold in the neon-lit maze of Hong Kong—crowded alleyways, fast-food stalls, and moments that slip through time like water through fingers.
Reader Information: Content Warnings.
Violence & Gore, Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking and sexually explicit content
Wong Kar-wai’s Signature Style
Wong Kar-wai’s filmmaking is unmistakable—dreamlike editing, fragmented storytelling, and an obsession with time as both enemy and companion. Christopher Doyle’s cinematography turns the city itself into a character: blurred motion shots, saturated colours, and slow-motion sequences that capture not just action, but the feeling of longing.
The soundtrack is equally unforgettable. Faye Wong’s cover of Dreams by The Cranberries and the repeated use of The Mamas & the Papas’ California Dreamin’ amplify the bittersweet yearning at the heart of the film.
I personally love the music so much that I couldn’t help humming along. (Though, since Anthony was next to me, I tried to hide it to avoid looking too embarrassing!)
My Thought
I honestly didn’t expect to love this movie as much as I did the first time I saw it. The story feels ordinary in some ways—something that could happen in daily life—but it also carries a dreamy quality. There are moments that remind you of your own experiences, where you don’t fully understand what’s happening until later.
The film is divided into two parts, but my favourite is definitely the second story. It feels almost magical—like stepping into a fantasy where ordinary rules don’t always apply. The dialogues are unforgettable, and Faye Wong’s energy is infectious.
That said, the first story has its own charm, even if it feels more bittersweet and pitiful. The two characters meet by chance, but because of who they are and the worlds they belong to, their story ends before it can really begin.
Before watching this movie, I had already seen many people online imitating Wong Kar-wai’s filming style. I admire it so much, though I admit it’s difficult to recreate. His way of capturing emotions in fragments is truly unique.
Quote for the day
如果一个人哭，你只要给他一包纸巾就行;如果一个房子哭，你要做的事就多了。
如果记忆也是一个罐头的话，我希望这罐罐头不会过期;如果一定要加一个日子的话，我希望她是一万年。
每天你都有机会和很多人擦身而过，有些人可能会变成你的朋友或者是知己。所以我从来没有放弃任何跟人磨擦的机会。有时候搞得自己头破血流，管他呢!开心就行了。
不知道从什么时候开始，在什么东西上面都有个日期，秋刀鱼会过期，肉罐头会过期，连保鲜纸都会过期，我开始怀疑，在这个世界上，还有什么东西是不会过期的?
其实了解一个人并不代表什么，人是会变的，今天他喜欢凤梨，明天他可以喜欢别的。
Chungking Express
Final Thoughts
Chungking Express is less a film you watch than one you experience. It’s a mood piece, a cinematic diary of heartbreak and possibility, wrapped in Wong Kar-wai’s haze of colour, music, and melancholy.
Whether you’re drawn to its stylish visuals, its deeply human characters, or its exploration of loneliness, this film remains a cornerstone of world cinema. It’s a favourite for anyone who has ever wandered through the city at night with love heavy on their mind.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
A dreamy meditation on love, loss, and the fleeting connections that define our lives.
🌸 For more cozy content, here’s my post on simple joys in daily life.
✈️ Want something travel-themed instead? Read my solo trip to London experience.
🎬 For Another Movies Review? Read my The Truth About Dazed and Confused – Movie Review & Cultural Impact
Thanks so much for reading.
Have a beautiful day.
— Jerserry 🌸
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