Chungking Express

Starring:Brigitte Lin, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Faye Wong, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Valerie Chow, Chen Jinquan, Lee-na Kwan, Huang Zhiming, Liang Zhen, Zuo Songshen, Lynne Langdon
Director: Kar Wai Wong
Studio: Miramax
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Chungking Express tells two stories loosely connected by a Hong Kong snack bar. In one story, a cop who's been recently dumped by his girlfriend becomes obsessed with the expiration dates on cans of pineapple; he's constantly distracted as he tries to track down a drug dealer in a blond wig (played by Brigitte Lin, best known from Swordsman II and The Bride with White Hair). Meanwhile, another cop who's recently been dumped by his girlfriend (Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, from John Woo's Hard-Boiled and A Bullet in the Head) mopes around his apartment, talking to his sponge and other domestic objects. He catches the eye of a shop girl (Hong Kong pop star Faye Wang) who secretly breaks in and cleans his apartment. If you're beginning to suspect that neither of these stories has a conventional plot, you're correct. What Chungking Express does have is loads of energy and a gorgeous visual style that never gets in the way of engaging with the charming characters. The movie was shot on the fly by hip director Wong Kar-Wai (Happy Together, Ashes of Time), using only available lighting and found locations. The movie's loose, improvisational feel is closer to Jean-Luc Godard's Breathless than any recent film--and that's high praise. Quirky, funny, and extremely engaging, Chungking Express manages to be experimental and completely accessible at the same time. --Bret Fetzer

Description

Tasty take-out isn't the only thing served hot at this little fast food place -- the lives and loves of its colorful customers also criss-cross over the counter! From a lovesick cop and a mysterious blonde to a free-spirited girl pursuing a secret love, spicy romance is the specialty of the house! For deliciously crowd-pleasing romance and fun, CHUNGKING EXPRESS delivers!

Customer Reviews:

Funny.......2007-07-04

The first story is kind of confusing and not that interesting. The second story is funny and light and I think it is good entertainment.

Wong Kar-Wai 101.......2007-06-27

This is actually a pretty good introduction to Wong Kar-Wai's impressionistic style of moviemaking. This one has a linear plot (with two stories set end to end) but with his trademark what's-going-on-here storytelling, veeerrry offbeat moments, but this time with sweeping, handheld camera shots.

Many fine actors contribute but I must give special praise to tall, skinny and gamine Faye Wong. She's charming in the same way that Audrey Hepburn was -- but prettier and sexier. Like Audrey, Faye plays an ultra-free-spirit and, boy, is she a heart-breaker! Scantily-clad Valerie Chow provides some potent sex appeal in a couple scenes.

Quentin Tarantino provides an on-screen Introduction and Afterward. The Intro is a perfunctory welcome. The lengthier Afterward has some neat behind-the-scenes tidbits -- altho, he mistakenly states that this was Faye Wong's first movie.

I thought of giving this film only 3 stars -- but Faye gives it extra ooomph.

Great movie even before Tarantino.......2007-06-12

Everyone else has written great reviews about this movie, so, there really is no point for me to repeat what everyone else has said. I just wanted to say that this movie was out in the western world way before Quentin Tarantino stopped making movies and started sticking his name on great movies that have existed superbly without his "assistance" which is ever so redundant. Wong Kar Wai has always created artistic masterpieces even before Tarantino made his first appearance in the public eye. Shame on you!!!!!!!!!!!

different versions ?!.......2007-06-04

I may be the only one who know this, since most people only watch their own copy of the film.
On some DVD disks, at the part where Faye tries to give Cop 663 the break-up letter from his ex-girlfriend, but he refuses because he wants to finish his coffee first, there was a shot where Cop 663 drinks the coffee in front of the counter while pedestrians walk by, and the soundtrack plays the Chinese cover of "Dreams" for the first time. However, on some disks, this shot is completely silent.

I like the version with the music in the background, but the copy I bought turns out to be a version that's silent.
I don't know if this is a glitch in production of the DVD or a variant. Maybe someone would comment on this?

Neat little film.......2007-03-08

I like it that famous directors will highlight seemingly publicly obscure films so the rest of us can watch them. The nymph who kept dancing to California Dreams captured my attention by flitting around and messing with peoples stuff. I can't recommend it for most people but if you are looking for something different it is not bad.

Wong Kar Wai Collection (As Tears Go By / Days of Being Wild / Fallen Angels / Chungking Express / Happy Together)

Average customer rating:

Two words: Get it
A magnificent set of magnificent movies

Wong Kar Wai Collection (As Tears Go By / Days of Being Wild / Fallen Angels / Chungking Express / Happy Together)
Starring: Christine Ng , Linda Wong (III) , Siu Chung Mok , Lydia Sum , and Man Tat Ng
Director: Kar Wai Wong
Manufacturer: Kino Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

Art House & International | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video

Boxed Sets | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video

( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

In the Mood for Love - Criterion Collection
2046
Ashes of Time
Wong Kar-wai: Auteur of Time (Bfi World Directors)
Oldboy

ASIN: B0002X7GV6
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Customer Reviews:

Two words: Get it .......2004-12-14

I don't have a lot to add to "Randroid"'s review. Wong Kar-Wai is one of the world's premier directors, making audacious, complex films that grab one's heart. Influenced by the French New Wave, bent through the prism of Hong Kong cinema, his is a stylish and unique vision. This box set contains five of his seven films that have been released to DVD:

-- As Tears Go By
-- Days of Being Wild
-- Chungking Express
-- Fallen Angels
-- Happy Together.

Fans of Happy Together will be particularly pleased by the newly remastered Kino version -- I had only viewed a VHS copy before, which was atrocious. There are also a bunch of new extras on this DVD, including an hour long 'making of' feature. The other DVDs all seem to be clear and crisp, though without significant extras beyond the usual trailers (there are still galleries and filmographies, and some brief comments by Quentin Tarantino on Chungking Express).

With the exception of Chungking Express, these have not been readily available in stores, and this box set is a cost effective presentation showing the development of a major directorial talent. We also get to see some wonderful stars of Hong Kong cinema such as Maggie Cheung, Tony Leung and Leslie Cheung, Andy Lau, Brigitte Lin and Faye Wong, often in roles different from their usual or at crucial points in their careers.

Of his other two films, In The Mood For Love is available in a sumptuous Criterion release. Unfortunately, Ashes of Time seems to be caught in some kind of 'intellectual property' hell, and the DVD is supposed to be even worse than the VHS, which is barely viewable. Maybe Kino can somehow gain the rights to Ashes as well and do a decent ramastering. (Hint to Kino: It would be nice to have a feature explaining some of the historical/literary background that is unfamiliar to western viewers)

A magnificent set of magnificent movies.......2004-10-23

Wong Kar-wai is simply one of the best directors working in Hong Kong today, and in all the world, for that matter. His characters are brilliantly realized, his style is stunningly kenetic, and cinematography (mostly by Christopher Doyle of "Hero" fame) is gorgeous. All in all a good set. Thus far, I would rank these films as follows, from best to . . . well, least best:

1. Chungking Express
2. Happy Together
3. Days of Being Wild
4. Fallen Angels
5. As Tears Go By

Be sure to pick up Wong's other film "In The Mood For Love", and you'll be sure to be awaiting the American release of his new film, "2046". "Ashes of Time", sadly, is a terrible DVD, so perhaps a Criterion release is in order?

Wong Kar Wai Moments (Deluxe Collector's Edition) 4 disc Boxset

Average customer rating:

Wong Kar Wai Moments (Deluxe Collector's Edition) 4 disc Boxset
Starring: Gong Li , and Takuya Kimura
Director: Wong Kar Wai , and WKW
Manufacturer: Mei Ah Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

DTS | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Wong Kar Wai Collection (As Tears Go By / Days of Being Wild / Fallen Angels / Chungking Express / Happy Together)

Product Features:

4 disc package (ALL region NTSC)
In the Mood for Love (Special Edition) DVD
2046 (Special Edition) DVD
Over 200 minutes of extra footages
Both disc comes in a cavas-like-slipcase.

ASIN: B000JTRKVE

Product Description

4 Special Edition DVD in 1 Boxset.

Average customer rating:

Isabella (Special Edition) 2 Disc Set
Director: Pang Ho-Cheung
Manufacturer: Tai Seng Entertainment (US)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
Product Features:

Berlin Tour
Music Video
Photo Gallery
Trailers

ASIN: B000MHXZV2

Product Description

On the eve of Macau's handover to China, police officer Shing is having the worst time of his life. Suspended for suspected corruption, he tries to find solace with an elfin creature by the name of Yan, whom he just picks up. As he tries to smooth-talk her to bed, she suddenly snaps back with the biggest turn-off imaginable: that she is the daughter he never knew existed!While Shing desperately tries to hold himself together, his bachelor life inevitably falls apart as Yan insists on living under his roof. Together the two of them start roaming through exotic Macau, tracking down Yan's missing puppy and striving to acquaint with each other. No sooner has Shing grown into his new role as a father than he finds his hands full: when Yan is not fighting with his girlfriend Kate, she is being bothered by her dorky classmate Fai.

Average customer rating:

Funny
Wong Kar-Wai 101
Great movie even before Tarantino
different versions ?!
Neat little film

Chungking Express [Region 2]
Starring: Brigitte Lin , Tony Leung Chiu Wai , Faye Wong , Takeshi Kaneshiro , and Valerie Chow
Director: Kar Wai Wong
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

In the Mood for Love - Criterion Collection
2046
Farewell My Concubine
Days of Being Wild
Infernal Affairs (Wu jian dao)

ASIN: B00005M6PZ

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Funny.......2007-07-04

The first story is kind of confusing and not that interesting. The second story is funny and light and I think it is good entertainment.

Wong Kar-Wai 101.......2007-06-27

Great movie even before Tarantino.......2007-06-12

different versions ?!.......2007-06-04

Neat little film.......2007-03-08

Average customer rating:

Funny
Wong Kar-Wai 101
Great movie even before Tarantino
different versions ?!
Neat little film

Chungking Express [Region 2]
Starring: Brigitte Lin , Tony Leung Chiu Wai , Faye Wong , Takeshi Kaneshiro , and Valerie Chow
Director: Kar Wai Wong
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video