It's been around a month since I last watched a film, it's been a struggle to find something fresh that stands out, capable of holding my attention.
Having been reading about Tarantino, I came across the name Chungking Express; a name I've heard in the past, but never taken the effort to look into beyond its name. While avoiding the film's story, I looked up a few screenshots after reading it was shot in 35mm film in 90's Hong Kong/Kowloon, and that certainly interested me.
I went into Chungking Express knowing of nothing but a name, a few production facts, and some screenshots. I wanted to ensure that my obliviousness to it throughout the years allowed me to enjoy the film's unravelling. Never knowing what to expect.
I have to say, it was certainly a pleasant surprise. Shot with a respectable runtime, the film follows two different narratives, both referring to romance; now, I'm not entirely keen on the Romance genre, but Chungking Express felt that a large portion of its emotion came from its visuals, from its setting: 90's, gritty, cramped Hong Kong.
It's not a place you'd assume you'd find romance, but more so heartbreak. The density showing people alone in small spaces alongside people cramped together in utter chaos gives you a feeling that our protagonists maybe are better off alone. Maybe they're destined to remain alone and heartbroken in a city that provides all that's necessary to do so.
But the narrative says otherwise, while the protagonists are alone, there's always someone else that's alone, searching for solace. Even if it's a stranger at a bar, or a simple fast-food worker in a small night-time restaurant.
Chungking Express focuses itself around narration by the protagonists, snippets of their thoughts and reasons behind their actions. It gives the characters a more personal look, allowing their thoughts to serve as character development and backstory. It also allows us, the viewer, to look beyond the Romance genre's cliches and see raw culture and life. It shows emotion among the chaotic events of everyday life.
