Fallen Angels (1995)

☆ ☆ ☆

Fallen Angels (1995) – K.-W. Wong

It has been decades since I watched Wong Kar-Wai’s breakthrough release Chungking Express (1994), so it comes as no surprise that I wasn’t fully prepared Fallen Angels, rumoured to have been the third segment for that previous film (but ultimately saved and expanded for this film).  As before, Wong’s work primarily emphasises style and cinematographer Christopher Doyle (who has also worked for Kaige Chen, Jim Jarmusch, Gus van Sant, and Philip Noyce among others) is more than up to the challenge.  However, this doesn’t mean the film is necessarily “beautiful” to look at – in fact, in many ways it is rather “ugly” to look at!  But there is no denying the panache accorded the proceedings.  Briefly, we are treated to several anecdotes involving Hong Kong denizens who experience a sense of loss, generally romantic loss but also loss of a parent, loss due to “retirement”.  Wong is pursuing a mood, in other words.  But, to be frank, I found it difficult to get on board with this film – the characters were difficult to identify with, the style a bit too much noise and flash (not my style), the episodes rather empty.  No doubt, Wong has much to offer (e.g., In the Mood for Love, 2000) but I wouldn’t start here.