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Technical Film Review
 Chungking Express is a 1994 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Wong
Kar-wai. The movie follows two separate, but parallel storylines set in the chaotic
and bustling city of Hong Kong. The first storyline focuses on a cop named He
Qiwu, who has just broken up with his girlfriend and is in emotional turmoil. He
becomes infatuated with a woman in a blonde wig who frequents a fast-food
Plot Summary restaurant he visits every night. The second storyline centers around another cop,
Officer 663, who has also recently been dumped by his girlfriend. He falls for a
mysterious woman who works at the same fast-food restaurant and secretly breaks
into his apartment to redecorate it.
 As the two stories unfold, the characters' lives intersect
unexpectedly. They begin to discover the complexities of
love, loss, and human connection amid the chaotic city
Plot Summary around them. With a mix of humor, melancholy, and
quirky charm, Chungking Express is a visual and
emotional feast for the senses.
 Use of Lighting #1
Scene Description: In this scene, the character He Qiwu is seen eating a pineapple in his small, cluttered apartment while talking to himself about his recent breakup with his girlfriend. He
methodically cuts the fruit into small pieces with a knife, pausing to inspect each piece before consuming it. The slow, deliberate action of cutting and eating the pineapple and He Qiwu's introspective
and melancholic demeanor create a sense of loneliness and isolation. The scene serves as a poignant moment of reflection and self-discovery for the character as he comes to terms with his emotions and
moves on from his failed relationship.

Type of lighting: This scene use This scene uses Flat lighting. It is dim and moody, with warm tones creating a mundane and intimate atmosphere. The light mainly comes from the overhead ceiling
lights and a fish tank in the room, casting shadows and adding depth to the scene. This type of lighting emphasizes the character's solitude and introspection.

Purpose/Meaning: This scene is a metaphor for his loneliness and emotional isolation. The repetition of the mundane routine highlights his dormant state of mind and his inability to move on from his
failed relationship. The use of slow motion and intimate close-ups of the pineapple and his face intensifies the emotional weight of the scene, conveying a sense of introspection and melancholy.

Agree? Why or why not?: I agree with this use of lighting because it is consistent with the themes of loneliness and missed connections throughout the film. The scene serves as a poignant reminder of
the character's isolation and longing for human connection.
 Use of Lighting #2
Scene Description: In this scene, He Qiwu, encounters a mysterious woman in a blonde wig. He becomes instantly infatuated with her and strikes up a conversation. The two spend time together, and
he begins questioning his mundane life and desire for change.

Type of lighting: This scene uses Chiaroscuro lighting. It is predominantly artificial and neon, with many red and blue hues. The lighting creates a dream-like atmosphere that enhances the mystery and
intrigue surrounding the woman in the wig.

Purpose/Meaning: This scene introduces a theme of fleeting connections and missed opportunities throughout the film. This scene highlights the transitory nature of relationships and the difficulty of
making lasting connections in a bustling, fast-paced city like Hong Kong. The chance encounter between Qiwu and the woman creates a sense of possibility and excitement

Agree? Why or why not?: This scene's warm and vibrant lighting creates a dream-like and romantic atmosphere, perfectly capturing the feeling of falling in love at first sight.
 Use of Film Editing Techniques #1
Scene Description: Faye realizes she has fallen out of love with He Qiwu, who is still pining for his lost love. 6 hours later, she starts to take an interest in Cop 663, who frequents the restaurant she
works at, and falls in love with him after spending time with him during his regular visits.

Type of editing techniques: This scene uses the fade-in/fade-out editing technique to indicate the passage of time between Faye's feelings for Qiwu and her developing feelings for Cop 663.

Purpose/Meaning: The purpose of this scene is to show Faye's change of heart towards Qiwu and her new attraction to Cop 663. It also emphasizes love's fleeting and unpredictable nature, as Faye
falls in and out of love within a short period.

Agree? Why or why not?: I like the use of the fade-in/fade-out transition in this scene because it effectively conveys the passage of time and Faye's shift in emotions toward different characters, creating
a sense of fluidity and change in the narrative.
 Use of Film Editing Techniques #2
Scene Description: In this scene, Officer He Qiwu is jogging around a track alone on his 25th birthday. The camera follows him in a series of slow-motion shots alternating with regular speed shots.
The slow-motion shots highlight the character's isolation and introspection as he reflects on his life and relationships. The scene captures the character's sense of loneliness and existential crisis.

Type of editing techniques: Dissolve transitions suggest the passage of time as the images of him jogging blend into shots of the changing sky and city lights. This technique creates a dreamlike
atmosphere, emphasizing the character's inner thoughts and emotions.

Purpose/Meaning: The purpose of this scene is to emphasize Qiwu's feelings of loneliness and isolation on his birthday as he runs around the track. The use of dissolve transitions highlights the
passing of time and the repetition of his daily routine, further reinforcing the monotony and emptiness he feels.

Agree? Why or why not?: The fade-in/fade-out transition used in this scene effectively conveys the lingering thoughts and feelings that Qiwu has for the lady in the blonde wig.
 Use of Film Editing Techniques #3
Scene Description: In this scene, Officer 663 is seen in his apartment doing chores while speaking to his stuffed animals. He talks to them as if they were real, expressing his loneliness and longing for a
human connection. The stuffed animals serve as his companions and confidants in his isolated life.

Type of editing techniques: The jump cut technique is used in this scene as it jumps from officer 663, brushing the hair of one and then jump-cutting to another.

Purpose/Meaning: The purpose of this scene is to show the lonely and isolated life of Officer 663. By talking to his stuffed animals, he creates an illusion of companionship and comfort, which indicates
his need for emotional connection. It also adds a touch of whimsy and humor to the film.

Agree? Why or why not?: I think that the jump cut creates a disjointed and slightly unsettling feeling that reflects the character's sense of disconnection and loneliness. The rapid cut and lack of
continuity emphasize the fractured nature of his life and relationships.
 Use of Shot or Shot Relationships #1
Scene Description: In this scene, officer He Qiwu is chasing someone through Kowloon's crowded and colorful marketplace. The camera follows him as he weaves through the stalls and vendors,
capturing the frenetic energy of the busy street.

Type of shot or relationship: POV

Purpose/Meaning: This scene highlights the chaotic and unpredictable nature of life in the city. It also emphasizes the importance of human connections, as Qiwu's pursuit is ultimately unsuccessful,
and he is left alone in the bustling crowd. The scene may also symbolize the quest for love and the difficulties that come with it amid the chaotic city.

Agree? Why or why not?: In my opinion, the opening scene of Chungking Express masterfully sets the tone for the rest of the film. By utilizing a slower shutter speed, the scene captures the fast-paced
energy of the busy city while simultaneously creating a surreal atmosphere. We see Qiwu running past many people, including the person he has a one-night stand with, emphasizing the movie's central
themes of fleeting relationships and missed opportunities.
 Use of Shot or Shot Relationships #2
Scene Description: In this scene, Faye, works at a fast-paced restaurant where she takes orders, prepares food, and serves customers. The scene is presented as a montage, with quick cuts and fast-
paced music to convey the frenetic energy of the environment. Faye's interactions with her co-workers and customers give insight into her character and her daily life, setting up her story arc for the rest
of the film.

Type of shot or relationship: Montage

Purpose/Meaning: Showing Faye working at the restaurant provides insight into her work ethic and personality. Through a montage, the scene shows Faye's repetitive and mundane tasks, conveying a
sense of monotony and routine in her life. It also sets the tone for her free-spirited and independent nature, as she takes breaks to dance and sing along to the music. Overall, the scene establishes Faye
as a complex character.

Agree? Why or why not?: This scene effectively introduces the audience to the hectic and fast-paced lifestyle of Faye, and its dream-like shots are consistent with the rest of the film's aesthetic. Through
quick cuts, the scene vividly portrays a day in the life of Faye, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.
 Use of Shot or Shot Relationships #3
Scene Description: In this scene, the lady in the blonde wig shoots a man in the alley. The camera is positioned from a distance, emphasizing the moment's intimacy, and the use of slow-motion adds to
the dramatic effect. The scene created a sense of unpredictability and violence, capturing the film's themes of chance encounters and missed connections.

Type of shot or relationship: Dutch Angle

Purpose/Meaning: This scene depicts the violence and danger lurking in the seemingly mundane and ordinary streets of urban life. It also highlights the unexpected consequences of chance encounters
between strangers.

Agree? Why or why not?: I think the director effectively uses camera movement and framing to create a sense of suspense and tension while highlighting the characters' emotional turmoil. Additionally,
the use of slow-motion and music enhances the overall impact of the scene.
 Use of Color #1
Scene Description: Faye is working at the restaurant and looking across the counter at Officer 663, who is alone. As she stares at him, she begins to daydream about him and imagines his life. The
camera alternates between shots of Faye and Officer 663, emphasizing the distance between them while highlighting their curiosity. The scene uses slow-motion and dreamy music to convey Faye's
romantic fantasy while also underscoring the film's themes of loneliness and chance encounters.

Color or Texture Used: The color palette in this scene is characterized by subdued and desaturated hues, with an abundance of grays and diffused tones.

Purpose/Meaning: This scene establishes the initial connection between the two characters, highlighting the film's theme of fleeting relationships and the characters' loneliness and isolation. The
color scheme effectively conveys this, as the viewer sees Officer 663 surrounded by cold and distant white while Faye is enveloped in the warm and passionate hue of red, symbolizing their contrasting
emotional states.

Agree? Why or why not?: The lack of vibrant colors creates a sense of bleakness and monotony that reflects the characters' emotional states. Additionally, the use of subtle shifts in bloom around the
characters, from cold whites to warm reds, highlights the connection and potential for passion between Faye and Officer 663.
 Use of Color #2
Scene Description: This scene depicts the exterior of the San Miguel bar on a rainy day, which serves as the backdrop for the lady in the blonde wig's illicit dealings. This moment builds suspense,
setting the stage for the pivotal scene where she enters the bar to carry out her deadly act.

Color or Texture Used: This scene uses a somber color scheme, dominated by deep shades of blue and dark shadows. The sole exception to this muted palette is the vibrant neon red from the San
Miguel Beer sign, which is a vivid contrast.

Purpose/Meaning: The purpose of this scene may be to build suspense and prepare the viewer for the upcoming violent confrontation. This scene's heavy use of blues and dark shadows creates a sense
of foreboding and danger. The neon red on the San Miguel Beer sign could symbolize the violence and chaos that is about to occur inside the bar.

Agree? Why or why not?: I think the blues and shadows create a sad and ominous mood, which fits with the impending violence that will occur. The neon red of the San Miguel Beer sign contrasts the
cool tones and draws attention to the bar, suggesting that it is a significant location. Additionally, the limited color palette helps to focus the viewer's attention on the scene's key elements, emphasizing
the sense of tension and foreboding.
 Use of Color #3
Scene Description: In this scene, the electricity goes out in the restaurant where Faye works. Faye and her coworker's light candles to keep the place running. The flickering candlelight illuminates the
faces of the characters, creating an intimate and cozy atmosphere.

Color or Texture Used: The scene employs the warm glow of candle flames, casting a bright orange hue juxtaposed against soft shadows enveloping the characters.

Purpose/Meaning: The contrast between the darkness caused by the power outage and the bright orange flames of the candles could also represent the characters' loneliness and isolation in the busy
and crowded city. Overall, this scene could highlight the importance of human connection and the need for intimacy in a world that can often feel cold and impersonal.

Agree? Why or why not?: I like that the bright oranges from the flames of the candles contrasted with the soft shadows create a warm and intimate atmosphere; this enhances the emotions and
relationships of the characters in the scene. The orange color can also symbolize hope, comfort, and warmth, which could represent a moment of change or transformation for the characters.
Additionally, the use of color can enhance the visual and emotional impact of the scene, making it more engaging and memorable for the audience.
 Use of Sound
Scene Description: In this scene, Officer 663 arrives home after a grueling day to find his apartment submerged in water. As he surveys the damage, he discovers Faye outside his door clutching a bag
of fish. Bewildered by her presence, he inquires about her reason for being there. Faye, flustered, concocts a quick lie, claiming to have been purchasing fish from a neighbor. Officer 663 then
questions her reluctance to leave, to which she reveals a wounded leg as the cause. In the act of kindness, he offers to massage her leg and takes her inside. As he applies pressure to her injury, he puts
on a CD playing California Dreamin’. However, unknown to him, the CD was left there by Faye earlier in the week.

What are the differences with sound and without sound: The role of sound in this scene is pivotal in shaping the overall mood and atmosphere. The California Dreamin' tune serves as a melodic
accompaniment to the intimacy of Officer 663 and Faye as he tenderly massages his injured leg. The song's melody enhances the emotional impact of the moment. As the music plays, we see the two
characters drifting off to sleep, their heads resting on each other's shoulders. Muting the sound would drastically change the viewer's experience of the scene. Without the auditory cues, the viewer
would not have access to the inner thoughts and feelings of the characters as they reveal their deepest emotions. Thus, the sound would only recover the scene's entire emotional depth and significance.

How does the narration and/or dialogue and or sound effects and/or music impact the scene: California Dreamin' provides a perfect backdrop for the intimacy and vulnerability that Officer 663 and
Faye share. The music's melody helps create a serene ambiance that amplifies the scene's emotional resonance. The dialogue between the two characters also contributes to the overall mood of the
stage.

Moreover, the narration in a scene can also play a critical role in shaping the audience's understanding of the story and characters. In some cases, the narrator can provide additional information about
the character's thoughts and motivations, such as Faye leaving the CD there in hopes of 663 listening to it.

Overall, each element of a scene - narration, dialogue, and music - can shape the viewer's experience and interpretation of the story.
 Use of Special Effect #1
Scene Description: He Qiwu spends a night in a hotel room with the mysterious woman in a blonde wig. As the night progresses, the woman passes out, leaving Qiwu to stay up all night watching TV
and eating food. The scene is shot primarily with a handheld camera, lending a sense of immediacy and intimacy to the action. As the night wears on, Qiwu gradually becomes more contemplative, his
thoughts and emotions captured in the naturalistic cinematography. Ultimately, as the morning light filters through the window, Qiwu quietly removes the woman's shoes, places them by the bed, and
slips out of the room, leaving the audience to wonder what will become of these two characters in the future
Special Effect: Handheld Camera

Purpose/Meaning: Firstly, the scene reinforces the central theme of loneliness and the desire for connection that permeates the film. Both Qiwu and the woman in the blonde wig are searching for
something more than the fleeting encounters they have had with others, and they find a moment of solace and intimacy in each other's company.

Secondly, the scene highlights the fleeting nature of human connection and the fragility of romantic relationships. Qiwu and the woman in the blonde wig share a brief and intense intimacy, but it is
ultimately fleeting and temporary

Agree? Why or why not?: I think that this scene helps create a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere, enhancing the emotional impact of the moment and immersing the viewer in the film's unique and
distinctive world.
 Use of Special Effect #2
Scene Description: In this scene, we see He Qiwu at the end of a long night, desperately attempting to reconnect with people from his past. The camera first lingers on a restaurant owner cleaning up,
before shifting to Qiwu as he tries to reignite the deep connections he once shared with others.

Special Effect: Shallow focus

Purpose/Meaning: This scene is a poignant reflection on the human condition, emphasizing the theme of loneliness and the challenges of maintaining deep and meaningful connections in a fast-paced
and ever-changing world. Through Qiwu's desperate attempts to reconnect with his past lovers, we see his vulnerability and longing for connection. The director's use of unconventional camera
angles, lighting, and shifting focus between the restaurant owner and Qiwu all contribute to the scene's emotional impact, creating a sense of disorientation and turmoil that reinforces the themes at
play.

Agree? Why or why not?: I think that by blurring out the background and emphasizing Qiwu in the foreground, using shallow focus draws our attention to the scene's emotional intensity and helps us
connect more deeply with the characters' struggles and desires. Additionally, it can create a sense of intimacy and closeness with the characters, making us feel like we are right there with them, sharing
their experiences.
 Use of Special Effect #3
Scene Description: The scene opens on the neon sign of a bar named "Bottoms Up" before the camera pans down to reveal a sad He Qiwu watching people pass by on the street below. We see his
regret overeating all the expired pineapple and his sense of loneliness and disconnection from the world around him. Eventually, he decides to seek solace inside the bar and have a drink.
Special Effect: Tilt
Purpose/Meaning: Through Qiwu's regret and isolation, the scene emphasizes the difficulties of maintaining meaningful connections with others. The use of the neon sign and the bustling street
below create a sense of urban isolation and alienation, underscoring the character's emotional state. Ultimately, the scene suggests that we all yearn for connection and that sometimes, finding solace in
a drink or a moment of contemplation can be a way to cope with these feelings of disconnection.

Agree? Why or why not?: The use of tilt camera movement in this scene because it adds a sense of unease, mirroring Qiwu's feelings of loneliness and isolation. The camera's movement creates a sense
of instability, emphasizing the character's emotional state. Additionally, the tilt movement can also be used to convey a sense of subjectivity, placing the viewer in the character's point of view and
immersing them in the character's emotional state.