2046

I've been waiting for this movie for months based on the previews. I knew it was a sequel to In The Mood For Love, a previous movie made by Director Kar Wai Wong, but I couldn't figure out how the sci-fi aspects hinted at in the previews could possibly intrude into a story as earthbound as In The Mood For Love.

As it turns out, the movie shifts around in time and has certain stream of consciousness aspects as real events mix with scenes from the sci-fi novel the protagonist (Tony Leung) is writing, which is interwoven with fictional characters and situations and situations and women from his own life.

Speaking of women, this movie features three of the most beautiful and well-known Asian actresses. I'm speaking of Gong Li (Raise The Red Lantern, Farewell My Concubine), Maggie Cheung (In The Mood For Love, Hero), and Ziyi Zhang (Couching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Hero; House Of Flying Daggers).

In The Mood For Love took place in a Hong Kong boarding hotel where the Tony Leung character lived in room 2046 and collaborated on a sci-fi story with a woman (Maggie Cheung) he loved but could not have.

Now a sleazy, cynical guy with money problems, he went back to the hotel to rent room 2046, but ends up taking 2047 because 2046 is being renovated. He decides to stay in 2047 and a beautiful young woman (Ziyi Zhang), who is also the hotel owner's younger daughter, moves into 2046.

We witness his dalliances with the hotel owner's younger daughter and older daughter (Gong Li) as well as flashbacks to his earlier affair.

As his meandering and irresponsible life both helps and damages the women he encounters, scenes from his novel interweave and the female characters appear in 1960's wardrobe and wardrobe from the future.

Now, as to the title. Not only is 2046 a room number but it's the title of his sci-fi novel in progress (though the title changes to 2047 when he collaborates with the Ziyi Zhang character).

If you like linear plots and tied up loose ends, this movie won't be for you. But if you like mystery, intrigue, and gorgeous visuals, not to mention stunning Asian women, I can recommend this movie wholeheartedly.