Exploring the Genius of Wong Kar-wai

Among the rare practitioners of the "style is substance" philosophy, the Hong Kong auteur rapidly established himself as a venerable, influential master. Here's a look at his best. (Compiled by Sajin Shrijith)

In the Mood for Love (2000)

Perhaps the most accessible WKW film, starring Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Maggie Cheung as two lovers brought together by a common factor, it ranks highly in his oeuvre—for some, the quintessential WKW film.

As Tears Go By (1988)

WKW's directorial debut is, naturally, his most conventional, yet an impressive concoction of gangster drama and love story bearing all WKW trademarks that would take on more evolved forms in his later work.

Happy Together (1997)

One of the greatest gay romances bolstered by its two leads, Leslie Cheung and Tony Leung Chiu-wai—especially the latter, who is as spirited here as the straight writer in 'In the Mood...'

Chungking Express (1994)

Who knew that you could take two parallel stories, about two cops, and weave them into something different from the usual crime fare—that it could be about a particular state of mind, alienation, etc.?

The Grandmaster (2013)

The 'wuxia' wasn't new territory for WKW—he previously attempted it in another title from this list. Multiple films on the legendary Ip Man exist, yet WKW's take remains the most refreshing and reflective.

Days of Being Wild (1990)

His first collaboration with actor Leslie Cheung ('Happy Together') announced a notable shift in his filmmaking style — stronger emphasis on music and visual experiments, and a binding element between 'In the Mood...' and '2046'.

The Hand (2004)

WKW's segment from the erotic anthology 'Eros' is the best of the triptych, relying on the simplest — and markedly implicit — methods to conjure sensual imagery. The 56-minute extended cut is superior — a masterclass!

Ashes of Time (1994)

Arguably the most avant-garde of his work, the stunningly photographed film blended martial arts and surreal imagery in a way we had not seen before, in a way only WKW could envision it.