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THE WORLD OF WONG KAR WAI

With his sensual visuals, atmospheric soundtracks, and soulful romanticism, Wong Kar Wai has established himself as one of the defining auteurs of contemporary cinema; filled with passion, heartbreak, obsession, and the memories left in their wake, his films are internationally celebrated for their unique style.  

In 1988, after several years as a jobbing screenwriter, Wong helmed his first feature, As Tears Go By, a mob drama in the vein of Scorsese’s Mean Streets that proved a critical and commercial success in Hong Kong, though he would not achieve international acclaim until the release of 1994’s Chungking Express, made during a hiatus in postproduction on Days of Being Wild (1990), his second feature. Wong capitalised on the recognition with the stylish, ultra-cool Fallen Angels (1995), and the searingly romantic Happy Together (1997) before making In the Mood for Love (2000), perhaps his most beloved work, which was recently voted fifth best film of all time in Sight & Sound’s decennial poll of critics, programmers, and filmmakers.    

Joined by key collaborators such as cinematographer Christopher Doyle, and actors Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung, Wong has enraptured audiences and inspired countless other filmmakers with his movies’ poetic moods, narrative and stylistic daring, and potent themes of alienation and memory. Whether tragically romantic, action-packed, or quirkily comedic, the films in this retrospective, newly restored and presented on 4K Digital, are an invitation into the unique and wistful world of a deeply influential artist. 

Multi-film passes are available – 3 films for €30, 5 films for €50, or a full season pass (8 films) for €70 – from the IFI Box Office, and over the phone at (01) 679 3477.

Programme

IFI CINEMAS TODAY


The IFI is supported
by The Arts Council

Arts Council of Ireland