Fallen Angels (1995) | ꒰ KEI'S FILM SHOWCASE // #1 ꒱

[ ▸ ] this blog is spoiler free!

Ever seen this animation of Miku and Shrek riding a motorcycle with dramatic lighting floating around on the web? (cr. to @AtenaHena)

Well I decided to watch the movie that this meme was based on:

Wong Kar-Wai's 1995 film, Fallen Angels

It's a story all about loneliness in an unforgiving world, following multiple protagonists and their unique walks of life. That loneliness leads these characters into strange situations, uncomfortable feelings, destructive habits and decisions, or short-lived relationships for one reason or another.

As many other well-known Wong Kar-Wai movies, the film is taken with a dynamic, dreamy allure that never fails to impress. With every handheld shot, the camera is free to roam, follow the characters, and explore the empty spaces of Hong Kong's night life. The emptiness we see in the setting as well as its moody and trippy OST amplifies to the feelings of isolation that these characters struggles with.

The absence of companionship with whatever form it may take (life-long romantic partner, familial relationships, platonic connection, or sexual desire) eats them up bit by bit. The fears, desperation, or naiveté of these characters make them so real and make their relationships so complicated. It's a deeply relatable pain that we as humans will continue experience in our lives.

So many perspectives are told in just an hour and a half, with much of the dialogue being sparse inner monologues. It's a film that's not just visually striking for the sake of it, because the composition carries the majority of the narrative. The dialogue isn't the form that tells us the story, it is the "supporting cast". The camera shows us everything we need to know about these characters through the actors body language and facial expressions.

Despite everything I've said about the film, it doesn't take itself too seriously. The storyline itself is very straightforward with characters acting in bewildering ways. It never strays away from showing comedy in its unique, absurd ways. One of our protagonists, He Zhiwu serves as a sort of comedic relief despite his struggles. There are many moments that portray the child-like whimsy he has continued to retain even in his adulthood. 

The fantastic craftsmanship from the music, camera, color grading, acting, etc makes it an easy recommend to anyone with any semblance of an artistic eye (and ear, and brain?). It's a film so intrinsically human, so casually charming. Some scenes near the end made me shed tears that I wasn't expecting. If anything, this movie is an experience that sucks you into their world.

I guess that's the end of it. Thanks for reading!