Movie Review: Fallen Angels

​​“We rub shoulders with many people everyday. Some may become close friends, or confidants. That's why I'm always optimistic.”

Wong Kar Wai's films are simply some of the best out there. Fallen Angels, although a stark contrast to In the Mood for Love with its feeling of warmth, throws together two love stories and different people reaching out for one another. His style is unique, with riveting slow motion bursts and a barrage of color, he conveys nostalgia and memories within unusual passages of time with immense talent. Drenched in neon lighting and curiosity, the crafty director brings an unparalleled soulfulness to the film. Shot at night, Fallen Angel's city lights bring a welcoming atmosphere that is also somewhat threatening at the same time with its cool tones and shadowy haze. WKW manages to string together scenes to give his characters unlikely depth, shown in a poignant father-son relationship. 

The movie is bisected into two parts, the first about a hit-man and the woman who acts as his manager, the second about a man who goes mute after eating a can of expired pineapples and the same woman. Intertwined at heart, pieces of each story match up and examine the lives each person leads. With tantalizingly interactions and few words, each character solely exists to portray WKW's theme of melancholy and longing. The desperation of wanting to be felt and seen is evident in all of conversations and lack thereof. The movie feels deliberately cold, not caring specifically about the backdrop or justification of morals, solely focused on the emotion it conveys. 

Fallen Angels heals my heart in the best way possible.