2046 is about a writer in the later 60s in Hong Kong, writing a story about the future, but it really was about the past. The descriptions of this movie is rather convoluted which is not unexpected as it participated in the Cannes Film Festival, but I think through all the head scratching, he is just telling the story of his love life.

When I first heard about this film, I thought it was some sort of meta-film like Adaptation, whereby the author writes about the future that is actually happening right now. I guess looking at the entire movie, it could be true, but the film is spliced out of order (although not to the extent of Momento), that it is difficult to figure out what was before what. I think this confusion affected my enjoyment of the film, as I had difficulty relating some of the main character’s experiences with the proper people.

Music plays a large, noticeable part, both in setting the mood and conveying feelings without dialogue. The plot is carried along by the main character’s monologues which also seems to indicate that in fact, a story is being told. It is a sad story that follows the main character and his variety of one night stands and lovers, all in the present and all without falling in love himself. Until he meets someone who he does end up falling in love with but is hung up on someone else. He writes a story that metaphorically explains why his love life is the way it is. Now I am confused as to whether it is called 2046 or 2047, but the name of the movie draws from the fact that the hotel room number 2046 weaves throughout his life.

After some head scratching, I think I understand the movie, at least some parts of it. I give it three out of five stars.

Posted by Kevin in Blogs Tags: chinese, moviereview