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In the Mood for Love

In the Mood for Love is a 2000 romantic drama film directed, written, and produced by Wong Kar-wai.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

In the Mood for Love is a 2000 romantic drama film directed, written, and produced by Wong Kar-wai. Set in 1962 Hong Kong, it follows two neighbours who grow close after suspecting that their spouses are having an affair. The film is a Hong Kong-French co-production and is widely regarded as one of Wong Kar-wai’s most acclaimed works.

Plot

The story follows Chow Mo-wan and Su Li-zhen, two married neighbours in 1962 Hong Kong who begin spending time together after suspecting infidelity by their spouses. Their relationship develops into a restrained, emotionally charged bond, set against the backdrop of a socially conservative Shanghai community.

Production

The film was written, directed, and produced by Wong Kar-wai as an international co-production between Hong Kong and France. It was released in 2000 and runs 98 minutes. The lead roles are played by Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung.

Themes and style

The film is noted for its focus on longing, loneliness, restraint, and unfulfilled desire. It is also known for its restrained performances, lush visual style, detailed period design, and evocative soundtrack, which contribute to a nostalgic atmosphere.

Reception

In the Mood for Love received widespread critical acclaim and is frequently cited as one of the major films of the 21st century. It is also regarded as one of Wong Kar-wai’s signature works, and is the second film in his informal trilogy, between Days of Being Wild and 2046.

Key facts

  • The film stars Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung as neighbours in 1962 Hong Kong.
  • Its plot centres on their growing emotional connection after discovering their spouses are having an affair.
  • It is set in Hong Kong’s Shanghai community during a socially conservative period.
  • The film is part of Wong Kar-wai’s informal trilogy, between Days of Being Wild and 2046.
  • It is known for its restrained performances, visual style, and nostalgic atmosphere.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may encounter the film through international film festivals, repertory cinema, streaming services, and film studies courses; it is also frequently discussed in Canadian criticism and best-of cinema lists.

Frequently asked questions

What is In the Mood for Love about?
It is about two married neighbours in 1962 Hong Kong who grow close after learning that their spouses are having an affair.
Who directed In the Mood for Love?
Wong Kar-wai directed, wrote, and produced the film.
Who stars in In the Mood for Love?
The lead roles are played by Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung.
When was In the Mood for Love released?
The film was released in 2000.
What language is the film in?
Its original language is Cantonese.
Is In the Mood for Love part of a larger series?
Yes. It is the second film in Wong Kar-wai’s informal trilogy, after Days of Being Wild and before 2046.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_the_Mood_for_Love
    Supports: Basic identification, release year, director, plot premise, and trilogy placement.
  2. Festival de Cannes — https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/f/in-the-mood-for-love/
    Supports: Synopsis, setting, country of production, runtime, and lead characters.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/In-the-Mood-for-Love
    Supports: Director, plot premise, and critical reputation.
  4. Turner Classic Movies — https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/452042/in-the-mood-for-love
    Supports: Setting, plot summary, stylistic description, and critical acclaim.
  5. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/in_the_mood_for_love_2001
    Supports: Genre, plot summary, and release information.