Looking Out the Window

Today, the remastered released of Wong Kar-Wai's Ashes of Time. Wong is my favorite director in all of directordom, so, yeah, I'm going to gush.

Ashes of Time Redux
Directed by Wong Kar-Wai, starring Leslie Cheung, Brigette Lin, Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Carina Lau, Tony Leung Ka-Fai, Charlie Young, Jacky Cheung, and Maggie Cheung.

Through the memories of a lonely swordsmen, the stories of the lives and loves of others unfold. As with most memories, they become contingent upon one another with time. This interconnectedness of memory, much like that of life, is impermanent. In the swordsman's recollection of his own life, and in the retelling of others, the ephemeral becomes immortal, and whispers destined to evanesce, become legend.

Wong Kar-Wai's direction is wonderfully emotive. Though, that is hardly surprising from the master of cinematic emotion. Likewise the locations reflect the loneliness of the characters, and of course, the cinematographie works in concert with that feeling to create an evocative onscreen depiction. The acting, from Leslie Cheung's lonely swordsman, to Maggie Cheung's listless beauty, is superb.

Wong originally made Ashes of Time in the early-to-mid 90's. The production was delayed due to financing, and it is during that time, in an effort to make money for Ashes of Time, that Wong made Chungking Express. Following the production break, Wong, along with the cast and crew, returned to work on the wuxia epic.

When finally complete, Ashes of Time was poorly received by critics and audiences. Wong went on to make five more features, but, much like George Lucas with the original Star Wars Trilogy, he wished to make Ashes of Time the way he had invisioned it. Hence, Ashes of Time Redux.

Ashes of Time Redux is like the change to memory that comes with new experiences and age. It isn't terribly different from the original, and yet, obviously, feels different. The new score and digital remastering bring the illusion of a fresh clarity, as though one were reliving an old memory. For those that already own Ashes of Time, Ashes of Time Redux should be a welcomed as a coequal. While both versions have their own unique aspects, they are both fine pieces of cinema from a master.


Check back tomorrow for my thoughts on the theatrical and director's cut releases of Lady Cop & Papa Crook.