Film Screening CineDOOM presents A WON KAR-WAI DOUBLE FEATURE ON 35MM -
ASHES OF TIME REDUX and IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE
Introduced by Tulsa Artist Fellow Blackhorse Lowe
Co-presented by Circle Cinema & Tulsa Artist Fellowship
with a special thank you to Dylan Skolnick at Cinema Arts Centre
Thursday, December 14, 2023 | 6:30 pm
Circle Cinema | 10 S Lewis Ave, Tulsa, OK 74104
CineDOOM invites you to experience a 35mm double feature that pays homage to the cinematic brilliance of Wong Kar-Wai. We begin with "Ashes of Time Redux," a departure from martial arts conventions, exploring themes of yearning, memory, and a bygone era. During the intermission, fill up a retro 'Oyster Box' with Chinese food to enjoy in the theatre during the final program of the night, Wong Kar-Wai's Cannes award-winning masterpiece, "In the Mood for Love," which beautifully defines his artistry.
ASHES OF TIME REDUX (1994/2008, 93m, China). Writer/Director: Wong Kar-Wai. Cinematographers: Christopher Doyle, Pun-Leung Kwan. Editors: Kit-Wai Kai, Chi-Leung Kwong, Patrick Tam, William Chang. Cast: Leslie Cheung, Tony Leung Kar-Fai, Brigitte Lin, Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Carina Lau, Charlie Yeung, Jacky Cheung. Based on Louis Cha's novel "The Eagle-Shooting Heroes." Distributor: Sony Classic Pictures.
In the vast expanse of ancient China's western desert, Ouyang Feng, tormented by lost love, oversees contract killings by skilled swordsmen. 'Ashes of Time Redux' diverges from typical martial arts cinema, embracing an atmospheric, episodic narrative exploring memory and yearning. Wong Kar-wai's 2008 re-release at Cannes, despite facing various challenges like the death of lead actor Leslie Cheung and deteriorated negatives and score, marks a significant juncture in its cinematic journey. This visually and emotionally evocative odyssey defies the constraints of mainstream martial arts cinema, offering a glimpse into the ancient teachings of a bygone era, untainted by modern complexities, and celebrating the ebb and flow of human energies throughout the seasons.
INTERMISSION RECEPTION: Chinese Take-Away Buffet from Chopsticks restaurant.
IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE (2001, 97m, China) Writer/Director: Won Kar-Wai. Producer/Editor/Costume Designer/Production Designer: William Chang. Art Director: Lim Chung Man. Executive Producers: Ye-cheng Chan, Gilles Ciment. Cinematographers: Christopher Doyle, Pun-Leung Kwan, Ping Bin Lee. Music by: Michael Galasso, Shigeru Umebayashi. Cast: Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Maggie Cheung Man-yuk, Siu Ping-Lam. Distributor: Janus Films.
In 1962 British Hong Kong, Chow Mo-Wan and Su Li-Zhen, neighbors in adjacent apartments, lead quiet, solitary lives due to their spouses' frequent absences. Lonely nights at noodle stalls, coupled with an overbearing landlady and rowdy Mahjong-playing neighbors, draw them together. When they discover their spouses are having an affair, their bond deepens, despite their attempts to resist it. The film is imbued with the tension of unfulfilled longing, from the slow-motion cinematography to the design elements, creating a palpable undercurrent of sexual desire. When they finally decide to be together, fate's clock conspires to keep them apart - yearning transcends into haunting memories that each must learn to carry. The film was honored with multiple nominations and awards at the Cannes Film Festival, including Best Actor, Technical Grand Prize and the Palme d'Or nomination. Won Kar-Wai's ability to convey profound emotion and narratives through minimal storytelling comes from his distinctive artistic vision. Put simply, "In the Mood for Love" is a prime example of his cinematic mastery.
ABOUT CINEDOOM:
CineDOOM is a celebration of the theatrical experience at its best, showcasing masterpieces that embody both grit and perfection. It brings together cinematic classic masterpieces from revered directors like Akira Kurosawa and David Lynch, alongside cutting-edge Indigenous films that push the boundaries of contemporary storytelling. This diverse array of cinematic experiences invites viewers to explore new horizons in storytelling. CineDOOM is curated by Tulsa Artist Fellowship awardee, Blackhorse Lowe.