In this section of our Colossus Movie Guide for In the Mood for Love, we look at important motifs that help us understand the film.
Cast
- Maggie Cheung – Su Li-zhen (Mrs. Chan)
- Tony Leung – Chow Mo-wan
- Siu Ping Lam – Ah Ping
- Rebecca Pan – Mrs. Suen
- Kelly Lai Chen – Mr. Ho
- Joe Cheung – man living in Mr. Koo’s apartment
- Chan Man-Lei – Mr. Koo
- Chin Tsi-ang – Suen’s female servant
- Roy Cheung – Mr. Chan (voice)
- Paulyn Sun – Mrs. Chow
- Wong Kar-wai – Writer and director
Important motifs in In the Mood for Love
The cheongsam
The cheongsam, a traditional Chinese dress that Su frequently wears, serves as a striking motif in In the Mood for Love. The dress embodies an intriguing blend of modesty and sensuality, much like the restrained yet emotionally charged relationship between Su and Chow. The meticulous detailing, form-fitting nature, and vibrant colors of the cheongsam accentuate Su’s elegance, lending a visual allure to her character.
Moreover, the cheongsam, often associated with the bygone era, symbolizes societal norms and expectations, particularly those related to marital fidelity and decorum. The repeated appearance of the cheongsam underscores Su’s commitment to these societal norms, even when her spouse fails to honor them. Through this motif, the film explores the contrast between appearance and reality, societal expectations and individual desires, enhancing the emotional complexity of the narrative.
The clock
Time, as indicated by the frequent shots of clocks, is another powerful motif in In the Mood for Love. Clocks often appear in the background during critical moments, symbolizing the unceasing march of time and the inescapable reality that Su and Chow must face. The ticking of the clock also creates a sense of urgency, emphasizing the fleeting opportunities for love that the protagonists fail to seize.
On a deeper level, the clock represents the characters’ emotional stasis. Despite the progress of time, their emotional lives remain in a state of stagnation, with their feelings for each other unexpressed and unfulfilled. The clock, thus, serves as a reminder of their shared sorrow and longing, reinforcing the theme of unfulfilled love.
Food and dining
Food and dining appear as recurring motifs in In the Mood for Love, signifying companionship and unspoken affection. The shared meals between Su and Chow offer them a respite from their loneliness, becoming an intimate space for their emotional connection. However, these meals are also steeped in a sense of melancholy as they highlight the absence of their spouses and their unfulfilled desire for a deeper relationship.
The motif of food extends to the noodles that Su often purchases, symbolizing the mundane and repetitive nature of their lives. The recurring scenes of Su buying noodles also serve to underscore the pattern of missed opportunities and unexpressed emotions that characterize their relationship.
The wallpaper
The intricate wallpaper that adorns the walls of Chow’s room is another crucial motif in the film. It encapsulates the complex and layered emotional dynamics between Su and Chow. The wallpaper’s repetitive patterns mirror their unchanging emotional state, trapped in a cycle of longing and restraint.
Simultaneously, the wallpaper also signifies the boundary that separates them. Just as the wallpaper adorns the walls of their rented rooms, their commitment to societal norms and moral integrity form the metaphorical walls that prevent them from expressing their feelings.
Rain
Rain serves as a potent motif in In the Mood for Love, often accompanying critical moments in the narrative. The rain mirrors the characters’ emotional state, providing an external manifestation of their inner turmoil and suppressed emotions. It sets the mood for their unexpressed love and unspoken words, adding a sense of melancholy to the film.
Rain signifies change and transformation. However, in the context of In the Mood for Love, rain also highlights the lack of change in Su and Chow’s relationship, reinforcing the theme of unfulfilled love. The repeated scenes of rain-soaked streets and the sound of raindrops underscore the gloom of missed opportunities and unexpressed emotions, deepening the emotional resonance of the film.
Mahjong
Mahjong, a traditional Chinese game that features prominently in In the Mood for Love, serves as a powerful motif encapsulating the societal atmosphere and interpersonal dynamics of the characters. The constant clattering of the mahjong tiles provides a rhythmic backdrop to the narrative, creating an auditory link to the external world that starkly contrasts with the silent, internal emotional world of Chow and Su.
The game is frequently associated with social gatherings and gossip, mirroring the characters’ fear of societal judgment and the clandestine nature of their relationship. The scenes of mahjong games highlight the societal constraints that bind them, underlining their isolation amidst the social hubbub. Simultaneously, the strategic and somewhat unpredictable nature of the game could also be seen as a metaphor for their complex relationship, which requires delicate maneuvering amidst uncertain circumstances.
Politics
Though not as overt a motif as others in the film, the underlying political situation serves as a backdrop that subtly influences the narrative. Set in the 1960s Hong Kong, the film includes occasional references to the political landscape of the time. This adds another layer of tension and uncertainty that parallels the emotional turmoil of the protagonists. The political motif, though indirect, offers a historical context that intensifies the film’s exploration of social norms, secrecy, and unfulfilled love.
Martial Arts Serials
Martial arts serials, regularly featured on Chow’s radio, act as a recurring motif in In the Mood for Love. On the surface, they offer a bit of cultural context and add to the film’s nostalgic charm. However, on a deeper level, they also serve as an intriguing parallel to Chow and Su’s story. Much like the martial arts heroes who must navigate a world of moral codes and societal obligations, Chow and Su too find themselves in a complex emotional battleground where they must adhere to societal norms and marital obligations, even at the expense of their personal happiness. The martial arts serials, with their tales of honor, duty, and hidden emotions, therefore, become an echo of their silent, internal struggles.
Share your thoughts
Are there more motifs you think should be part of the Colossus Movie Guide for In the Mood for Love? Leave your thoughts below and we’ll consider them for the guide.
