In this section of our Colossus Movie Guide for In the Mood for Love, we answer questions you have about the movie. If you’re curious about plot explanations, meanings, themes, lessons, motifs, symbols, or just confused by something, ask and we’ll do our best to answer.
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
In the Mood for Love | Questions and Answers
What does Chow whisper into the hollow at the end?
In the Mood for Love leaves the audience with an unanswered question: what does Chow whisper into the hollow? The content of Chow’s whisper remains deliberately unknown, adding to the film’s exploration of unexpressed emotions, secrets, and unfulfilled desires. As viewers, we are only privy to his act of whispering, but not the substance of his whisper. This echoes the film’s recurring motif of things left unsaid, further amplified by the silence and secrecy that marked Chow and Su’s relationship.
The deliberate ambiguity invites the audience to actively engage in interpretation, promoting an empathetic understanding of Chow’s unexpressed emotions. This lack of certainty reflects the uncertain nature of human emotions, reinforcing the film’s thematic exploration of longing, memory, and unrequited love. By maintaining the secrecy of Chow’s whisper, the film enhances its thematic resonance, leaving a lasting impression on the audience’s perception of the characters’ emotional journey.
Read more about the ending of the film here.
Was it Su or Mrs. Chow crying in the shower?
The shower scene in In the Mood for Love adds another layer of ambiguity to the film’s narrative. While it is unclear if the woman crying in the shower is Su or Mrs. Chow, this ambiguity carries significant thematic implications. It creates a sense of shared sorrow and emotional pain, subtly hinting at the emotional turmoil both women could be experiencing due to their respective circumstances. Is it Su crying about her cheating husband and her inability to be with Chow? Or is it Mrs. Chow crying over the guilt of cheating on her husband?
This scene aligns with the film’s exploration of emotional resonance, empathy, and the interconnectedness of human experiences. By leaving the identity of the woman ambiguous, it promotes an understanding of shared pain and longing beyond individual characters, thus enriching the film’s thematic depth.
Why doesn’t Su respond to Chow on the phone?
Su’s silence during the phone call with Chow can be interpreted as a manifestation of the emotional and social constraints placed on her. Throughout the film, Su grapples with her feelings for Chow, while also wrestling with expectations and her commitment to norms. Her silence during this phone call might be a reflection of this inner struggle, a moment where her desire to connect with Chow is stifled by the societal rules to which she adheres.
In this sense, her silence is emblematic of the theme of unexpressed emotions that permeates the film. It underscores the longing, restraint, and unfulfilled desires that define Su and Chow’s relationship. Understanding Su’s silence in this scene provides a deeper insight into her character and the pressures she experiences, adding further nuance to the film’s exploration of unrequited love and social constraints.
What questions do you have?
Help improve our Colossus Movie Guide for In the Mood for Love by leaving your questions in the comments. We’ll answer it there or add it to the article and notify you. Thank you!
