In the Mood for Love

What does this film, about two spouses who come to realize that their spouses are carrying on an affair, tell us about the effects of abandonment and betrayal? What does it tell us about the impact such affairs have, even in societies that tacitly accept such behavior? Why do the two main characters attempt to reconstruct or act out meetings or conversations between their cheating spouses? What do the rehearsals of confrontations with their spouses show us about the kinds of soul searching or self-examinations that often happen when spouses are betrayed? How does the film convey the fact that Mr. Chow and Mrs. Chan are hemmed in by their neighbors as they try to keep their growing relationship and love secret? Why is it so important for them to ‘not be like’ their cheating spouses? Why do Mr. Chow and Mrs. Chan not reconnect after both have left their spouses? Who is the father of the child we see with the former Mrs. Chan at the end of the film? Does the storyline indicate the director is making a claim about the deleterious effects of tacitly accepted infidelity or polygamy? Do such relationships typically end in emotional turmoil, misery, regret and guilt, because it is against human nature to live this way? How does the atmospherics of the film reflect the tenuous nature of Hong Kong’s status, vis-à-vis China? Why does the sequel, which follows the after-story of Mr. Chow, not ring true?