Happy Together [DVD]

Viewing this film was like watching the Tango! Leslie Cheung and Tony Leung were absolutely mesmerizing as lovers who exist in a state of conflict, constantly estranged from their homeland, their loved-ones and each other. The ending was heartrending (no surprise), but I found the interaction between the couple to be pure comedy. The situations that each character found himself in were anything but funny, however, the ups and downs in their relationship were so realistic that I couldn't help but laugh at how insane love can be.Regardless of race, class, gender, culture, sexual orientation and even geography, this movie will serve as a love letter to anyone who has the misfortune of being truly, madly and deeply in love with the one person on earth who drives them nuts. Those of us fitting this description will find many confirmations (but no comfort) in Yiu-Fai and Po-Wing's story. I could totally relate to Yiu-Fai when he stated that Po-Wing's illness was actually the time when they were the happiest together. Moreover, the story paints a vivid portrait of long-term relationships as swaying perilously between states of codependence, complacency and claustrophobia.If I had to decide on a letter grade, though, I would have to give the movie an, "A-" instead of an, "A" because I was hoping that Leslie Cheung would not be confined to the typical "doomed drama-queen" role. Ironically, the story explores individual, national and global identity when, throughout the cinema world, one is hard pressed to find performers who rival Tony Leung's depth and Leslie Cheung's range. Despite his hallmark androgyny, I personally believe that Cheung could play Rambo convincingly! The universal nature of the story was also threatened by its stereotypical depiction of gay life (not all gay relationships are violent and not all gay people are promiscuous). I think the film's core message could have been conveyed just as effectively without the use of hackneyed scenarios. Fortunately, the amazing soundtrack and the breathtaking cinematography more than made up for any flaws.

This movie was very moving and showed the trouble one can have moving to a new place. It follows the lives of two people that wanted to be able to love one another without fear. They had their ups and downs but their love shun through.

This is the first film of Wong-Kar Wai's that I ever saw in a not-so-pristine 35mm print, and the story and cinematography blew me away so much, that I believe I have owned it on VHS and DVD. It's one of those few films I'll upgrade whenever there's a new format, and this edition is so crafted, that I don't think Kino's rival, Criterion Collection, could do any better than this if they had the chance. Very, very good transfer for both audio and video, and a better work than it's usual (for Kino) putting together some cool extras. If you love this film, this is hands down the edition to have right now. It looks better than the 35mm copy I saw first.

If you like/love this film like I do, this Blu-Ray version is a must have. Gorgeously remastered with crisp sound and images. The old DVD and streaming won't do justice to this achingly mournful and beautiful film. There's no other way to see this film. Some nice extras like the short movie about the making of the film made by one of the crew members. As for the movie, I am not here to convince anybody that this is one of Wong Kar Wai's very best. The triumvirate of Wai, cinematographer Chris Doyle and actor Tony Leung makes this the most artful and searing cinema one is lucky enough to witness.

Unfortunately, the specific Japanese pressing received for “Happy Together” only has an option for Japanese subtitles. I saw two other websites that state: “Japanese Blu-ray/Region A pressing. Features English sub-titles. Hong Kong cinema superstars Tony Leung (Hero, Red Cliff) and Leslie Cheung (Knock Off) play a pair of lovers living out the waning days of their relationship as expatriates in Buenos Aires. Lusty tango bars, the salsa music of the La Boca sidewalks, and a hypnotic visit to the nearby Iguazu Falls give further dimension to the tensions growing between the two lovers. From Director Wong Kar-Wai (Chungking Express, My Blueberry Nights, Fallen Angels).Happy Together (1997) (Blu-ray)”

This is about a tumultuous, sad relationship that just happens to be between two men. It's superbly acted and with yet another exquisite performance by Leslie Cheung. One is the destructive loser while the other tries to keep the pieces of their lives together.."I had no regrets 'til I met you, now my regrets could kill me". Wong Kar-Wai has a way of filming decadence, and the confusion and pain that surrounds it in such a compelling way...filmed in Argentina, the sounds of the country are captured so well it's as if I was there..which brings me to one of my favorite scenes, when the young Chang (Chang Chen, he's wonderful !) explains how you can see better with your ears. This marvelous film is so real, that if you have had a failed relationship in your life, you'll find one or more scenes that will make you think "I remember that...".

'Happy together' was the first well-known film of Wong Kar-Wai. After that one came "In the mood of love", "2046", 'My blueberry nights' and others... This splendid film was the tenth movie of the author but the first big successful work of Wong in western countries. The movie is a gripping tale of homosexual love. It's an exercise of striking visual virtuosity and unequivocal postmodern affiliation. The story itself and the way of filming are strange and captivating. Iguazu's falls scene with Caetano singing "Cucurrucucu paloma" is one of the most beautiful in Wong Kar-Wai's filmography: [...]