'I wonder how it began?'...

And while we're on the topic of longing, here's a fabulous trailer from one of my favourite movies of all time.

Certainly not a movie that moved the masses, but it moved me. And I never tire of watching it.

This is Wong Kar Wai at his zenith (well, at least I think so). Using subtle nuances, WKW weaves a poignant tale of 'loss', 'missed opportunities', 'betrayal', and of course 'longing' - all which crescendo to a heartbreaking finale. The storyline is intentionally oblique and the audience is forced to think about the 'what ifs', the 'perhaps', the 'maybes' - whilst empathising with the piteous protaganists, played by HK luminaries Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Maggie Cheung. In the words of another critic: WKW makes us look within ourselves to interpret his movie in a personal way...everyone can arrive at a different place after seeing this film.

The emotions are captured with such sublime accurancy, it's heartwrenching. Coupled with great cinematography in the form of gorgeous textured shots, a haunting soundtrack and a kaleidoscope of colours displayed through Maggie Cheung's extensive wardrobe of elegant cheongsams, the movie is a stunning spectacle.

It is a restless moment.
She has kept her head lowered,
to give him a chance to come closer.
But he could not, for lack of courage.
She turns and walks away.
That era has passed.
Nothing that belonged to it exists any more.
He remembers those vanished years.
As though looking through a dusty window pane,
the past is something he could see, but not touch.
And everything he sees is blurred and indistinct.