This is a remastered version of a much older film, which was actually longer but apparently of lower technical quality. The film and sound quality of this film aren't what you'd expect from a film such as Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon however this exceeds any other wuxia film I have ever seen.
The reason for this is Wong Kar Wai is a genuine artist. Although he has a thick layer of style in 2046 here he lays on artistic expression as a director particularly strongly. He uses colour to create a visual richness in the landscape that made it particularly inspiring for my adaptation of Exalted. The soundtrack combines modern instruments with traditional Chinese melodies as well as featuring cello solos by Yo-Yo Ma. The result of his free use of his powers as a director might be overwhelming to those new to Asian or art cinema. I found it a turn off the first time I tried to watch it. Years later I recognise it as the masterful film that it is.
Despite being a wuxia movie the plot is primarily a romance with the kind of depth that you'd expect from his other films, although here he has less time to dwell on it as there are serious action scenes, one of which is rather difficult to follow on first viewing. Although he does bring the same degree of intelligence and involvement to these as he does to the romantic story.
I wouldn't recommend this for people who are solely accustomed to mainstream western cinema unless you're really looking to break out your own boundaries. It probably suits the slightly more mature end of the audience although the action and emotional intensity make it vibrant even by his own standards.
