CHUNGKING EXPRESS
Stylish, infectious romance for discerning adults only.
Should You Watch It?
CHUNGKING EXPRESS is a highly stylish, energetic romantic comedy set amid the pulsating street life of Hong Kong. Its wit, impish fun and unusual visual energy are infectious. The film tells two separate stories about policemen trying to find love after their relationships collapse.
The cost is its understanding of romance. Romantic love drives both stories, but the film offers little moral compass; fate seems to hold the ruling hand. Drug smuggling, violence, promiscuity and other mature content further limit its audience.
If you are a discerning adult who values artistic ingenuity and can engage a morally unsettled romantic worldview, this may be worth your time. For children and young teens, choose something else.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESTwo Hong Kong policemen try to find love after being abandoned by their girlfriends. One finds an unexpected connection with a blonde-wigged drug dealer whose smuggling deal has gone wrong. The other mopes through his apartment after his stewardess girlfriend leaves him, then encounters a take-out fast-food worker who dreams of California.
Is It Any Good?
Three stars means this is a very good, distinctive film with significant limitations. Wong Kar-Wai gives CHUNGKING EXPRESS a unique style, pulsating energy and infectious enthusiasm. Its wit and impish fun draw the viewer into its unusual rhythm.
The film’s artistic ingenuity is stronger than its story content. Both stories are driven by romantic love without a moral compass, while violence, drug smuggling and implications of sexual immorality make the experience less desirable for many viewers.
The Worldview
CHUNGKING EXPRESS treats romantic love as its central inspiration. The two stories begin with loss and loneliness, then search for solace through mismatched romantic connections. The film finds energy and humor in that search, but it does not offer a clear moral framework for love, sexuality or commitment.
Fate appears to hold the ruling hand. Rather than presenting romance within a larger moral or spiritual order, the film allows desire and circumstance to guide the characters. That makes its style and emotional restlessness compelling, while also leaving its view of love spiritually thin.
The film’s longing for connection is real, but Scripture calls for more than romantic feeling to direct the heart: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Romantic worldview emphasizing romantic love; brief action violence involving 3 shootings; implied sex through scenes involving erotic kissing, man & woman in bed & a mention of implied sexual tryst; bare top of a woman & man & woman in underwear; drinking and drunkenness, drug smuggling & cigarette smoking; and, thievery, kidnapping of a child & man vomiting
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
The film treats romantic love as its guiding inspiration. What should guide our decisions about love and relationships?
Proverbs 4:23 · 1 Corinthians 13:4–7The characters respond to loneliness by searching for romance. Where else can people seek lasting comfort and belonging?
Psalm 46:1 · John 14:18The film lets fate hold the ruling hand. How is biblical trust in God different from simply surrendering to circumstances?
Proverbs 3:5–6 · James 4:13–15How can artistic style make an idea attractive, even when the idea itself needs discernment?
Romans 12:2 · Philippians 4:8The Final Word
CHUNGKING EXPRESS is energetic, witty and artistically distinctive, but its romantic worldview lacks a moral compass and its mature content is substantial. For discerning adults, it is WORTH THE TRIP — ADULTS ONLY. For younger viewers and family movie night, choose from.
