Days of Being Wild

Impressions before seeing it
I enjoy the work of Wong Kar-Wai, blah, blah, blah, you know the drill.

How was it?
I don't know what it is with Wong Kar-Wai and women. I thought his females were very likable in Chungking Express, In the Mood for Love, and 2046, but in Fallen Angels most of them were annoying and obsessive to a psychotic extent. Carina Lau's character in this movie is of the Fallen Angels variety. Maybe it is meant to be a reaction to Leslie Cheung's character because, let's be fair, he is kind of a douche as well when it comes to his treatment of women. So, having two unlikeable leads doesn't really bode well for this movie.

Now hold on a second, because Mr. Chow (Tony Leung) in 2046 was also cold to the ladies at times. Why did I like Mr. Chow and not York (Cheung)? I don't know, really. Mr. Chow was more of a ladies man I suppose. He had a suave charm that made it not so bad when he was being a dick. Or maybe I just like Tony Leung better as an actor. He does appear at the end of the movie, but in an odd fashion because people who aren't aware of Tony's later appearances as this character in two of Wong's other films will be confused as hell.

But that's not to say I didn't like Days of Being Wild. I couldn't help but like it because I just enjoy watching Wong Kar Wai's style. I think I even prefer it over Ashes of Time. But it's definitely not his best work.

Recommendation
Should be viewed as the first part in the trilogy that involves In the Mood for Love and 2046. Although I actually watched the trilogy in reverse order and it didn't ruin anything.