# 2046

> 2004 film directed by Wong Kar-Wai

**Wikidata**: [Q164702](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q164702)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2046_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/2046

## Summary
**2046** is a 2004 film directed by Wong Kar-Wai, known for its complex narrative and visual style. It explores themes of love, memory, and longing, set against the backdrop of 1960s Hong Kong. The film is recognized for its non-linear storytelling and intricate character development.

## Key Facts
- **Director**: Wong Kar-Wai
- **Release Year**: 2004
- **Genre**: Romance, Drama
- **Countries of Origin**: Hong Kong, France, Germany, China
- **Language**: Cantonese, Mandarin, English
- **Runtime**: 129 minutes
- **Premiere Dates**: January 1, 2004 (Hong Kong), January 13, 2005 (France)
- **Awards**: European Film Award for Best Non-European Film (2005)
- **Cast**: Tony Leung, Ziyi Zhang, Gong Li, Carina Lau, Faye Wong
- **Music**: Composed by various artists, including The Velvet Underground and Nat King Cole
- **Cinematography**: Christopher Doyle, Pin Bing Lee, Yiu Chung Yeung
- **Box Office**: $12.5 million (worldwide)
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 34 language editions
- **Wikidata ID**: Q11424
- **IMDb ID**: tt0212712
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 87%
- **Metacritic Score**: 78/100

## FAQs
**What is the central theme of *2046*?**  
The film explores themes of love, memory, and longing, intertwined with the protagonist's struggle to move past heartbreak and embrace change.

**How does *2046* relate to Wong Kar-Wai's other works?**  
It is part of a thematic trilogy with *In the Mood for Love* (2000) and *Days of Being Wild* (1990), sharing characters and motifs but not a direct narrative sequence.

**What critical reception did *2046* receive?**  
The film received widespread acclaim for its visuals, performances, and direction, though some critics noted its pacing and complexity as challenging.

**Where was *2046* filmed?**  
Primary locations include Hong Kong, with scenes shot in Shanghai and other regions of China to evoke the 1960s setting.

**What is the significance of the title "2046"?**  
The title refers to a room number in the film and symbolizes a state of emotional stasis, reflecting the protagonist's reluctance to confront the future.

## Why It Matters
*2046* is significant for its contribution to contemporary cinema, showcasing Wong Kar-Wai's unique storytelling and visual style. It captures the essence of 1960s Hong Kong, blending historical context with universal themes of love and loss. The film's non-linear narrative and complex characters have influenced filmmakers globally, cementing its status as a modern classic. Its exploration of cultural identity and emotional depth resonates with diverse audiences, making it a landmark in world cinema.

## Notable For
- **Non-Linear Storytelling**: Renowned for its fragmented narrative structure, mirroring the protagonist's fragmented memories.
- **Visual Aesthetics**: Acclaimed for its lush cinematography and meticulous production design, recreating 1960s Hong Kong.
- **Thematic Depth**: Explores universal themes of love, longing, and the passage of time with cultural specificity.
- **Cultural Impact**: Reflects and critiques Hong Kong's identity during a transformative historical period.
- **Awards and Recognition**: Winner of the European Film Award for Best Non-European Film (2005).

## Body

### Production and Release
*2046* was directed by Wong Kar-Wai and released in 2004, premiering in Hong Kong on January 1 and in France on January 13, 2005. The film features a star-studded cast, including Tony Leung, Ziyi Zhang, and Gong Li, with music from notable artists like The Velvet Underground and Nat King Cole. Cinematography by Christopher Doyle, Pin Bing Lee, and Yiu Chung Yeung contributed to its visually striking style.

### Narrative and Themes
The film's narrative revolves around Chow Mo-Wan (Tony Leung), a writer grappling with past heartbreak while working on a science fiction story titled *2046*. The story intertwines Chow's relationships with multiple women, including Su Li-Zhen (Gong Li) and Bai Ling (Zhang Ziyi), exploring themes of love, memory, and the fear of emotional commitment. The title symbolizes both a literal room number and a metaphorical state of emotional stagnation.

### Cultural and Historical Context
Set in 1960s Hong Kong, *2046* captures the city's vibrant yet transient atmosphere during a period of political and social change. The film references the impending handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997, symbolized by the futuristic year 2046, reflecting anxieties about identity and the future.

### Reception and Legacy
*2046* received critical acclaim for its visuals, performances, and direction, earning an 87% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 78/100 Metacritic score. It won the European Film Award for Best Non-European Film in 2005. The film's complex narrative and pacing drew mixed reactions, with some critics praising its depth and others finding it challenging. It is recognized as a key work in Wong Kar-Wai's filmography, influencing contemporary cinema with its unique storytelling approach.

### Technical Specifications
- **Runtime**: 129 minutes
- **Languages**: Primarily Cantonese, with Mandarin and English dialogue
- **Box Office**: Grossed $12.5 million worldwide
- **Wikipedia Presence**: Featured in 34 language editions, highlighting its global recognition

### Connected Entities
- **Director**: Wong Kar-Wai, known for *In the Mood for Love* and *Chungking Express*
- **Cast**: Tony Leung, Ziyi Zhang, Gong Li, Carina Lau, and Faye Wong
- **Awards**: European Film Award for Best Non-European Film (2005)
- **Genres**: Romance, Drama
- **Thematic Trilogy**: Part of a thematic series with *In the Mood for Love* and *Days of Being Wild*

### Historical and Cultural Significance
*2046* serves as a cultural artifact of Hong Kong's identity during the mid-20th century, blending personal and political narratives. Its exploration of love and memory transcends cultural boundaries, resonating with global audiences. The film's use of 1960s settings and futuristic elements creates a timeless commentary on human emotion and societal change.

### Technical and Artistic Achievements
The film's cinematography and production design meticulously recreate 1960s Hong Kong, earning praise for its authenticity. The non-linear storytelling challenges conventional narrative structures, reflecting the fragmented nature of memory and emotion. The soundtrack, featuring a mix of Western and Chinese music, enhances the film's emotional depth and cultural hybridity.

### Academic and Critical Analysis
*2046* is studied in film studies for its narrative techniques, character development, and cultural themes. Scholars analyze its portrayal of masculinity, femininity, and colonial identity, as well as its contribution to world cinema. The film's use of symbolism, such as the recurring motif of the number 2046, is a subject of academic discourse on cinematic storytelling.

### Global Influence
*2046* has influenced filmmakers worldwide, inspiring works that explore complex narratives and emotional depth. Its impact is evident in films that blend personal and historical contexts, using visual aesthetics to convey thematic complexity. The film's success underscores the universal appeal of stories about love, loss, and identity, solidifying its place in global cinematic heritage.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0212712/)
2. [Source](http://www.filmaffinity.com/es/film138562.html)
3. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/2046)
4. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=28367.html)
5. europeanfilmawards.eu
6. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0212712/fullcredits)
7. [Source](https://www.europeanfilmacademy.org/European-Film-Awards-Winners-2004.69.0.html)
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. The Movie Database
10. 2046. Rotten Tomatoes
11. [Source](http://www.kinokalender.com/film4740_2046.html)
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. [Source](https://www.europeanfilmacademy.org/2004.102.0.html)
14. [Source](https://www.fsk.de/asp/filestream.asp?dir=karte&file=0412%5C101016K%2Epdf)
15. [Source](https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/2046-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0zndyyotc)
16. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/2046/)
17. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
18. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
19. [Source](https://www.eirin.jp/list/index.php?s_year=2022&s_month=6&e_year=2022&e_month=6&pageID=3)
20. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/106463)
21. Cineplex
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24. mymovies.it
25. Danish Film Database
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27. FilmVandaag.nl