2046, whose production began at around the same time as In the Mood for Love, feels like the latter’s sequel but does not remain in its shadow. In Hong Kong during the Cultural Revolution of 1966, Chow Mo-wan stays in Room 2046 at the Oriental Hotel where he begins writing his new novel. In his novel 2046, everything is eternal. People who head to 2046 to reclaim their lost memories grow lonely again because of love. In 2046, room 2046, where Chow Mo-wan stayed with Su Li-zhen in In the Mood for Love, becomes the place of Chow’s current love and loss and continues into the world of fiction. This splendidly directed film weaves together operatic aria and science fictional world. At its center is the presence of Tony Leung, who remains unchanged throughout, as though he will remain there forever, even after everything changes and everyone is gone. 2046 was the opening film for the 9th Busan International Film Festival in 2004. (JEONG Jihye)