Forbidden love in a time of betrayal, where everything is uncertain, and passion is the only certainty.
Watch the original version of In the Mood for Love
Prologue:
The city of Hong Kong in the 1960s was a bustling metropolis, filled with the sound of rickshaws and the smell of street food. Amidst the chaos, two neighbors, Mr. Chow and Mrs. Chan, lived in adjacent apartments. They were both married to others, but their lives were about to take an unexpected turn.
One day, they discovered that their spouses were having an affair with each other. The news rocked their worlds, leaving them reeling with confusion and hurt. However, their pain led to a connection that eventually blossomed into something more. This is the story of how Mr. Chow and Mrs. Chan fell in love, despite the odds against them.
Chapter 1: The Discovery
Mrs. Chan had always suspected that something was amiss in her marriage. Her husband, a busy newspaper editor, often worked late hours and seemed distant when he was home. She tried to ignore her suspicions, but deep down, she knew that something was wrong.
One day, as she was walking down the hallway of her apartment building, she overheard a conversation between her husband and Mr. Chow’s wife. They were talking about a trip they were planning to take, but Mrs. Chan could tell that there was something more going on.
Later that day, Mrs. Chan went to Mr. Chow’s apartment, hoping to find some answers. She knocked on the door, and Mr. Chow answered, looking surprised to see her.
“Is everything okay?” he asked.
“No,” she said, tears welling up in her eyes. “I overheard my husband talking to your wife. I think they’re having an affair.”
Mr. Chow looked as if he had been punched in the gut. He invited Mrs. Chan in, and they sat down on his couch. For hours, they talked and cried, sharing their pain and confusion.
As the night wore on, Mrs. Chan realized that she felt more comfortable with Mr. Chow than she had in years with her own husband. She felt a connection with him that she couldn’t explain.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” she said, looking at Mr. Chow. “My life is falling apart.”
“I know,” he said, taking her hand. “But we’ll get through this together.”
Their hands lingered together for a moment longer than necessary, and Mrs. Chan felt a jolt of electricity run through her body. She quickly pulled her hand away, feeling guilty for having such thoughts.
As she got up to leave, Mr. Chow walked her to the door. They stood there for a moment, saying nothing.
“Thank you for tonight,” she said, turning to leave.
“Anytime,” he replied, watching her walk down the hallway.
As Mrs. Chan walked back to her own apartment, she couldn’t shake the feeling that her life was about to change forever. She didn’t know how or why, but she felt drawn to Mr. Chow in a way that she couldn’t explain.
Chapter 2: Forbidden Affection
Mrs. Chan couldn’t believe what she had just witnessed. Her husband, Mr. Chan, was having an affair with Mr. Chow’s wife, leaving her feeling cheated and alone. She felt violated, angry, and betrayed by someone she thought she knew so well. But as much as she wanted to confront her husband, she knew it wouldn’t change anything. So instead, she turned to her neighbor, Mr. Chow, who was going through the same thing.
They sat in Mrs. Chan’s living room, sipping tea and sharing their stories. They talked about how they had suspected something was going on for a while, but both of them had been in denial. They had tried to convince themselves that their spouses were just working late or hanging out with friends, but the truth had finally come out.
As they talked, Mrs. Chan and Mr. Chow found themselves drawn to each other in a way they never expected. They had always been friendly neighbors, but now they shared a bond over their shared heartache. There was a sense of comfort in knowing that they weren’t alone in their pain.
But soon, that comfort turned into something more. They found themselves thinking about each other all the time, wondering what the other was doing and feeling a sense of longing when they weren’t together. Mrs. Chan couldn’t believe she was feeling this way about another man, and Mr. Chow was equally torn by his growing feelings for his neighbor.
It was an impossible situation. They were both married, and their spouses were having an affair with each other. It felt wrong to even consider the idea of being with someone else, but the emptiness they felt in their marriages made it hard to resist the pull towards each other. They tried to fight it, but the attraction was too strong.
One day, Mrs. Chan and Mr. Chow found themselves alone in the hallway outside their apartments. They looked at each other, and in that moment, they knew. They leaned in and kissed, their lips meeting in a frenzy of passion. It was a forbidden love, but it was undeniable.
The guilt and shame they felt afterwards was overwhelming. They both knew it was wrong, but they couldn’t help the way they felt. They continued to meet in secret, taking walks and talking for hours, unable to resist the pull towards each other.
Mrs. Chan and Mr. Chow’s relationship became more and more intense, but they knew they had to keep it a secret. They didn’t want to hurt their spouses any more than they already had, and they didn’t want anyone in their community to know what was going on.
But the guilt and deception began to wear on them. They would see their spouses in passing, and the guilt would wash over them like a tidal wave. They knew they were doing something wrong, but they couldn’t stop.
As the days went on, Mrs. Chan and Mr. Chow struggled to reconcile their feelings with the reality of their situation. They knew they couldn’t continue like this forever, but the thought of ending things was unbearable. They felt trapped, caught in a love that was both forbidden and impossible.
Their relationship was a secret, but it was also everything to them. They played a dangerous game, hoping that they wouldn’t get caught, but knowing that the consequences would be severe if they were.
Despite all the difficulties, they couldn’t help but be drawn to each other. They were both lonely and in need of comfort, and somehow they found that in each other. But as much as they tried to ignore it, they knew that their love was a ticking time bomb, and they didn’t know when it would explode.
Chapter 3: Secret Meetings
Mrs. Chan and Mr. Chow had always been polite neighbors, exchanging pleasantries in passing but never really getting to know each other. That all changed when they discovered their spouses’ affair. The two found themselves drawn to each other, bonding over their shared pain and confusion.
At first, their conversations were brief and awkward. They’d bump into each other in the hallway or at the mailbox, exchanging nervous smiles and small talk. But as time passed, they grew bolder. They began to linger outside each other’s doors, hoping for a chance encounter.
It wasn’t long before Mr. Chow invited Mrs. Chan to take a walk with him. The two strolled through the quiet streets, talking about everything and nothing. They found comfort in each other’s company, knowing they were both going through the same thing.
As their walks became more frequent, they started to reveal more about themselves. Mrs. Chan spoke of her dreams of becoming a writer, and Mr. Chow shared his passion for music. They discovered they had more in common than they ever thought possible.
Their conversations weren’t always serious, though. They found themselves joking and laughing, something they hadn’t done in a long time. They felt alive in each other’s presence, and it scared them.
They knew what they were doing was wrong. They were both married and had made a vow to be faithful. But the guilt they felt paled in comparison to the happiness they found in each other.
Their meetings became more secretive. They’d plan their walks in advance, choosing quiet streets and secluded parks to avoid being seen. They knew they were taking a risk, but they couldn’t resist each other.
One particularly beautiful afternoon, they found themselves at a small park on the outskirts of town. They sat on a bench overlooking a pond, watching the ducks swim lazily by. Mrs. Chan leaned her head on Mr. Chow’s shoulder, and he wrapped his arm around her. They sat like that for hours, talking softly and enjoying each other’s warmth.
As the sun began to set, they knew it was time to go. Reluctantly, they stood up and brushed the grass off their clothes. They shared a long, lingering hug, neither one wanting to let go.
“Thank you for today,” Mrs. Chan whispered, looking up at him with tears in her eyes.
“Thank you for being here,” Mr. Chow replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
They said goodbye and went their separate ways, but their thoughts were consumed with each other. They didn’t know what the future held, but they knew they couldn’t stay away from each other.
Chapter 4: A Betrayal Revealed
Mrs. Chan and Mr. Chow’s illicit love affair is brought to an abrupt halt by the discovery of their secret meetings by her husband. Infuriated and filled with a sense of betrayal, Mrs. Chan’s husband confronts the two of them, threatening to expose their infidelity to everyone.
Feeling guilty and ashamed, Mrs. Chan and Mr. Chow face his wrath, but they also refuse to give up their newfound love for each other. They confess their feelings and explain their situation, hoping for understanding.
However, Mrs. Chan’s husband is filled with rage and jealousy, and his reaction is anything but understanding. He berates his wife for her infidelity and even threatens to hurt Mr. Chow.
Understandably, the couple’s newfound love is now threatened by the very thing that brought them together. Mrs. Chan’s husband demands that she ends her relationship with Mr. Chow and returns to him. He tells her that he’s willing to forgive her if she ends things with Mr. Chow and focuses on their marriage.
Mrs. Chan is torn between her love for Mr. Chow and her duty towards her marriage. She knows that what she’s doing is wrong, but at the same time, she can’t help but feel that she’s finally found true love with Mr. Chow. She’s unsure of what to do and ultimately decides to take some time to think things over.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chow is also struggling with the situation. He’s worried about Mrs. Chan’s safety and the possibility of losing her completely. He’s confused by the sudden turn of events and the fact that their love is now in danger of being exposed to the world.
The two of them agree to stay away from each other until they can figure out what to do. They both remain haunted by the other, constantly thinking about each other and their love.
Days turn into weeks, and the distance between them is unbearable. Mrs. Chan’s husband has become increasingly suspicious, and she’s constantly watched. She can’t even leave her apartment without fear of being caught.
Mr. Chow, on the other hand, is constantly on edge, waiting for news of Mrs. Chan. He feels lost without her and realizes how much he needs her in his life. His work suffers, and he finds it hard to focus on anything else.
One day, Mr. Chow receives a letter from Mrs. Chan, telling him that she’s decided to end things between them. She tells him that she can’t bear the thought of hurting her husband any further and that she’s going to try and make her marriage work.
Mr. Chow is devastated by the news and feels like his world is falling apart. He can hardly believe that their love story is ending so abruptly. He reads the letter over and over again, trying to make sense of what’s happening.
He realizes that he has no choice but to accept her decision, even though it breaks his heart. He knows that he’ll always love her and that their time together will remain a cherished memory.
Mrs. Chan, on the other hand, is filled with conflicting emotions. She’s relieved that the affair is over, but at the same time, she’s also filled with sadness and regret. She knows that she’s hurt Mr. Chow and that their love story will never have a happy ending.
As she tries to move on with her life, she realizes that what she had with Mr. Chow was special and unique. She’ll always carry him in her heart, but she knows that she can never go back to the life she once had.
With heavy hearts, Mrs. Chan and Mr. Chow part ways, knowing that their love story will always be a bittersweet memory. Their love was born from betrayal, but it was pure and true. They’ll always cherish the moments they had together and the love they shared, even if it couldn’t last.
Chapter 5: The Pain of Separation
Mrs. Chan and Mr. Chow are forced to end their secret meetings. The reality of their situation had finally caught up to them, and they knew they couldn’t continue to sneak around forever. They both felt the weight of their forbidden love and the guilt that came with it.
Mrs. Chan was tormented by the thought of losing her husband, but at the same time, she couldn’t help but think of Mr. Chow. He had become such an integral part of her life, and she longed for his company. The realization that their relationship could never be out in the open was devastating.
Mr. Chow was equally heartbroken. He had never felt such a deep connection to anyone before; Mrs. Chan had become his everything. He couldn’t imagine life without her, but he also knew that they had to be careful. Their spouses were still in the picture, and the risk of getting caught was too high.
Days turned into weeks, and the couple’s contact with each other became scarce. They exchanged brief hellos and smiles when they bumped into each other in the hallway, but the sense of longing only grew more profound.
One afternoon, Mrs. Chan received a phone call from Mr. Chow. He was calling from a payphone, and his voice was shaky. Mrs. Chan could hear the desperation in his words, and her heart sank. Mr. Chow was leaving Hong Kong.
He explained that he had been offered a job in Singapore, and he had to leave within the week. Mrs. Chan was in disbelief. She had always known there was a chance that their relationship would come to an end, but the suddenness of it all was overwhelming. She tried to hold back tears as she spoke to him, but her voice trembled.
“I’ll miss you,” she said, her words barely audible.
“I’ll miss you too,” he replied, his voice thick with emotion.
They said their goodbyes, and Mrs. Chan hung up the phone. She collapsed onto the couch, tears streaming down her face. She felt as if a part of her was being ripped away.
For the next few days, Mrs. Chan was in a daze. She went through the motions of her daily life, but her mind was always with Mr. Chow. She couldn’t help but wonder what he was doing, if he was thinking of her as much as she was thinking of him.
One night, Mrs. Chan sat alone in her apartment, staring blankly at the TV screen. She couldn’t concentrate on anything; her mind was consumed with thoughts of Mr. Chow. Suddenly, the phone rang, and Mrs. Chan jolted to attention.
“Hello?” she answered tentatively.
“It’s me,” came Mr. Chow’s voice.
Mrs. Chan’s heart skipped a beat.
“I’m outside,” he said.
Mrs. Chan didn’t hesitate. She hung up the phone and rushed to the door. When she opened it, Mr. Chow was standing there, looking as handsome as ever.
They didn’t say anything at first; they just hugged each other tightly. The warmth of his embrace was all Mrs. Chan had been craving. They stood like that for what felt like hours, their bodies intertwined.
Eventually, Mr. Chow pulled away, and they looked at each other. Mrs. Chan could see the sadness in his eyes, but she could also see the love. They didn’t say anything; they simply stood there, taking in the moment.
Mr. Chow broke the silence. “I have to go,” he said softly.
Mrs. Chan’s heart sank. She knew that this was it.
“I know,” she replied, her voice shaking. “Take care of yourself.”
Mr. Chow simply nodded before turning to leave. Mrs. Chan watched him go, feeling a sense of emptiness.
As she stood in the doorway, Mrs. Chan realized that she had fallen deeply in love with Mr. Chow. The thought of never seeing him again was unbearable, but at the same time, she knew that they couldn’t be together.
Mrs. Chan closed the door and leaned against it, tears streaming down her face. She knew that her life would never be the same again.
Chapter 6: A Chance Encounter
Mrs. Chan and Mr. Chow had not seen each other for months, and the void in their lives seemed to grow with each passing day. Both had been struggling to move on, but their hearts remained tied to each other. One afternoon, while Mr. Chow was having lunch at a noodle stall, he heard a familiar voice behind him.
“Is this seat taken?” Mrs. Chan asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
Startled by her sudden appearance, Mr. Chow turned around to find her standing there, looking as beautiful as ever. He felt a jolt of electricity run through his body at the sight of her, and he struggled to keep his composure.
“Hello,” he replied, his voice barely audible.
Mrs. Chan took a seat across from him, and they ordered their food. The air between them was thick with tension, and they didn’t know what to say to each other. The silence felt uncomfortable, and Mr. Chow decided to break it.
“How have you been?” he asked, trying to sound casual.
Mrs. Chan hesitated for a moment before responding. “I’ve been okay,” she said, looking down at her food.
They ate their noodles in silence, stealing glances at each other every now and then. The familiar feeling of being around each other was both comforting and painful. They knew that they were not supposed to be together, but their hearts still yearned for each other.
After they finished their meal, Mr. Chow asked if he could walk Mrs. Chan home. She hesitated for a moment before agreeing. As they walked down the street, Mr. Chow felt a sense of happiness that he hadn’t felt in a long time. Just being around Mrs. Chan made him feel alive.
They didn’t speak much on the way, they just walked side by side, their arms brushing against each other. It was a bittersweet moment, knowing that they couldn’t be together, but still finding comfort in each other’s company.
When they arrived at Mrs. Chan’s apartment building, they stopped in front of the entrance. They looked at each other, unsure of what to say or do.
“I guess this is goodbye,” Mrs. Chan said, breaking the silence.
Mr. Chow looked at her, his heart heavy with sadness. “I don’t want to say goodbye,” he said, taking her hand in his.
Mrs. Chan’s eyes filled with tears, and she looked away from him. “We can’t be together,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
“I know,” Mr. Chow replied, feeling the weight of her words crush him.
They stood there, holding hands, not wanting to let go. The moment was both beautiful and heartbreaking, knowing that they had to part ways.
“I’ll wait for you,” Mr. Chow said, his eyes fixed on hers.
Mrs. Chan looked at him, tears streaming down her face. “Please don’t,” she said, pulling her hand away from his.
Mr. Chow watched as she walked into the building, feeling the emptiness inside him grow once again. He knew that their love was forbidden, but it didn’t stop him from loving her. He promised himself that he would wait for her, no matter how long it took.
Chapter 7: The Promise
As Mr. Chow sat on the stairway of Mrs. Chan’s apartment building, he couldn’t help but think about their journey together. It had been months since they had last seen each other, and the pain of separation had only grown with each passing day. But despite the distance, Mr. Chow still held onto the hope that they could be together one day.
He heard footsteps approaching from behind and turned around to see Mrs. Chan walking towards him. She looked gorgeous as always, but there was a sadness in her eyes that he couldn’t ignore.
“Mr. Chow,” she said softly, taking a seat next to him on the stairs.
“Mrs. Chan,” he replied, a lump forming in his throat.
They sat in silence for a few moments before Mrs. Chan finally spoke up. “I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to see you again.”
“It’s alright, I understand,” Mr. Chow replied, trying to hide the hurt in his voice.
“I’ve missed you,” Mrs. Chan said, placing her hand on his.
“I’ve missed you too,” he replied, taking her hand in his.
They sat in silence once more, both lost in their thoughts. Mr. Chow knew that he couldn’t keep living his life without her. He needed to know if there was a chance for them to be together.
“Mrs. Chan, I know things have been difficult for us, but I want to make a promise to you,” he began, turning to face her. “I promise to wait for you, no matter how long it takes. I’ll wait for you to come to me, whenever that may be. I know our situation is complicated, but I love you, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to be with you.”
Mrs. Chan looked at him, a mix of emotions playing across her face. She knew that Mr. Chow was sincere in his promise, but she also knew the challenges that lay ahead.
“Mr. Chow, I don’t know what the future holds for us,” she said, her voice trembling. “But I can’t deny my feelings for you. I love you too, and I’ll try my best to make things work between us.”
Mr. Chow felt a weight lift off his shoulders as he heard her words. It was like a glimmer of hope in the darkness. He leaned in and kissed her passionately, savoring the taste of her lips. They held each other tightly, lost in the moment.
As they parted, Mrs. Chan looked into Mr. Chow’s eyes. “Promise me that you’ll never give up on us,” she whispered.
“I promise,” he replied, his voice full of conviction.
Mrs. Chan smiled, and they sat together, enjoying each other’s company. They knew that their journey together would be full of challenges, but they were willing to face them together.
As the sun began to set, Mrs. Chan got up, signaling that it was time for her to leave. Mr. Chow walked her to the door and watched as she disappeared into the building.
He stood there for a few minutes, lost in thought. He knew that their road ahead would be long and difficult. But he also knew that he loved Mrs. Chan, and he was willing to do whatever it took to be with her.
With that thought, he turned and headed home, feeling a sense of hope and determination that he hadn’t felt in a long time. He knew that he had a promise to keep, and he wasn’t going to let Mrs. Chan down.
Chapter 8: A Heartbreaking Realization
Mrs. Chan sat alone in her apartment, staring blankly at the wall. She had just received a call from her husband, telling her that he was ending his affair. A wave of confusion and uncertainty washed over her, and she didn’t know what to do next.
As she sat there, lost in thought, there was a knock on her door. She hesitated for a moment before getting up to answer it. When she opened the door, she was surprised to see Mr. Chow standing on the other side.
“May I come in?” he asked softly.
Mrs. Chan hesitated for a moment before nodding and stepping aside to let him in. They sat down on the couch, both feeling the weight of the situation.
“I heard about your husband,” Mr. Chow said carefully. “Are you okay?”
Mrs. Chan shook her head. “I don’t know what to do,” she admitted. “He said it was over, but I don’t know if I believe him.”
Mr. Chow reached out to take her hand, but she pulled away. “I can’t do this,” she said, her voice breaking. “I can’t keep seeing you and lying to him.”
Mr. Chow’s heart sank as he listened to her words. He knew that this was a possibility, but he had hoped that their love would be strong enough to overcome it.
“I understand,” he said softly. “But please know that I will wait for you, no matter how long it takes. I love you, Mrs. Chan, and I always will.”
Mrs. Chan looked at him, tears in her eyes. She knew that she loved him too, but the thought of leaving her husband and facing the consequences of their affair was overwhelming.
“I need time,” she finally said. “I need to figure things out on my own.”
Mr. Chow nodded, understanding her need for space. “I’ll give you all the time you need,” he promised. “Just know that I’ll be here, waiting for you.”
As he got up to leave, Mrs. Chan stood up too, walking him to the door. He hesitated for a moment before turning to face her.
“I know this is hard,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “But I want you to know that you’ve changed my life. I’ll never forget you, Mrs. Chan.”
With that, he turned and walked out the door, leaving Mrs. Chan standing alone in her apartment once again. She knew that this was the right decision, but the pain of leaving Mr. Chow behind was almost too much to bear.
Over the next few weeks, Mrs. Chan tried to focus on her marriage and put her feelings for Mr. Chow behind her. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t forget the love that they shared.
As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months, Mrs. Chan began to realize that her feelings for Mr. Chow would never go away. She knew that she had to make a decision, and in her heart, she knew what that decision was.
One evening, she called Mr. Chow and asked him to meet her in the park. They sat down on a bench, their eyes meeting for the first time in what felt like an eternity.
“I’ve made a decision,” Mrs. Chan said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mr. Chow looked at her, his heart pounding. “What is it?” he asked.
“I’m leaving my husband,” Mrs. Chan said firmly. “I can’t keep pretending that everything is okay. I want to be with you, Mr. Chow.”
Mr. Chow’s face lit up with joy and relief. “Are you sure?” he asked, his voice trembling.
Mrs. Chan nodded, tears streaming down her face. “I’m sure,” she said. “I love you.”
In that moment, all of the pain and heartache that they had both endured seemed to disappear. They stood up, their arms around each other, and walked out of the park, ready to start a new life together.
As they walked, Mrs. Chan felt a sense of calm and happiness wash over her. She knew that their journey wouldn’t be easy, but she was willing to face any obstacle as long as it meant being with Mr. Chow.
Together, they walked into the sunset, their love stronger than ever before.
Chapter 9: The Final Goodbye
The air was heavy with the unspoken words between Mr. Chow and Mrs. Chan as they stood facing each other outside her apartment. The silence that enveloped them was suffocating.
“I have to go,” Mrs. Chan finally whispered, barely audible over the sound of her own breathing. Mr. Chow nodded, tears streaking down his face.
“Can’t we try to make this work?” he pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice. “I love you, and I know you love me too. Why must we end things like this?”
Mrs. Chan’s expression turned to one of sadness and regret. “Our love was beautiful, but it was also forbidden. We cannot ignore the fact that we are both married to different people. We must accept the reality of our situation and move on.”
Mr. Chow took a step forward, reaching for her hand. “But what if we tried to make it work? We could run away together, start a new life. We could be happy, just the two of us.”
Mrs. Chan pulled back, shaking her head. “No, we cannot run away from our problems. Our love is not worth destroying our marriages and our families over. We must do what is right, even if it hurts.”
Mr. Chow’s shoulders slumped, defeated. “I understand. I just wish things were different.”
They stood in silence for a few moments longer before Mrs. Chan stepped forward, placing a gentle kiss on Mr. Chow’s cheek. “Goodbye, my love.”
Mr. Chow watched as she disappeared into the building, feeling a crushing sense of loss and despair. He knew she was right, but the pain of letting go was almost too much to bear.
For months afterward, Mr. Chow felt as though he were living in a haze. He went through the motions of his life, but he felt numb, as though he were merely a shell of his former self.
One day, he received a letter from Mrs. Chan, and his heart leaped with hope. It was a simple note, expressing her love for him and her regret at the way things had ended. She told him that she would always cherish their time together but that they could never be together again.
It was a bittersweet moment for Mr. Chow. He was grateful for the closure, but he knew that his love for Mrs. Chan would never truly fade.
Years passed, and Mr. Chow remained haunted by their love story. He thought of her often, wondering where she was and what she was doing. But he knew that he could never reach out to her again.
It wasn’t until many years later that Mr. Chow finally discovered what had become of Mrs. Chan. He learned that she had moved to America and married a successful businessman. They had children, and Mrs. Chan had become a prominent figure in her community.
Mr. Chow was happy for her, but his heart ached with the knowledge that they could have had that life together. He knew that their love was one of those things that was meant to be a bittersweet memory, a beautiful moment frozen in time.
As he sat alone in his apartment, surrounded by memories of their love story, Mr. Chow realized that he had been foolish to think that their love could overcome all obstacles. It was a lesson he had learned too late, but one that would stay with him always.
And so, as the years passed, Mr. Chow cherished the memory of their love, knowing that it was something that would always be a part of him. It was a love that was unforgettable – a love that had never been easy, but one that had been worth every heartache and every tear.
Some scenes from the movie In the Mood for Love written by A.I.
Scene 1
Characters:
– Mrs. Chan, a reserved and elegant woman in her early thirties who works as a secretary.
– Mr. Chow, a reserved and handsome man in his early forties who works as a journalist.
– Mrs. Chan’s husband, a successful businessman who’s often away on business trips.
– Mr. Chow’s wife, a beautiful woman in her early thirties who works as a receptionist.
Setting:
A bustling neighborhood in Hong Kong during the 1960s. The film is set against the backdrop of the fast-growing city, its vibrant streets, and its bustling markets.
Dialogue:
Mrs. Chan: “I can’t believe this is happening. How could they do this to us?”
Mr. Chow: “I know. It’s unforgivable. But we have each other, don’t we?”
Scene – Chapter 1:
Mrs. Chan and Mr. Chow stand outside their apartment building, both looking pale and forlorn. They have just discovered that their spouses are having an affair, and the realization has left them shaken. They exchange a glance, and then Mrs. Chan speaks.
“I can’t believe this is happening. How could they do this to us?” she asks, her voice trembling.
Mr. Chow places a comforting hand on her arm. “I know. It’s unforgivable. But we have each other, don’t we?”
Mrs. Chan looks up at him, her eyes filled with gratitude. It’s true; they’ve been neighbors for years, and they’ve always been friendly, but they’ve never been particularly close. Now, though, they both feel a connection, a sense of understanding that comes from sharing a pain that’s too big to bear alone.
“I don’t know what I would do without you,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mr. Chow smiles gently. “You don’t have to worry about that. We’ll get through this together.”
They stand there for a moment longer, lost in their thoughts, before Mrs. Chan turns to go inside. “Thank you,” she says, and then disappears through the building’s entrance.
Mr. Chow watches her go, a feeling of protectiveness swelling in his chest. He knows he’ll do whatever it takes to help her through this. After all, they’re in this together now.
Scene 2
FADE IN:
INT. APARTMENT COMPLEX – NIGHT
Mrs. Chan and Mr. Chow are standing in the hallway outside their apartments, talking in hushed tones.
MRS. CHAN:
I can’t believe they’ve been seeing each other behind our backs.
MR. CHOW:
I know. It’s terrible. But you and I, we didn’t do anything wrong.
MRS. CHAN:
(laughs bitterly)
Except for falling for each other.
Mr. Chow looks at Mrs. Chan tenderly.
MR. CHOW:
I know we shouldn’t feel this way, but I can’t help it. I’ve never felt like this before.
MRS. CHAN:
I feel the same way. But we can’t act on it. It would only make things worse.
MR. CHOW:
I know. But it doesn’t mean we can’t talk and be honest with each other.
MRS. CHAN:
(smiling softly)
You’re right. I don’t know what I’d do without you to talk to.
MR. CHOW:
(laughs)
Likewise. We’re a strange pair, aren’t we? Two people betrayed by the ones we love the most.
MRS. CHAN:
(sadly)
Yes. But at least we have each other. And that’s something.
A moment of silence passes between them as they stand there, lost in thought.
MR. CHOW:
(leaning closer)
Can I tell you something?
MRS. CHAN:
(nodding)
Of course.
MR. CHOW:
I’ve been wondering what it would be like to kiss you.
Mrs. Chan’s eyes widen in surprise, but she doesn’t pull away as Mr. Chow leans in and kisses her gently.
FADE OUT.
Scene 3
Genre: Romantic Drama
Characters:
– Mrs. Chan: Married, reserved, and introspective, she’s struggling with her feelings for Mr. Chow.
– Mr. Chow: Also married and reserved, he’s a writer who’s always searching for inspiration.
Setting: Late 1960s, Hong Kong
Scene 3: Secret Meetings
The scene opens with a long shot of Mr. Chow and Mrs. Chan walking along a quiet street in the old part of Hong Kong. The camera follows them as they walk arm in arm, their steps slow and measured. They stop to watch a group of children playing a game, and Mrs. Chan smiles wistfully.
Mrs. Chan: “I used to play that game when I was a child. It seems so long ago.”
Mr. Chow: “Yes, it does. But being here with you makes it feel like time has stopped.”
Mrs. Chan looks at him, their eyes meet, and she looks away quickly, flustered.
Mrs. Chan: “We should go. It’s getting late.”
Mr. Chow nods, and they continue on their walk.
As they walk, they talk about their shared experiences and interests. They discover they have more in common than they thought.
Mr. Chow: “I’m a writer, you know. I’m always looking for new inspiration.”
Mrs. Chan: “That’s interesting. What do you write about?”
Mr. Chow: “People’s emotions. The things that make us feel alive.”
Mrs. Chan nods and looks at him with a newfound appreciation.
Mrs. Chan: “You’re very perceptive, Mr. Chow.”
Mr. Chow: “Please, call me Tony.”
Mrs. Chan: “Okay, Tony.”
They stop in front of Mrs. Chan’s apartment building and say their goodbyes.
Mr. Chow: “I had a great time today, Mrs. Chan.”
Mrs. Chan: “Me too, Tony.”
They smile at each other before Mrs. Chan walks into the building.
The camera lingers on Mr. Chow’s face as he watches her disappear. He knows he’s falling in love with her, but he’s not sure if she feels the same.
The scene ends with Mr. Chow walking away, deep in thought.
Scene 4
FADE IN:
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING – DAY
Mrs. Chan stands outside her apartment building, fiddling with her keys. Suddenly, her husband, Mr. Chan, appears from around the corner, looking furious.
MR. CHAN:
What the hell is going on between you and that neighbor of ours?
MRS. CHAN:
(surprised)
What do you mean?
MR. CHAN:
Don’t play stupid with me. I know you’ve been seeing him behind my back.
Mrs. Chan’s face falls, realizing that her husband knows about her affair with Mr. Chow.
MRS. CHAN:
(defensive)
It’s not what you think.
MR. CHAN:
(angrily)
How long has this been going on? I demand to know.
MRS. CHAN:
(sighs)
It’s been going on for a while now.
MR. CHAN:
(shouting)
I can’t believe you would betray me like this.
Mrs. Chan tries to get her keys in the lock, but Mr. Chan grabs her arm, stopping her.
MR. CHAN:
You’re going to end things with him right now.
MRS. CHAN:
(tearfully)
I can’t just end things like that. I have feelings for him.
MR. CHAN:
(disgusted)
Feelings for him? What about me? What about our marriage?
Mrs. Chan looks torn, not knowing what to do.
CUT TO:
INT. MR. CHOW’S APARTMENT – DAY
Mr. Chow is sitting on his couch, looking restless. Suddenly, there’s a knock on the door.
MR. CHOW:
(sighs)
It’s open.
Mrs. Chan enters, looking upset.
MR. CHOW:
(concerned)
What’s wrong?
MRS. CHAN:
(tearfully)
My husband knows about us.
Mr. Chow’s face falls, realizing the consequences of their affair.
MR. CHOW:
(defeated)
I knew this would happen eventually.
MRS. CHAN:
(sobs)
He wants me to end things with you.
Mr. Chow stands up, looking angry.
MR. CHOW:
(sternly)
You can’t just let him control your life like that. Don’t you love me?
MRS. CHAN:
(nodding)
Yes, I do.
MR. CHOW:
(determined)
Then we’ll fight for our love. We’ll find a way to be together, no matter what.
Mrs. Chan looks grateful, and the two embrace.
CUT TO:
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING – DAY
Mr. Chan and Mrs. Chan exit the building, both looking tense. Suddenly, Mr. Chow appears from around the corner.
MR. CHOW:
(to Mrs. Chan)
Don’t listen to him. We can make this work.
MR. CHAN:
(angrily)
Stay away from my wife.
Mr. Chow steps forward, looking ready to fight.
MR. CHOW:
(defiantly)
I won’t let you come between us.
Mr. Chan lunges forward, and the two men begin to fight.
FADE OUT.
Scene 5
Genre: Drama, Romance
Logline: Two neighbors discover their spouses’ affair and fall in love, but the guilt and societal pressure forces them to keep their relationship secret.
Characters:
– Mrs. Chan: A reserved and traditional woman who is unhappy in her marriage
– Mr. Chow: A reserved and introspective man who is also dissatisfied with his marriage
– Mrs. Chan’s Husband: A businessman who is having an affair with Mr. Chow’s wife
– Mr. Chow’s Wife: A stylish and flirtatious woman who is having an affair with Mrs. Chan’s husband
Setting: Hong Kong in the 1960s
INT. MRS. CHAN’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Mrs. Chan sits alone in her living room, staring blankly at the television. She’s dressed conservatively, with her hair in a bun, and looks utterly miserable. Suddenly, there’s a knock on the door.
Mrs. Chan hesitates before getting up to answer it. She opens the door to find Mr. Chow standing there, looking equally despondent.
MRS. CHAN: What are you doing here?
MR. CHOW: I had to see you.
Mrs. Chan lets him in, and they sit down on the couch. There’s a tense silence between them before Mr. Chow speaks up.
MR. CHOW: I miss you.
MRS. CHAN: I miss you too.
They sit in silence for a moment before Mr. Chow takes Mrs. Chan’s hand. She pulls away, looking conflicted.
MRS. CHAN: We can’t do this. We can’t keep meeting like this.
MR. CHOW: I know. But I can’t help how I feel about you.
MRS. CHAN: I feel the same way. But what will people say if they find out?
MR. CHOW: Let them talk. I don’t care.
MRS. CHAN: I do. I care what people think.
Mr. Chow looks hurt, but he understands where Mrs. Chan is coming from. They sit in silence for a while longer before Mr. Chow gets up to leave.
MR. CHOW: I’ll wait for you. No matter how long it takes.
Mrs. Chan watches him leave, knowing that their love is impossible. She’s torn between her feelings for Mr. Chow and her duty to her husband and society’s expectations. The pain of separation is almost too much to bear.
FADE TO BLACK.