I think Wong Kar Wai would have made the movie that fans of the books and fans of Wong's films could appreciate.
The casting was terrible and those details of poop culture that add to the reading experience were omitted.
On the other hand, it felt like this director tried to make another In the Mood for Love, even though it seems the novel has quite a different nature.
shareI never read the novel but made the mistake of going to the cinema to see this film. Hated it!
shareYeah, I was disappointed as well. Rated it as high as a 6 though. There's some interesting psychology in it. For example, although never stated, I believe the Naoko character is explained by being desperate for family. That is why as soon as she gets to know someone, she loses romantic love and converts them to virtual brothers.
There are other things going on with Reiko and Midori that are interesting to think about as well.
From all accounts the novel is much better though!