重慶森林
"If my memory of her has an expiration date, let it be 10,000 years..."
Chungking Express - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
If memories could be canned, would they also have expiry dates? If so, I hope they last for centuries.
— He Qiwu (Cop 223)
Context:
This is part of Cop 223's internal monologue as he explains his ritual of buying pineapple cans with a May 1st expiration date to cope with his breakup.
Meaning:
This quote encapsulates the film's central theme of time, memory, and loss. It reflects Cop 223's deep desire to hold onto his past love and his philosophical pondering on the transient nature of feelings and relationships, wishing that something as precious as memory could be preserved forever, unlike a simple can of pineapple.
Actually, really knowing someone doesn't mean anything. People change. A person may like pineapple today and something else tomorrow.
— The Woman in the Blonde Wig
Context:
The Woman in the Blonde Wig says this to Cop 223 in the bar after he tells her about his ex-girlfriend May and her love for pineapples.
Meaning:
This line speaks to the theme of transience and the unpredictable nature of desire. It's a cynical yet realistic observation that dismisses the idea of deep understanding in favor of accepting the constant state of flux in people's emotions and preferences. It also directly echoes Cop 223's personal dilemma concerning his ex-girlfriend, May, who loved pineapples.
The louder the better. Stops me from thinking.
— Faye
Context:
Faye says this to her cousin, the manager of the Midnight Express, when he complains about how loud she is playing her favorite song, "California Dreamin'".
Meaning:
This line perfectly captures Faye's character and the Gen X ennui that permeates the film. Her need for loud music is a form of escapism, a way to fill the silence and avoid confronting her thoughts and the monotony of her life. It's an active choice to live in the sensory moment rather than get lost in introspection.
Where do you want to go? / Wherever you want to take me.
— Faye and Cop 663
Context:
This is the final dialogue of the film. Faye, now a flight attendant, has returned to the snack bar. Cop 663 asks her to write him a new 'boarding pass,' and this is their exchange as she prepares to draw it for him.
Meaning:
This final exchange represents a hopeful, open-ended conclusion. Cop 663, who was once stuck in the past, now places his future in Faye's hands, signifying his complete trust and readiness for a new journey. It suggests that the destination is less important than the companionship. It's a leap of faith for both characters, embracing an unknown future together.