Ashes of Time
Films that shaped it
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When I think of influences, one of the main influences I have is Wong Kar-wai. His ability to make period pieces feel so immediate. Also, his framing is just really distinct and specific and always feels beautiful. In 'Ashes of Time,' 'In the Mood for Love,' 'Happy Together,' 'Chungking Express,' he has this way of creating a distinct visual language that I'm just so envious of.
Films it shaped
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Barry Jenkins has cited Claire Denis's Beau Travail as a foundational influence, the film that showed him how to use the body, light, and music as primary storytelling tools rather than dialogue. Moonlight's fragmented structure, its use of color as emotion, its willingness to let silence carry meaning, these are lessons from Denis and Wong Kar-wai. Beau Travail is streaming on Criterion Channel and is one of the most beautiful films ever made.
