How Wong Kar-Wai’s Happy Together Sparked Chloé Zhao’s Filmmaking Journey

Chloé Zhao stands out in today’s film world for her remarkable ability to tell stories that cross cultural boundaries. The Chinese-born director first caught the eye of indie film fans with her breakout feature, The Rider, a modern western set in the heart of America’s rodeo scene. But it was her second film, Nomadland, that truly made waves. This moving portrait of modern-day nomads traveling across the United States earned her Academy Awards for both Best Picture and Best Director. Despite her Oscar success, Zhao’s next steps surprised many. She ventured into the Marvel universe with Eternals and is now developing a reboot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with Sarah Michelle Gellar returning to her iconic role. While Eternals didn’t meet expectations and there’s skepticism about the new Buffy, Zhao also spent time adapting the acclaimed novel Hamnet , which is already generating awards buzz.

Finding Inspiration in Wong Kar-Wai

Though Zhao has become a major force in English-language cinema, her passion for filmmaking was sparked by one of China ’s most celebrated directors. She once told USA Today that the movie that inspired her to make films was Wong Kar-Wai’s Happy Together, a poignant romantic drama. While Wong is often best known for Chungking Express and In the Mood for Love, Happy Together stands out as one of the most powerful love stories of the 1990s. The film’s chemistry between Leslie Cheung and Tony Leung Chiu-wai, set against Wong’s signature vibrant visuals, left a lasting impression on Zhao.

Authenticity and Style Across Cultures

Wong Kar-Wai is widely regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers alive, known for his naturalistic style and deep exploration of human relationships. His films, though varied in subject, always feel emotionally genuine. Zhao may not have made a Chinese drama in Wong’s style, but she’s clearly adopted his commitment to authenticity. In both The Rider and Nomadland, she cast non-professional actors in supporting roles, making the stories feel more real and immersive.

Even with Eternals, which many saw as a letdown among superhero movies, Zhao made bold choices. She insisted on shooting in real locations with practical sets, a sharp contrast to other Marvel projects that rely heavily on CGI, like The Marvels or Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. This approach set her work apart, even within the blockbuster world.

Echoes of Happy Together in Zhao’s Latest Work

Zhao’s admiration for Happy Together is especially clear in her adaptation of Hamnet. Like Wong’s film, Hamnet is a somber romantic drama, this time focusing on a young William Shakespeare, played by Paul Mescal, and his wife Agnes, portrayed by Jessie Buckley, as they cope with the loss of their son. This tragedy ultimately inspires one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays, Hamlet. The film’s stripped-down, impressionistic style has divided critics, but those familiar with Happy Together will recognize the influence, connecting Zhao’s personal journey with the art that first inspired her.