Is there anything more profound than a Wong Kar Wai movie? Not only have they become staples of Hong Kong cinema, they are regarded as must-watch classics internationally as well, cementing Wong as Hong Kong’s most influential filmmaker. Besides his beautiful use of saturated colours, Wong is known for his poetic and philosophical storytelling. His films like In the Mood for Love, 2046 and Fallen Angels asks life’s most important questions about love, loss and time. Wong’s movies are so poignant that a single quote has the power to change someone’s whole worldview. So if you’re in the mood to contemplate life, here are 10 most thought-provoking quotes from Wong Kar Wai’s movies.

Days of Being Wild (1990)

“I used to think there was a kind of bird that, once born, would keep flying until death. The fact is that the bird hasn’t gone anywhere. It was dead from the beginning.”

“I always thought one minute flies by. But sometimes it really lingers on. Once, a person pointed at his watch and said to me, that because of that minute, he’d always remember me. It was so charming listening to that. But now I look at my watch and tell myself that I have to forget this man starting this very minute.”

Chungking Express (1994)

“If memories could be canned, would they also have expiry dates? If so, I hope they last for centuries.”

“Actually, really knowing someone doesn’t mean anything. People change. A person may like pineapple today and something else tomorrow.”

Ashes of Time (1994)

“The harder you try to forget something, the more it will stick in your memory.”

“The root of man’s problems is memory. Without a past, every day would be a new beginning. Wouldn’t that be great?”

Fallen Angels (1995)