Paul and Corey Cross the Streams is a bi-monthly podcast in which hosts Paul Pakler and Corey Pepper watch and review streaming content. It’s the Great American Podcast where two friends learn about life as they float down the river of streaming services.

It’s season five of Paul and Corey Cross the Streams! This year, Paul and Corey have decided to try something a bit different: Instead of monthly themes, they’ve decided to improvise. Each subsequent episode will in some way be linked to the one that preceded it.

Based on Corey’s All That Jazz (1979), Paul was reminded of the line from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream: “The course of love never did run smooth.” From that, he chose one of the most critically acclaimed films on the topic of unrequited love…

In the Mood for Love (2000) – written, directed, and produced by Wong Kar-wai – takes a loving look back at his parents’ generation: Shanghainese professionals who immigrated to Hong Kong following the Revolution. In 2022, In the Mood for Love placed 5th in Sight & Sound’s “Greatest Films of All Time” critics’ poll, and it’s tough to argue with that. Gorgeous art direction, costuming, set design, cinematography…if you have the chance to see this on the big screen, do.

With all that said, the film’s non-linear storytelling can be a hurdle, and Paul and Corey talk about how and why the film feels more like an improvisation at times than a story. There’s a lot to discuss!

This Episode’s Focus: In the Mood for Love (2000)

Host’s Choice: Paul Pakler

Streaming on Criterion Channel, Amazon Prime, HBO Max; Rent on YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV, Vudu

Corey’s Recipe Recommendations for This Episode: Shanghai Cuisine and Hong Kong-style noodles with chicken and vegetables

Be sure to subscribe to Paul and Corey Cross the Streams on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@PACCTSpodcast)!

Special thanks to Tobin for our incredible theme song and Dave Droxler for our podcast’s logo and artwork.