“In the Mood for Love” (花様年華), Original Japanese First‑Release Movie Poster 2001, Highly Sought‑After, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) L167 A

This is an original Japanese B2 poster printed for the first Japanese theatrical campaign of Wong Kar‑wai’s In the Mood for Love, starring Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung Chiu‑wai. Japan opened the film on 31 March 2001; at its 2000 Cannes premiere the film won Best Actor (Leung) and the festival’s Technical Grand Prize recognizing the work of cinematographers Christopher Doyle and Lee Ping‑bin with editor/production designer William Chang Suk‑ping. 

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Design

A saturated lacquer‑red field frames the indelible image: Cheung in cheongsam, Leung reclined across her legs, composed with oversized black letterforms 「花様年華」 and the English title extending across the lower half; the Japanese tagline reads 「愛は、もうはじまっている。」 (“Love has already begun.”). The central photograph is by Wing Shya, Wong’s longtime stills collaborator whose imagery formed much of the film’s international campaign. The poster’s chic minimalism also echoes William Chang’s celebrated costuming and art direction that define the film’s visual identity. Among contemporary dealers and auctions, this scarlet Japanese B2 is the key—and most sought‑after—design for the title, with strong results recorded at Large Auction Houses and frequent “sold‑out” listings at specialist galleries. Printed on substantial stock typical of the period. 

Format note: Standard Japanese B2 posters measure approximately 51 × 73 cm (20 × 29 in) and were the principal single‑panel size for cinemas nationwide. 

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Cult status / film notes

Widely regarded as a 21st‑century masterpiece, In the Mood for Love has only grown in stature—Sight & Sound’s 2022 critics’ poll places it at #5 all time, while Cannes has repeatedly honored and revisited the film, most recently for its 20th anniversary restoration. The movie’s lush, modern classicism—Wong’s direction, Doyle and Lee’s camerawork, and Chang’s design/editing—has made it a touchstone for filmmakers, designers, and cinephiles. 

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Condition

Excellent. Vivid, unfaded reds and deep blacks on glossy stock. No horizontal fold lines—notable because two other examples we have handled on this relatively thick paper stock exhibited visible horizontal fold impressions. Only tiny pinholes at each corner from theater display; minimal edge/handling. Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale.

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This poster is an original Japanese theatrical B2 from the 2001 first‑release campaign.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
It is about 24 years old.
Certificate of Authenticity included.