spousal reunion

His films obsess over separated lovers and the ache of reunion, particularly in 'In the Mood for Love' and '2046' where characters orbit each other across time and space.

He explores family reconciliation and estranged relationships with profound tenderness in films like 'After Life' and 'Shoplifters,' where reunion involves emotional reconstruction.

His work frequently examines chance meetings and destined reconnections between estranged souls, most notably in 'Red' and the 'Three Colours' trilogy.