Chinese traditional, Ancient china, Mandarin Gown

Rumour has it that Wong Kar-wai's maddeningly belated 2046 (four years in production so far) doesn't even have a script. In a 2001 interview, Wong revealed, "It's a futuristic film, but not a science fiction film. There are three stories in the film, and each one is adapted from a Western opera - Madame Butterfly, Carmen and Tannhauser." We know little more.

Wong began filming 2046 while still working on his last feature, In the Mood For Love, and considers it a continuation of that film - though knowing Wong, probably not a straightforward sequel. Tony Leung, the depressed protagonist, plays essentially the same character in 2046, though this time he is a novelist rather than a newspaper editor.

The one thing that seems clear about 2046 is that Shanghai will be the focus. Wong was born here and his family later lived in the Shanghainese community in Hong Kong, from which he drew inspiration for In the Mood For Love. The new film will feature both 1960s Shanghai and a Blade Runner-esque Shanghai of the future.

In a November press conference in Shanghai, Wong revealed that the title refers to the end of the 50 years of autonomy the Chinese government has promised to Hong Kong, as well as to a sci-fi novel that Leung's character writes based on a one-night tryst with a prostitute in room 2046 of a hotel. It apparently does not refer to the release date. He also helpfully pointed out that, like the last film, 2046 will be about changing emotions set against an unchanging background.

Wong's usual crew is on board: Maggie Cheung, Faye Wong (as a robot loved by two men), Chang Chen - and Zhang Ziyi will play a robot too. Word on the street is that Gong Li is now being worked in as well. Wong has promised a lot of digital effects, which he blames for the delay (the hoped-for Lantern Festival release fell through; a Cannes premiere is the latest release floated). Fans are certainly expecting a super-slick hipster masterpiece. After all, they haven't waited this long for any old movie.