“As Tears Go By” is a Hong Kong crime thriller about the complicated relationship between two childhood friends, who are drawn into a world of violence and gangsterism. One is a tough enforcer for a powerful triad boss, while the other is a sensitive small-time criminal who dreams of leaving the underworld behind. The film features intense action sequences, complex character dynamics, and stunning visuals that capture the gritty reality of life in the city’s criminal underbelly. With its vivid storytelling and stylish direction, “As Tears Go By” is an unforgettable cinematic experience.

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Review
As I sat in the dimly lit theater, I couldn’t help but be entranced by the movie “As Tears Go By”. The film tells the story of a young gangster in Hong Kong who is torn between his loyalty to his criminal family and his love for his cousin, who is struggling with a drug addiction. The storyline was thrilling and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire film.
The film was directed by Wong Kar-wai and starred Andy Lau as Wah, Maggie Cheung as Ngor, and Jacky Cheung as Fly. The acting was impeccable, bringing depth and raw emotion to each character. Lau’s portrayal of Wah was captivating, showing the struggles of a man who wants to leave his criminal ties behind but can’t seem to escape them.
The cinematography in “As Tears Go By” was stunning. The dark alleyways and neon lights brought the gritty streets of Hong Kong to life on screen. The score added an extra layer to the already intense scenes, amplifying the emotions felt by each character.
Despite being Wong’s directorial debut, “As Tears Go By” gained popularity both in China and internationally. Its portrayal of complex characters dealing with inner turmoil struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
The production behind “As Tears Go By” wasn’t without its challenges. Wong had to fight for creative control over the film throughout production. Despite this, he managed to bring his vision to life on screen through careful attention to detail – from handpicking each song on the soundtrack to crafting each shot with precision.
One particular scene that stood out was when Wah meets Ngor after she overdoses on heroin. The tension between them was palpable as they struggle with their feelings for one another while simultaneously battling their own demons. It’s proof that even in moments of weakness, love can be powerful enough to bring us back from our darkest moments.
Critics praised “As Tears Go By” for its honest portrayal of Hong Kong’s underworld. Some even noted that it was the start of a new era in Hong Kong cinema, which would later become known as the “Hong Kong New Wave”.
As I left the theater, I couldn’t help but think about the quote from Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms”: “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.” In “As Tears Go By”, we see characters who are broken and struggling to find their way back. But ultimately, it’s their strength in those broken places that makes them all the more compelling.
In conclusion, Wong Kar-wai’s debut film “As Tears Go By” is undoubtedly a masterpiece. Its gripping storyline, exceptional acting, breathtaking cinematography and powerful music make it an unforgettable experience for audiences. It’s a testament to how raw emotion can touch people worldwide.
Technical Data

- Runtime : 102
- Release : 1988-06-09
- Genre : Drama, Crime, Romance
- Cast : Andy Lau as Ah Wah, Maggie Cheung as Ah Ngor, Jacky Cheung as Fly, Alex Man as Tony, Lam Kau as Uncle Ba (uncredited)
- Crew : Wong Kar-wai as Director, Wong Kar-wai as Writer, William Chang as Production Design, William Chang as Art Direction, Teddy Robin as Music
- Popularity 14.241
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : In-Gear Film Production Co. Ltd.
- Summary : Mid-level gangster Wah falls in love with his beautiful cousin, but must also continue to protect his volatile partner-in-crime and friend, Fly.
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