Country: Hong KongYear: 1988 Duration:102 min. Language: Cantonese, Dubbed: Italian
“As Tears Go By” (1988) marks the directorial debut of Wong Kar-Wai. This action and crime drama film is set in the underworld of Hong Kong and presents a story influenced by Martin Scorsese’s “Mean Streets.” The plot follows Wah (Andy Lau), a low-level triad member who tries to protect his impulsive friend Fly (Jacky Cheung) while developing a romantic relationship with his beautiful cousin Ngor (Maggie Cheung).
The film explores Wah’s inner conflict, torn between his love for Ngor and his loyalty to Fly. The story culminates in a tragic confrontation that reflects the themes of honor and revenge typical of the genre but with Wong Kar-Wai’s distinctive touch, characterized by a softer narrative and an evocative soundtrack of 80s synth-pop and jazz.
“As Tears Go By” received critical acclaim and garnered several award nominations, including Best Film and Best Director at the Hong Kong Film Awards. It was also Wong Kar-Wai’s highest-grossing film until the release of “The Grandmaster” in 2013. The film was released on Blu-ray by the Criterion Collection in 2021, along with six other films by the director, offering fans a new opportunity to appreciate Wong’s early work.
Director
WONG KAR-WAI
“As Tears Go By” received critical acclaim and garnered several award nominations, including Best Film and Best Director at the Hong Kong Film Awards. It was also Wong Kar-Wai’s highest-grossing film until the release of “The Grandmaster” in 2013. The film was released on Blu-ray by the Criterion Collection in 2021, along with six other films by the director, offering fans a new opportunity to appreciate Wong’s early work.
Wong began his career as a screenwriter in the 1980s, working on various TV series and films. In 1988, he made his directorial debut with “As Tears Go By,” a gangster film that achieved both critical and commercial success, marking the start of his career as a director. Over time, he developed a distinctive style characterized by non-linear narratives, evocative atmospheres, and vivid cinematography.
Among his most notable works are “Days of Being Wild” (1990), “Chungking Express” (1994), “In the Mood for Love” (2000), and “2046” (2004). His films often explore themes such as memory, desire, and the passage of time, earning him an international reputation as a contemporary auteur. He has collaborated with prominent actors like Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung and has significantly influenced world cinema.
Filmography
Cast
Credits
DIRECTED BY: Wong Kar-Wai WRITTEN BY: Wong Kar-Wai PHOTOGRAPHY: Andrew Lau EDITING: Patrick Tam MUSIC: Danny Chung CAST: Andy Lau, Maggie Cheung, Jacky Cheung, Alex Man,
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Trailer
