As Tears Go By 1988
Wong Kar-Wai's electrifying debut feature *As Tears Go By (1988)* delivers a stylish blend of gangster drama and forbidden romance, set against the neon-soaked streets of Hong Kong's underworld.
Director: Wong Kar-Wai
Cast
Andy Lau
Wah
Maggie Cheung
Ngor
Jacky Cheung Hok-Yau
Fly
Alex Man Chi-Leung
Tony
Wong Aau
Mabel
Ronald Wong
Sai
Chan Chi-Fai
Billiard Parlor Thug
William Chang Suk-Ping
Ngor's Doctor
Benz Kong To-Hoi
Fat Carl
Wong Kim-Fung
Tony's Thug
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *As Tears Go By (1988)* about?
The film follows Wah, a gangster caught between protecting his volatile best friend Fly and the intoxicating pull of his cousin, who stirs emotions he never expected. As his loyalties and desires clash, Wah must confront the consequences of a life built on violence and deceit.
Who directed *As Tears Go By*?
The film was directed by Wong Kar-Wai, a visionary filmmaker renowned for his visually poetic and emotionally resonant storytelling.
Who stars in *As Tears Go By*?
The cast features Andy Lau as Wah, Maggie Cheung as his cousin, and Jacky Cheung as the explosive Fly, alongside Alex Man and Ronald Wong.
Is *As Tears Go By (1988)* worth watching?
For fans of Wong Kar-Wai's distinctive style or gritty crime dramas with emotional depth, *As Tears Go By* is a compelling watch. Its raw performances and moody atmosphere make it a standout in the gangster genre, though it may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced action.
How long is *As Tears Go By*?
The film runs for 98 minutes, offering a tight, intense narrative packed with character-driven drama.
🎥 Trailer
As Tears Go By (1988): A Gangster's Forbidden Love — Full Movie Info
Wong Kar-Wai's electrifying debut feature *As Tears Go By (1988)* delivers a stylish blend of gangster drama and forbidden romance, set against the neon-soaked streets of Hong Kong's underworld. The film follows Wah, a conflicted mid-level gangster whose life revolves around protecting his reckless best friend and partner-in-crime, Fly. But when Wah reconnects with his beautiful and enigmatic cousin, the fragile balance of loyalty and desire threatens to unravel everything he's built. With its moody visuals and emotional tension, this early work by a master filmmaker captures the bittersweet struggles of love, morality, and survival in a world where violence and tenderness intertwine.
As Wah navigates the treacherous line between duty and passion, *As Tears Go By (1988)* explores themes of sacrifice and self-destruction, all wrapped in the director's signature atmospheric storytelling. The chemistry between the leads—Andy Lau as the weary gangster and Maggie Cheung as his alluring cousin—pulses with an undercurrent of longing and danger, while Jacky Cheung's explosive portrayal of Fly steals every scene. It's a raw, pulsating drama that blends crime, romance, and melancholy into a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
