As Tears Go By

Wong Kar-wai made his directorial debut with As Tears Go By, the film that launched one of the most distinctive voices in world cinema. Set against the contrasting landscapes of bustling Mong Kok and the tranquillity of Lantau Island, the story follows triad member Wah (Andy Lau), his loyal but hot-headed protégé Fly (Jacky Cheung), Wah’s romance with his cousin Ngor (Maggie Cheung), and Fly’s escalating conflict with fellow gangster Tony (Alex Man). Alongside its crime narrative, the film juxtaposes the restless energy of the neon-lit urban Hong Kong with the quiet intimacy of its rural outskirts. As a screenwriter-turned-director, Wong infused the film with memorable dialogue, some of which has since become iconic in Hong Kong popular culture.

Building on the visual innovations of City on Fire (1987), cinematographer Andrew Lau took an even bolder approach behind the camera. His confident handheld camerawork and expressive use of colour give the film its distinctive texture. Urban Mong Kok is bathed in vivid reds during the restaurant fight scene and cool blues in its back alleys. When the camera turns to rural Lantau, Wah and Ngor’s unforgettable kiss culminates in a burst of over-exposure, creating one of the film’s most enduring images. Wong Kar-wai’s poetic storytelling found its visual expression in Lau’s cinematography, through which the 28-year-old cinematographer had already begun to develop his signature visual language.

Category III film: Only persons aged 18 or above shall be admitted

Courtesy of Media Asia Film Distribution (HK) Limited

Date	Time	Venue
6/9/2026 (Sun) #	11:30am	Cinema, Hong Kong Film Archive

# Post-screening talk with Andrew Lau Wai-keung and Benny Lau (moderator)

The contents of the programme do not represent the views of the presenter. The presenter reserves the right to change the programme should unavoidable circumstances make it necessary.

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