A Moment of Romance

The wildly popular A Moment of Romance is a classic among Hong Kong films. Its signature scene: tuxedo-clad Wah Dee (Andy Lau), with Jojo (Jacklyn Wu) in a bridal gown behind him, speeds along Hong Kong roads by night on his motorcycle, is often copied but never with nearly the same effect. This film was originally made to commemorate the retirement of Wong Tin-lam, with several generations of his students working together. It is also Benny Chan’s directorial debut. In addition to being executive producer, Johnnie To also helped to set up some of the scenes. The screenwriter and director perfectly matched the pulse of the car chases to the pace of life on the seamy side of a prosperous metropolis, exuding the wild passion and desperation of a life lived without regret. Wah Dee, an orphan since childhood, makes his living as a racer for the local gang. Once, while escaping from the authorities, he met the innocent rich girl Jojo. The two help each other in spite of their different social positions, creating the simplest, purest love song amidst the cruelest world of violence and bloodshed. The romantic tragedy in the film is short yet striking. In response to ‘If the Heavens Felt Love’, every word of Jojo’s ‘I Love You Without Regret’ is tearful. To capture the woeful beauty of unrequited love, the theme song composed by Lo Tayu with lyrics by Douglas Li and Lee Mer, and sung by Shirley Yuen Fung-ying, provides the best footnote to the tragedy and romance in the film.

Courtesy of Media Asia Film Distribution (HK) Limited