As Tears Go By

Two small-time hoodlums, Wah and Fly, work for the same Triad boss in Hong Kong. Wah, the more responsible of the two, tries to keep Fly out of trouble, but Fly's recklessness lands them both in deep water. Their entanglement becomes further complicated by their shared affection for the beautiful Siu-ping, creating a volatile situation that threatens to explode.

As Tears Go By was Wong Kar-wai's debut film and was met with a mixed but generally positive reception. Critics noted its stylish direction and emotional depth, establishing Wong's signature aesthetic. While some found the plot somewhat conventional, the performances and visual flair were widely praised, marking it as a promising start for the acclaimed director.

• Praised for its striking visual style and evocative atmosphere.

• Noted for strong performances from the lead actors, particularly Maggie Cheung.

• Some critics found the narrative a bit predictable but appreciated the emotional intensity.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciate the film's visual artistry and emotional storytelling, finding the performances compelling and the Hong Kong atmosphere palpable. Some viewers mention that while the plot is straightforward, the film's mood and character development are highly engaging.

Nominated for Best Picture and Best New Performer (Maggie Cheung) at the Hong Kong Film Awards.

Wong Kar-wai initially intended for the film to be a more straightforward gangster flick, but the story evolved organically during production, incorporating more romantic and dramatic elements.