

As Tears Go By
dir. Wong Kar-Wai · 1988
Being alive involves navigating complex relationships and the struggle between love and loyalty in a harsh world.
"As Tears Go By" weaves a poignant tale of love and loyalty against the backdrop of Hong Kong's gritty underbelly. With Wong Kar-Wai's signature aesthetic and a hauntingly beautiful narrative, the film captures the delicate interplay between familial bonds and the allure of forbidden romance.
Mid-level gangster Wah falls in love with his beautiful cousin, but must also continue to protect his volatile partner-in-crime and friend, Fly.
Talking points
- the complexities of love in criminal worlds
- the impact of family on personal choices
- visual storytelling as emotional language
- the significance of place in shaping identity














