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As Tears Go By (1988) poster

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
A still from As Tears Go By
A still from As Tears Go By
A still from As Tears Go By
A still from As Tears Go By
A still from As Tears Go By

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