As Tears Go By

Wong Kar Wai's atmospheric tale of a disillusioned gangster (Andy Lau) torn between a new love (Maggie Cheung) and old loyalties.

Wong’s impressive debut feature may seem like a conventional Hong Kong triad drama on the surface but it offers glimpses of what would become his distinctive signature style. This atmospheric tale of a disillusioned gangster (Lau) torn between a new love (Maggie Cheung) and old loyalties was a more reflective take on the popular genre, mixing brutal action with stylish flourishes.

This 4K digital restoration was undertaken from the 35mm original camera negative by the Criterion Collection in collaboration with L’Immagine Ritrovata and One Cool.