As Tears Go By (1988)

☆ ☆ ☆ ½

As Tears Go By (1988) – K.-W. Wong

Wong Kar-Wai’s debut feature takes place in the well-known world of the Hong Kong triads (well known to those who enjoyed John Woo’s A Better Tomorrow, 1986, and scores of other similar HK gangster films).  So, the plot is largely familiar:  Big Brother Wah (Andy Lau) has trouble keeping his impulsive Little Brother Fly (Jacky Cheung) under control and they have conflict with Tony (Alex Man) a rival gang leader; meanwhile Wah is falling in love with his cousin Ngor (Maggie Cheung) but knows that he is wrong for her.  It all ends up in tears.  What is different here is Wong’s stylistic choices and chances (although John Woo was also no schlub in this department).  Not only does he throw in some unique shots (as many directors could or would) but he dares to film an entire fight scene in some sort of slo-mo rotoscoping.  Moreover, the use of colour (filters as well as art direction) is splendid and adds to the mood (as befits the director of In the Mood for Love, 2000).  Although Maggie Cheung has little to do, apparently this was her breakout dramatic role (after starring in lighter comedic roles, such as Jackie Chan’s Police Story films).  But in the end, this has got to be one for fans of the genre (and the macho ultra-violence it entails), as Wong’s style is laid on top of the plot (livening it up) rather than integrated well with it (as he was later to achieve, though still favouring style over substance).