As Tears Go By (1988), known in Cantonese as Wonggok Kaamun, marks the stunning directorial debut of acclaimed filmmaker Wong Kar-wai. This Hong Kong crime drama introduces audiences to the visual poetry and emotional depth that would become Wong's signature. The film follows Wah, a mid-level gangster portrayed with compelling restraint by Andy Lau, who finds himself caught between two powerful forces: his growing, tender love for his beautiful cousin Ngor (Maggie Cheung) and his fierce, obligatory loyalty to his volatile friend and partner-in-crime, Fly (Jacky Cheung).

The narrative masterfully explores the clash between the desire for a peaceful, ordinary life and the inescapable violence and codes of the triad underworld. Wah's relationship with Ngor offers a glimpse of redemption and normalcy, shot with a romantic, almost dreamlike quality. In stark contrast, his chaotic life with the impulsive and trouble-prone Fly drags him back into a world of brutal confrontations and moral compromises. The film's gritty urban landscapes of 1980s Hong Kong become a character in themselves, reflecting the internal turmoil of the protagonist.

While an early work, As Tears Go By showcases the embryonic style—slow-motion sequences, evocative use of color and music, and a focus on mood over plot—that Wong Kar-wai would later perfect. The performances are excellent, with Andy Lau embodying world-weariness and Jacky Cheung delivering a frenetic, memorable turn. Viewers should watch this film not only as a gripping crime romance but as the fascinating origin point of a cinematic master's career, offering a raw and emotionally charged story of loyalty, love, and fate.