Always

Always

Year: 1989

Runtime: 122 min

Language: English

Director: Steven Spielberg

DramaFantasyRomance

In Hong Kong, lawyer Liam unexpectedly falls for Yan Li, a captivating heiress from Shanghai. Their burgeoning romance challenges social conventions and expectations as they navigate a passionate relationship amidst the vibrant cityscape. They must confront the complexities of their differing backgrounds and the obstacles that arise as they pursue their love.

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Always (1989) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Always (1989) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the bustling heart of Hong Kong, the story follows Liam, a sharp‑minded lawyer whose life is defined by courtroom battles and the relentless rhythm of the city’s legal world. His reputation for precision and dedication masks a yearning for something beyond the statutes and contracts that dominate his days. Across the harbor, Yan Li arrives from Shanghai, an heiress whose world of family legacy and high‑society expectations seems as polished and immutable as the skyline itself. Their unexpected meeting sets off a subtle clash of cultures, ambitions, and unspoken desires that feels both intimate and grand in scale.

The film paints Hong Kong as more than a backdrop; it is a living, breathing character whose neon‑lit streets, crowded markets, and tranquil harbor vistas echo the inner turbulence of its inhabitants. Against this vivid tapestry, the romance between a methodical lawyer and a charismatic socialite unfolds with a delicate balance of humor and melancholy. The tone is a graceful blend of contemporary drama and timeless romance, inviting the audience to feel the pull of tradition while tasting the promise of new possibilities.

Both protagonists carry the weight of expectations—Liam from his demanding profession and the subtle pressure to conform to a pragmatic life, Yan Li from her family’s storied heritage and the unspoken rules of elite society. Their connection hints at a shared longing to break free from those invisible contracts, suggesting that love might become the bridge between two very different worlds. As the city pulses around them, their journey promises a hopeful exploration of identity, the courage to defy convention, and the unexpected ways that two strangers can reshape each other’s futures.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:37

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Always Summary

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Always Summary

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Always Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Always

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Always

More About Always

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