As Tears Go By (1988) (1996) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film is primarily set in Hong Kong, a vibrant metropolis known for its bustling streets and complex underworld. Key locations include the gritty urban cityscape and Lantau Island, which offers a contrasting sense of peace and community. This geographic divide in As Tears Go By mirrors the internal conflict between chaos and stability faced by the characters.

Foreshadowing: The opening shots of the busy city streets establish the oppressive environment early on.

• hong kong
• location
• setting
• lantau island
• city

The narrative unfolds during the late 1980s, a time marked by economic challenges and the rising influence of organized crime in Hong Kong. This era provides a tense atmosphere where the divide between the affluent and the struggling is sharply defined. The historical context in As Tears Go By grounds the characters' desperation and limited opportunities.

Foreshadowing: Period-specific clothing and street aesthetics hint at the late 80s era immediately.

• 1980s
• time period
• era
• hong kong history
• context

Wah is a seasoned mob enforcer who is respected within the criminal underworld yet haunted by its violence. He struggles deeply with his emotional connections, particularly regarding his duty to his friends and his own moral compass. In As Tears Go By, he represents the conflict between loyalty to the triad and the desire for a normal life.

Foreshadowing: Early scenes showing his hesitation during violent acts hint at his internal turmoil.

• wah
• andy lau
• mob enforcer
• protagonist
• role

Fly serves as Wah's incompetent apprentice whose reckless behavior frequently endangers them both. He is desperate to prove himself within the criminal world, showcasing vulnerability beneath a layer of bravado. His character in As Tears Go By acts as a cautionary figure representing the perils of unchecked ambition in the mob.

Foreshadowing: Fly's early impulsiveness signals his eventual unraveling.

• fly
• jacky cheung
• apprentice
• reckless
• antagonist

Ngor is Wah's younger cousin who arrives from Lantau Island seeking connection and a fresh start. Their bond evolves from familial care into a complex romantic tension that contrasts with Wah's turbulent lifestyle. This relationship in As Tears Go By highlights the possibility of tenderness amidst the surrounding violence.

Foreshadowing: Initial interactions show a protective dynamic that deepens over time.

• ngor
• maggie cheung
• cousin
• romance
• relationship

The story delves into morality, love and loss, and the high stakes of risk within a criminal environment. It examines the thin line between right and wrong when familial ties and loyalty come into play. These themes in As Tears Go By emphasize the tragic consequences of choices made in a chaotic world.

Foreshadowing: Recurring visual motifs of rain and darkness underscore the melancholic themes.

• themes
• morality
• love
• loss
• risk
• meaning

The tone is dark and defined by a grim criminal milieu, punctuated by moments of melancholic tenderness. Intensity remains high due to constant threats of violence and the fatalistic trajectory of the characters. As Tears Go By maintains a heavy emotional weight throughout, balancing slow character moments with fast violent outbursts.

Foreshadowing: The shadowy lighting and somber score establish the dark tone from the beginning.

• tone
• atmosphere
• dark
• violent
• melancholic
• mood

The violent environment constantly threatens to sever emotional bonds, forcing characters to make painful sacrifices. Wah's detachment from his girlfriend Mabel illustrates how the mob life drains intimacy and trust. In As Tears Go By, the criminal world acts as a barrier to genuine connection and stability.

Foreshadowing: Early arguments about safety hint at the growing emotional distance.

• crime
• relationships
• impact
• sacrifice
• detachment

Loyalty is depicted as a doomed obligation that traps characters in a cycle of violence and retribution. Wah's commitment to protecting Fly drives the plot but ultimately leads to tragic outcomes for both. This theme in As Tears Go By questions whether loyalty to friends is worth sacrificing one's own future.

Foreshadowing: Wah's initial promises to protect Fly set the stage for his eventual sacrifice.

• loyalty
• duty
• friendship
• triad
• obligation

The contrast between the chaotic city streets and the peaceful landscapes of Lantau Island mirrors the characters' internal struggles. Urban locations represent danger and obligation, while the island suggests escape and normalcy. This geographic tension in As Tears Go By reinforces the impossibility of leaving the criminal life behind.

Foreshadowing: Visual transitions between the city and island highlight the divide early in the film.

• setting
• contrast
• conflict
• city
• island
• symbolism