As Time Goes By

As Time Goes By

Year: 1997

Runtime: 58 mins

Language: Cantonese

Director: Vincent Chui

Documentary

A 1997 documentary that forms part of the Taiwan‑produced series “Personal Memoir of Hong Kong”. It serves as both a self‑portrait of its creator and a broader depiction of Hong Kong’s society, culture and political atmosphere during the four decades leading up to the 1997 handover of the territory from the United Kingdom to China.

As Time Goes By (1997) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at As Time Goes By (1997) 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 neon‑lit streets of 1930s New York, the city hums with the forbidden rhythm of speakeasies and the restless ambition of those who thrive in its shadows. Rick Baline drifts through this world, a small‑time figure whose charm and drive pull him toward a glittering yet precarious rise. A blossoming romance with Lois, the daughter of a powerful family, adds a personal thread to the swirl of jazz, whispered deals, and the promise of a brighter future beyond the nightly clamor.

The tone is a sleek blend of gritty realism and romantic yearning, where personal aspirations clash with the unspoken codes of an underground society. Relationships are layered with quiet tensions, hinting at shifting loyalties and the ever‑present question of how far one will go to secure a place in a world that rewards both daring and discretion. The atmosphere is thick with smoky lounges, restless eyes, and the soft undercurrent of change.

As the narrative widens, the focus pivots from the bustling clubs of America to the broader canvas of a world at war. Characters traverse continents, from the bustling ports of Casablanca to wartime Europe, where covert operations and resistance movements intertwine with personal quests. Ilsa, a poised and enigmatic figure, and Victor, a determined participant in the fight against oppression, anchor this new chapter, suggesting a delicate balance between duty and desire amid the chaos of global conflict.

Through its shifting settings, the film weaves an intimate portrait of individuals striving to redefine themselves against ever‑evolving backdrops. The style oscillates between the intimate glow of dimly lit cafés and the icy tension of secret missions, creating a richly textured mood that invites curiosity about how these lives will intersect and evolve as history unfolds around them.

Last Updated: October 27, 2025 at 16:35

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Historical political epics like As Time Goes By

Sweeping narratives that track the tumultuous political fates of nations across generations.Explore more movies like As Time Goes By that capture the essence of a society through major historical events. If you enjoyed this documentary's deep dive into Hong Kong's political transition, you'll find similar sweeping narratives and complex historical analysis in these films.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically unfold over long periods, using a non-linear or multi-decade timeline to connect past events with their present-day consequences. They focus on the interplay between large-scale political forces and the intimate lives of individuals, often culminating in a reflective or bittersweet perspective on history.

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These movies are grouped together for their shared commitment to exploring political history with epic scope and complex storytelling. They offer a similar experience of being immersed in a specific time and place, understanding the societal shifts through a detailed, often anxious and reflective lens.

Gritty fatalistic stories similar to As Time Goes By

Character-driven stories set against a backdrop of inescapable societal chaos and violence.Discover movies with a similar vibe to As Time Goes By, focusing on characters navigating dangerous and turbulent environments. If you liked the film's tense mix of personal memoir and gritty societal depiction, you'll appreciate these stories of survival and moral complexity.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a character—or a collective—as they try to maintain their identity or find love and connection within a system defined by violence, betrayal, and power struggles. The plot is often fast-paced with high stakes, leading to a conclusion that is bittersweet, acknowledging small personal victories against a backdrop of ongoing darkness.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a specific mood cocktail: they are anxious, tense, and melancholic, yet often contain a thread of romance or personal reinvention. They are grouped by their high intensity, dark tone, and the feeling that characters are fighting against forces larger than themselves.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in As Time Goes By

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