Days of Being Wild

The story unfolds in 1960s Hong Kong, a period of rapid urban growth and cultural mixing. Neon-lit streets, crowded trains, and a tense social atmosphere frame the characters’ romantic entanglements. The era's mobility and modernizing cityscape amplify themes of desire, escape, and the search for belonging.

Set against the bustling streets of 1960s Hong Kong, the film follows characters moving between neon-lit nightlife and intimate domestic spaces. The journey also takes the story to the Philippines, where Yuddy searches for his birth mother. The reference to Macau grounds Li-zhen's sense of home and nostalgia, underlining the cross-regional currents of identity and longing.

💔 Love and Longing

The film centers on fragile, often unfulfilled attachments. Yuddy's charm draws Li-zhen in before he withdraws, leaving her open to new, fleeting connections. Mimi's pursuit of love mirrors the fragility of desire in a city that never seems to settle.

🧭 Identity & Origin

Yuddy's quest to discover his birth mother drives much of the plot, revealing how origin shapes sense of self. Rebecca's refusal to disclose the truth compounds the characters' uncertainty. The search for roots is mirrored by Li-zhen's longing to belong elsewhere, including Macau.

⏳ Memory & Time

Memories anchor the characters' choices, especially the remembered moment of courtship. The film repeatedly hints that what is seen in the moment may be different from what lies beneath. Time tests loyalties and exposes the consequences of past decisions.

🎭 Performance vs Reality

Glamour and personas mask vulnerability, with characters playing roles in society. Love and aspiration collide with harsh reality, revealing the cost of living behind a smile. The film questions whether desire can survive in a world built on appearances.