As Tears Go By (1988), Wong Kar-wai's directorial debut, is a raw and stylish Hong Kong crime drama that established many of the thematic and visual hallmarks of his later masterpieces. The film follows Wah, a mid-level gangster played with brooding intensity by Andy Lau, who finds himself torn between two conflicting loyalties. On one hand, he develops tender feelings for his beautiful cousin Ngor, who comes to Hong Kong for medical treatment. Their burgeoning romance offers Wah a glimpse of escape from his violent world. On the other hand, he is bound by a fierce sense of duty to his impulsive and hot-headed friend and partner-in-crime, Fly, portrayed by Jacky Cheung.

The film masterfully contrasts the grimy, neon-lit underworld of Mongkok with moments of quiet, poetic romance. Wong's signature visual style—using slow motion, vivid colors, and a pulsating soundtrack—is already evident, creating a visceral sense of urban alienation and desperate longing. The central love story provides emotional depth, while the gangland plot delivers tense, kinetic action sequences.

Andy Lau delivers a compelling performance as a man yearning for redemption, and Maggie Cheung is luminous as the cousin who represents a peaceful alternative. The film's exploration of brotherhood, fate, and the inescapability of one's environment resonates powerfully. For viewers interested in the origins of one of cinema's great auteurs, or for fans of gritty, character-driven crime dramas with a heart, As Tears Go By is an essential and highly rewarding watch.