As Tears Go By, 1988 (© Central Film Verleih GmbH)
Wonggok Kaamun
As Tears Go By
Hong Kong 1988
Director: Wong Kar-Wai
35mm | Original version with German subtitles
Wah has been feared as a debt collector since his early youth. But instead of basking in fame and fortune like others in the industry, he is mainly busy helping his protégé Fly out of trouble. Fly is only good at one thing, and that is getting himself into danger. After a brief visit from Wah's distant relative Ngor, he finds himself imagining a life with her in the countryside. Can Wah escape the city, his rivalries, and his responsibility for his blood brother?
Red and blue neon lights, bad guys who are too tough to admit their broken hearts, and wistful music. Wong Kar Wai's first film already has everything he is known for today. His gangster films stand out from Hong Kong cinema of the time because they show what happens between the adrenaline-fueled moments. It's about the emptiness and dreams behind angular faces and thick makeup. Even though none of his later films matched the commercial success of As Tears Go By, Wong Kar Wai managed to bring Asian and Western cinema together in his work and remains an important influence on both.
The event starts at 8 p.m. with a DJ, bar, and much more.
Pre-show program starts at 9 p.m.
The film starts at 9:15 p.m.
Sunday, June 14, 2026, 9:00 p.m.
Meadow in front of the HfG
Free admission, donations welcome
