As Tears Go By (1988) 1996

In the gritty underbelly of Hong Kong’s criminal world, Wah, a seasoned mob enforcer, commands respect by forcefully collecting debts. His less competent apprentice, Fly, constantly stirs trouble and borrows money recklessly, failing to maintain his subservient status. An unexpected call from Wah’s aunt brings news of his younger cousin, Ngor, arriving for a medical treatment; she works at her family’s restaurant on Lantau Island and has yet to meet Wah.

As Ngor settles into Wah’s apartment, he heads out to deal with Fly’s latest fiasco, trying to extract a debt from an unwilling borrower. Afterward, Wah visits his girlfriend, Mabel, only to be blindsided by her news of an unplanned pregnancy and her decision to terminate it, largely because of Wah’s emotional distance. Unaware of her condition, he reacts poorly and drunkenly stumbles home, anger and self-loathing driving him.

Later that night, Ngor tries to lift Wah’s spirits, but he lashes out, threatening to kick her out. The next morning sees Wah apologizing profusely and inviting Ngor out for a movie as a peace offering. Meanwhile, Fly’s desperation to repay a loan to Tony leads him into dangerous territory as he makes a reckless snooker bet. Realizing his defeat, Fly and his friend Site make a hasty exit only to face brutal repercussions from Tony’s gang for their escape attempt.

As Wah prepares to leave with Ngor, Fly returns, severely beaten and accompanied by an unconscious Site, prompting a realization within Ngor about Wah’s morally questionable lifestyle. After a heartfelt departure note from Ngor, who invites Wah to visit her on Lantau Island, Wah meets Tony to address Fly’s debts. Tony chillingly states, > “If Fly wasn’t my friend, he’d be six feet under.” This remark forces Wah to confront his own precarious financial state, leading him to steal from a protected establishment, inciting the wrath of its owner.

Consequently, Tony escalates the issue to Uncle Kwan, the cold-hearted mob boss, who imposes a monthly payment scheme on both Wah and Tony while warning Wah to control Fly’s reckless behavior. Acknowledging Fly’s unsuitability for the criminal lifestyle, Wah finds him a legitimate job selling fishballs from a street cart. However, a chance encounter with Mabel reveals her marriage, prompting a visit to Ngor, who is occupied with therapy.

As Wah and Ngor’s bond rekindles while he helps at her family’s restaurant, Tony taunts Fly about his new job. This humiliation spurs Fly to exact revenge by vandalizing Tony’s car, but he soon finds himself at the mercy of Tony’s gang. Receiving a phone call from Tony, Wah is coerced into paying for Fly’s freedom. Arriving just in time, Wah surprises Tony by remaining resolute, ultimately forcing Tony to release Fly, albeit with a warning to abandon him.

As Fly advises Wah to forget their troubled past, Wah endures a violent retaliation from Tony’s gang. After suffering significant injuries, he recuperates on Lantau Island, where Ngor and her doctor provide care, nurturing their budding relationship. Meanwhile, Tony, grappling with his conscience in the chaotic world of crime, faces a dangerous mission from Uncle Kwan: eliminate an informant. Hesitant to heed the call, Tony senses trouble and fears for his life.

Seizing the moment to show strength, Fly volunteers for the deadly job, creating rifts within their gang. When Wah confronts Fly, urging him to reconsider, Fly remains steadfast in proving himself. Ready to kill the informant at the police station, Fly’s actions create chaos—despite Wah’s efforts to intervene, Fly’s shot only grazes his target, leaving the man alive.

In a swift, tragic response, police fire rain down on Fly, resulting in his untimely end. With his life hanging in the balance, Wah takes aim at the informant, contemplating his own morality before pulling the trigger. In a haunting moment of reflection, as he lies dying, memories of the tender moments shared with Ngor flash before Wah, underscoring the fragility of life amidst the chaos of their violent world.