A beautiful and disturbing film, set during the days of the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong during World War II.

Cecelia Yip and Alex Man portray Nam and Hak Keung, two childhood friends who are now sweethearts. Nam is burdened with a congenital disease which killed her mother at an early age, and she herself suffers debilitating seizures. She seems to have accepted her fate and lives life for each moment, welcoming adventure; Hak Keung on the other hand is more of a dreamer and content with his surroundings, and as local boss of a small gang of coolies he seems to really wish for only one thing, to marry Nam.

Into the life of this young couple one day comes Yip Kim Fay (Chow Yun-Fat), an unemployed actor who meets Hak Keung when they work together as hands in a rice warehouse. Following a riot at the warehouse, Kim Fay rescues Hak Keung from a dangerous situation and the two become fast friends.

Kim Fay wants to leave Hong Kong; he talks of Australia and America, and one feels it is a journey he has made in his mind many times. When Nam meets Kim Fay and listens to his dreamy description of those far-away fantasy lands, she resolves that the three of them - Kim Fay, Hak Keung and herself - should leave the very next morning. Hak Keung seems hesitant, but his love for Nam and his gratitude and friendship for Kim Fay overcome his fears, and he grudgingly consents to meet at the docks the next morning to begin the journey.

As the narrator explains, they have picked an inauspicious day to begin a new and happy life - for a new life is suddenly thrust upon them whether they would it or no: the Japanese invade Hong Kong and put it under military rule.

While the story is not about the War per se, there is much that touches the lives of these three forever inextricably linked to it. The horrors of war are communicated quite clearly through glimpses, flashes of terror, and a few horrific incidents (one of which, the rape of an innocent young woman, is not graphic but contains powerful images). The focus of the screenplay is the bonds of love which are forged between Kim Fay, Nam and Hak Keung, and the sacrifice which sometimes those bonds require.

Chow Yun-Fat gives a solid, artful performance as Yip Kim Fay; when we first meet him he is trying to stow away on a boat to leave HK but chooses to abandon the effort before he will pay for it with his self-respect. The fact that later he willingly gives up his dignity for his companions and joins the Japanese collaborators is highly significant when seen in this light.

Cecelia Yip is intriguing as the slight young woman Nam; outwardly she has the appearance of one who has no time for pain or anger, but in brief and smoldering glimpses we see the torture that she undergoes inside. The scene in which she smokes opium in order to blow the smoke gently into her injured lover's mouth to ease his pain is sensual, bordering on the erotic, but understated and smoothly played.

Alex Man as Hak Keung is unbridled, untutored energy but with a deep compassion and basic humanity which makes the character instantly likable; at times we feel as if we understand Hak Keung better than he does himself, a neat trick for an actor which Alex Man pulls off with flair.

This film was also nominated for awards in the categories of best picture, best actress, editing, screenplay and supporting actress. A serious film about serious times, but with a basically upbeat message and a bittersweet ending. Considering the period in which this film is set, such an ending is probably one of the better outcomes for which one could hope.

This film is not suitable for children; the themes explored are adult and there are scenes which are appropriate to the times. This is a film to be enjoyed and savored but is not for the entire family. There is bloodshed, but it is appropriate to the story and not gratuitous. This is a film which will leave the viewer with a quiet appreciation of both the film itself and the courage of the characters and the people whom they represent.