Wong Kar-wai's first export of signifiance is something of a work-in-progress; a softly contagious experience in which we bear witness to Asia's most idiosyncratic filmmaker in the midst of discovering his own cinematic style. Displaying signature themes of time, passing and lost moments, fragmented around interconnecting stories of violence and love, Days of Being Wild remains as a kind of modest post-80's landmark having emerged as an obvious "art" film amongst all the delirium, camp and spectacle of Hong Kong cinema at the time.

Interestingly, the film bears more than a passing resemblance to In the Mood for Love; not only is it set in same period, but also includes a random, unbilled cameo by Tony Leung appearing in a role he would later revive in Wong's 2001 film. The impossibly radiant Maggie Cheung is also there in more prominent strokes, her character sharing the same name of her future role alongside Leung. Also with Andy Lau, Carina Lau and the late, great Leslie Cheung. Cinematography by Chris Doyle (who else?).—Tim Wong

» Wong Kar-wai | Hong Kong | 1991