Cast
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Chow Yun-Fat
as Ah Long
Sylvia Chang
as Sylvia Poon / Por-Por
Wong Kwan-Yuen
as Porky
Richard Ng Man-Tat
as Dragon
Wong Tin-Lam
as Advertising Executive
Alan Yu Ga-Lun
as Patrick Yu
Tam Sin-Hung
as Sylvia's Mother
Joe Chu
as Motorcycle Racer
Sze Kai-Keung
as Fat Man at Tug-of-war
Tsui Oi-Sam
as Fat Woman at Tug-of-war
Kwan Kwok-Chung
as Blackie
Chan Kwok-Keung
as Motorcycle Racer
Kenneth Smyth
as French Restaurant Patron
Lee Kim-Hung
as Motorcycle Racer
Tam Ming-Wah
as Motorcycle Racer
Crew
Director
- Johnnie To
Writer
- Sylvia Chang
Producer
- Raymond Wong Pak-Ming
- Catherine Hun
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, All About Ah-Long examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Johnnie To brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1989, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of All About Ah-Long took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1097 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1989, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: March 16, 1989
- Runtime: 1h 35m