All About Ah-Long (1989) User Reviews

Ah-long is engrossing

[Ishallwearpurple · 8/10 · 14 April 2001]

"All About Ah-long" shows a poor man and his little boy living day by day, a lower working class life. The relationship between father and son is warm but who is looking out for who? A big chance for the boy comes and changes everything. Ah-long tries to do what is right for his little boy and finds out it is not easy to find the right solution to life's dilemmas.

This is a fine film and Chow Yun-Fat is perfect as the ne'r do well who becomes a man for his son. Highly recommended.

Extremely good drama

[blindg · 8/10 · 25 February 2005]

All About Ah-Long is a well crafted drama, it alternates funny moments to very sad ones. The acting is gorgeous, both Chow Yun Fat and Sylvia Chang are outstanding, one of the best couple of lovers I've ever seen. The little Porky were also good, a pity that he doesn't found a bright future in cinematography. Johnny To is (once again) very skillful in not exceeding in both side of the charming story between the lovers, no cheesy moments nor too unbelievable plot twists. The ending is simply outstanding and one of the most dramatic I've ever seen. That's a great example of what are Hong Kong dramas and a very good effort from one of the most prolific HK directors ever. See it!

One of Chow Yun-Fat's best performances.

[zoo-8 · 10/10 · 1 August 1999]

Chow Yun-Fat gives a heart-rending performance as Ah Long, a single dad struggling to bring up his son amidst crushing working-class poverty in 1980's Hong Kong. The strong bond between father and son is tested when a chance encounter with someone from Ah Long's past changes the course of their lives.

Gritty in its realism, this film pulls no punches in examining the life of an admitted wastrel who wants more than the life of an uneducated laborer for his son but sees no more hope for himself. No matter how heinous his behavior in the past, when his son's happiness is challenged Ah Long shines forth as a man of honor, compassion and love.

Chow Yun-Fat's performance is daring and showcases his brilliant talents. He also has a writer's credit in this film. For those who are dismissive of action films (the genre for which he is best known), this film should make believers of all those who savor finely crafted, razor-sharp characterizations.

5 out of 5 stars. Don't forget to bring along a full box of tissues - this film will leave all but the most jaded in tears.

One of the best HK movies!

[china1 · 10/10 · 7 April 2004]

This is the first time that I write comments on IMDB, although I visit the website so frequently. Since I highly recommend this movie to you. This is one of the best HK movies, and also my favorite.

The script and performance is so great, impressive and touching. CYF was not only an action star. The little kid also did a great job. The entire movie is a masterpiece. I have to use my tissues every time watching, especially in the ending (No other movies touch me like this ever).

Please don't forget the song "Ah Long's story", it's also my favorite, performed by Sam Hui.

9/10. Since the wonderful song, I give it 10/10.

A must-see for CYF fans!

[ivyc88 · 10/10 · 1 April 2000]

To see why CYF is a great actor instead of simply an action star. Good script, scores and acting performance of all major characters!

It is one of Johnny To's earlier blockbuster movies. Also recommended to Johnny To's fans.

A Hong Kong classic that hits the spot

[kennethfchandra · 9/10 · 16 November 2021]

Several Hong Kong films (for me) have a confusing start, it feels like a messy compilation of moments yet but as the story goes on it truly gets better and better. Brilliant acting by all the cast especially Kwan Yuen Wong (Porky). A well written story with great characters. A true Hong Kong classic that hits the spot. 9/10.

So Long,Ah-Long.

[morrison-dylan-fan · 9/10 · 14 July 2018]

February 2017:

Checking movies that were about to be removed from Netflix UK,I found a trio of Hong Kong titles which have not come out on DVD or Video in the UK. Enjoying the Stephen Chow duo (In Justice,My Foot and Out of the Dark) I got set to see this Chow Yun-Fat film,only to discover the Netflix had removed it early.

July 2018:

Learning of a Hong Kong viewing challenge coming up on ICM,I decided to go in search of movies I've been wanting to track down. Becoming lucky in finding this title,I got set to finally meet Ah-Long.

View on the film:

One of only two movies he has been involved in the writing of (the other being 1995's Peace Hotel) the screenplay by co-writer/(with Sylvia Chang/Philip Cheng and Man Fai Ng) star Chow Yun-Fat has an incredibly earthy, personal mood,with the bonding between Yun-Fat's Ah-Long and his son Porky being built on quiet, intimate moments that give a background depth to the abrasive strain gradually poured on their father-son relationship. Made in the middle of a Yun-Fat run in Heroic Bloodshed, Yun-Fat puts the weapons down to instead load-up on fiery passions with the return of Por-Por.

aking an empathic view of Ah-Long and Por-Por being single parents, the writers bring out moments of romantic reflection, but hold from the sweetness to uncover every thread which hold the lingering strain from their break-up. Housing Ah-Long and Porky in dusty-lit surroundings, director Johnnie To & cinematographer Wong Wing-Hang give an elegance to the fractured family reunion, painted in light shining blues that subtly turn to orange as the family reunion smacks to another break-up.

Working with two major names,Kun-Hsuan Huang gives an outstanding performance as Porky, whose relationship with his dad is given a warmth by Huang, which gets crackled with anger that Huang keeps linked to the troubles of the family. Reuniting with Ah-Long and Porky, Sylvia Chang gives a mesmerizing performance as Por-Por, brimming with lingering gazes at Ah-Love,and pouring gallons of love over being reunited with Porky. Holding the hands of Porky and Por-Por, Chow Yun-Fat gives an excellent performance as Ah-Long,with Yun-Fat allowing a feeling of personal space opening up as his eyes meet Por-Por's again,as Yun-Fat reveals all about Ah-Long.

A Down to Earth, Riveting and Emotional film.

[belalat · 30 December 2021]

This whole film can get you from having the most warm, fuzzy feeling to getting you shaking and teary. Its contrasts, conflict and chemistries within it are very well done which only intensifies the overall experience upon watching this movie. And for Chow Yuen-Fat fans, this movie will not disappoint in terms of executing his acting skills as not just a powerhouse leading man (or sidekick) of gun-fu/action, but for drama as well!