All About Ah-Long
A devoted Hong Kong father faces an agonizing choice when the woman who left him returns to claim their son and reshape all three of their lives.
Overview
A father's world is turned upside down when an old flame resurfaces, threatening his relationship with his son.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- melancholic
- intimate
- poignant
- quiet evening
- emotional drama night
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a powerful, character-centered Hong Kong drama and a major showcase for Johnnie To's versatility.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ah Long must weigh his own future happiness against what he believes is best for his son Porky.
The return of Ah Long's former girlfriend after ten years destabilizes the father-son relationship.
Ah Long's dilemma is framed through his responsibilities as a father and the practical limits surrounding his son's future.
The film is celebrated for its strong storyline, character portrayal, and Chow Yun-fat's award-winning performance.
Films like All About Ah-Long, and why
Kramer vs. Kramer
emotionally direct parent child drama centered on separation, sacrifice, and reconciliation
The Champ
poignant family melodrama about parental responsibility and a child's emotional welfare
A Better Tomorrow
Hong Kong character drama combining intimate relationships, social pressures, and star-driven performances
Movie Details
- Director
- Johnnie To
- Release Date
- 1989-03-16
- Runtime
- 95 min
- Rating
- 7.3 / 10 (56)
Cast
- Chow Yun-Fat
- Sylvia Chang
- Wong Kwan-Yuen
- Richard Ng Man-Tat
- Wong Tin-Lam
- Alan Yu Ga-Lun
- Tam Sin-Hung
- Joseph Chi Chiong Chavez
- Sze Kai-Keung
- Tsui Oi-Sam
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is All About Ah-Long about?
- A devoted Hong Kong father faces an agonizing choice when the woman who left him returns to claim their son and reshape all three of their lives.
- What is All About Ah-Long like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of All About Ah-Long as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is All About Ah-Long violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in All About Ah-Long.
- What did critics think of All About Ah-Long?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a powerful, character-centered Hong Kong drama and a major showcase for Johnnie To's versatility.
- Which films are like All About Ah-Long?
- Films with a similar feel include Kramer vs. Kramer, The Champ, and A Better Tomorrow.
- How long is All About Ah-Long?
- All About Ah-Long runs 95 minutes.
- Where can I watch All About Ah-Long?
- In United States, All About Ah-Long is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home.
