Days of Being Wild (re-release) 2004

In the scorching summer of 1960, Hong Kong becomes the backdrop for a compelling narrative filled with passion, deceit, and yearning. The captivating Yuddy, portrayed by Andy Lau, is a charismatic manipulator whose seductive charm ensnares Li-zhen, leaving her heartbroken, as he shows no intention of embarking on a serious relationship. With her heart shattered into pieces, Li-zhen is driven away, allowing Yuddy the freedom to chase after the mesmerizing cabaret dancer, Mimi, played by Maggie Cheung.

As Yuddy delves deeper into this intricate world of desire and temptation, he finds himself in conflict with his adoptive mother, Rebecca, brought to life by Rebecca Pan. Once a courtesan, Rebecca has crafted a life steeped in opulence and pleasure. When she unveils the startling truth about Yuddy’s lineage, the revelation sends ripples through their already strained bond, particularly given her reluctance to disclose the identity of his birth mother. It isn’t until Yuddy presses her for the truth that she reluctantly reveals his biological mother resides in the far-off Philippines.

Amid this emotional turmoil, Li-zhen discovers comfort in the gentle presence of Tide, a steadfast policeman, played by Tony Leung Chiu-wai, who patrols the area near Yuddy’s home. Tide nurtures a secret aspiration of sailing across the seven seas, yet he chooses to put his dreams on hold to care for his mother and uphold justice. As Li-zhen shares her heartaches and dreams with Tide, their heartfelt connection teeters on the brink of blossoming into something deeper, but fate has other plans for them.

As Yuddy becomes increasingly entangled in his relationships with both Mimi and his mother, he embarks on a journey to the Philippines, leaving behind everything without so much as a word to Mimi. Meanwhile, Zeb, who is infatuated with Mimi, takes drastic measures by selling Yuddy’s prized vehicle to fund her search for the elusive man. He half-heartedly asks her to return to him should she fail in her quest, trapping them all in a web of unrequited love.

Upon discovering his birth mother’s modest home, Yuddy faces rejection from a woman unwilling to recognize their connection. As he wrestles with the impact of the secrets he has unraveled, Mimi, driven by an unyielding resolve, begins her pursuit into the unknown, setting the stage for a dramatic convergence of destinies that will irrevocably transform their lives.

In a twist of fate, Tide, now a seasoned sailor temporarily back in the Philippines, stumbles across Yuddy, whose circumstances have spiraled downward. Showing compassion, Tide takes Yuddy to his hotel room. In a cruel twist, Yuddy is oblivious to their shared history and the kindness shown to him. Soon after, a calamity unfolds at a railway station over a disputed American passport, resulting in chaos and the stabbing of an innocent bystander. Tide leaps into action, saving Yuddy and helping him evade capture by escaping on a departing train.

As they adjust to their newfound surroundings, Tide presses Yuddy for clarity regarding his foggy memories, prompting Yuddy to recall a significant moment with Li-zhen from their early romance. Tide urges Yuddy to conceal this sensitive history from Li-zhen, but it is already too late – a harrowing reality awaits them both as Tide returns from a chat with the train conductor only to find Yuddy lifeless.

In an eerie conclusion, Mimi arrives in the Philippines, while Li-zhen remains tending to her ticket booth, oblivious to the persistent ringing of a phone. The film draws to an unsettling close with a young man, cloaked in shadows, bracing himself for an uncertain journey, the air heavy with suspense and ominous foreboding.