In 1941 Hong Kong, childhood sweethearts (Cecilia Yip, Alex Man) meet and form a deep friendship with another young man (Chow Yun-Fat). Although he falls in love with the girl as well, he wishes to be true to the friendship. When the Japanese take over Hong Kong, all three become involved in the wider struggle.

A wonderful script, an exciting and touching story set against invasion and the Resistance, and incredibly sensitive acting (especially by Chow Yun-Fat, known principally in this country for his action films, more's the pity) make this more than equal to some of America's best cinema. Best in Chinese with English subtitles, but even the dubbed version will show you what those who only see American films are missing!