The Time Michelle Yeoh Stepped Away and Cynthia Khan Stepped In

The Film Is Also Notable for Its Natural and Healthy Depiction of Sexuality – Especially from a Female Point of View – at a Time When Most Scenes of Sex Displayed on Hong Kong Screens Were of the Comic Nudge-Nudge, Wink-Wink Variety, or Depicted Violence Against Women.

The Sword, Patrick Tam’s Modern Twist on the Martial Arts Hero

“I Hoped I Could Make My Characters Embody This Idea. I Wished to Explore the Youthful Energy Which Can Be Found in Any Age, If Only the Wish to Explore and Go Far with Their Vital Energy. ”

The Story of Woo Viet (1981)

Unlike Tam, Hui at This Time Was Not Interested in Exploring Film Language, Preferring Instead to Focus on Presenting a Clear Exposition of Social Issues, Often Marrying Them to Elements of a Crime Thriller to Give the Story Form and Make the Ideas Accessible.

Film Director Ann Hui on Her Venice Lifetime Achievement Award

Hui Had Not Planned to Make a Second Film About Vietnam. “When I Worked at Rthk, I Researched Stories About Vietnamese Refugees. Based on That Research, I Wrote Woo Viet, ” She Said.

How Hong Kong New Wave Cinema Classics Nomad and the Story of Woo Viet, Early Movies by Patrick Tam and Ann Hui, Show the Movement’s Diversity

By Elena Rostova

• Oct 8, 2026 • 6 min read

How Hong Kong New Wave Cinema Classics Nomad and the Story of Woo Viet, Early Movies by Patrick Tam and Ann Hui, Show the Movement’s Diversity

Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

While Not as Daring as the Latter Movie, a Stylistic Experiment with Colour That Limited Its Palette to Red, White and Blue, Nomad Took a Then-Unusual Approach by Switching from a Character-Based Story About Youthful Ennui to a Thriller Involving Japanese Terrorists.

Elena Rostova

Lead Health, Wellness & Medical Journalist

Elena Rostova holds a Master's degree in Public Health Journalism. She covers groundbreaking medical research, holistic wellness trends, mental health awareness, and nutritional science.

Tags: how hong kong new wave cinema classics nomad and story woo viet early movies patrick tam and ann hui