Director: Mabel Cheung

This highly acclaimed romantic drama proves once again that Hong Kong cinema can be very subtle and is far more varied than some would have the public believe.

‘Eight Taels Of Gold’ rewards those not looking for emotional fireworks or melodramatic denouements.

This slice of social-realism is about as far from the stereotypical Shaw Brothers output as can be imagined, though that should not deter viewers looking out for this well-acted, well-paced piece of Hong Kong cinema.