The story of Hong Kong, from New Year's Day to June 30th, 1997, when the British left their colony and turned it over to the People's Republic of China.
Acting
Maggie Cheung's bruised vulnerability steals every scene she's in.
Cinematography
Christopher Doyle captures Hong Kong as a ghost already departed.
Writing
Paul Theroux's script treats political upheaval as personal heartbreak.
Director
Wayne Wang
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Filmed during the actual handover period—crew had to navigate real protests and military movements. Christopher Doyle reportedly shot some scenes guerrilla-style as permissions collapsed.
Wayne Wang called this his 'unofficial sequel' to Chan Is Missing—both explore Chinese identity through absence. The title refers to the puzzle box John cannot solve, mirroring his failure to understand Hong Kong or Vivian.
US
