As Time Goes By Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: As Time Goes By
| Movie | As Time Goes By |
| Release Year | 1997 |
| Director | Ann Hui |
| Genre | Documentary |
| Runtime | 58 minutes (58m) |
| Language | CN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is As Time Goes By (1997) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 8.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Documentary.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in As Time Goes By are led by Ann Hui .
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
As Time Goes By stands out as a strong entry in the Documentary genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Documentary narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, As Time Goes By has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Documentary fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: As Time Goes By
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1997, As Time Goes By is a Documentary film directed by Ann Hui, written by Ann Hui. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ann Hui.
Ending Explained: As Time Goes By
As Time Goes By Ending Explained: 1997 documentary, part of the Taiwan-produced series "Personal Memoir of Hong Kong", is both a self-portrait and a depiction of Hong Kong during the 40 years preceding the handover by the United Kingdom to China. Directed by Ann Hui, this 1997 documentary film stars Ann Hui. With a 8/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.
What Happens at the End of As Time Goes By?
1997 documentary, part of the Taiwan-produced series "Personal Memoir of Hong Kong", is both a self-portrait and a depiction of Hong Kong during the 40 years preceding the handover by the United Kingdom to China.
How Does Ann Hui's Story End?
- Ann Hui: Ann Hui's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Ann Hui delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 0h 58m runtime.
What Does the Ending of As Time Goes By Mean?
As Time Goes By concludes with Ann Hui reinforcing the documentary themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Ann Hui leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.
As Time Goes By Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is As Time Goes By Based on a True Story?
No, As Time Goes By is a work of fiction. While the documentary film directed by Ann Hui and starring Ann Hui may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch As Time Goes By?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Documentaries cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate well-executed genre storytelling
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
At just 58 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Where to Watch As Time Goes By Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Criterion ChannelAs Time Goes By Parents Guide & Age Rating
1997 AdvisoryWondering about As Time Goes By age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of As Time Goes By (1997) is 58 minutes (58m). Directed by Ann Hui, the film runs for 58 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 8.0/10, and global performance metrics, As Time Goes By is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1997 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is As Time Goes By worth watching?
As Time Goes By is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies. It has a verified rating of 8/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find As Time Goes By parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for As Time Goes By identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of As Time Goes By (1997)?
The runtime of As Time Goes By (1997) is 58 minutes (approximately 0h 58m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.


