Why Yesterday Once More (《龙凤斗》) is a Timeless Gem: Andy Lau’s Most Unconventional Love Story
If you’re tired of clichéd romantic comedies and crave a film that blends wit, suspense, and emotional depth with a dash of existential philosophy, Yesterday Once More (《龙凤斗》, 2004) starring Andy Lau (刘德华) and Sammi Cheng (郑秀文) is a revelation. Directed by the visionary Johnnie To (杜琪峰), this underrated Hong Kong classic reimagines love as a high-stakes game of deception and devotion. Here’s why it deserves a global rediscovery.
- A Heist Romance Unlike Any Other
Most love stories revolve around grand gestures or tearful reunions, but Yesterday Once More flips the script. Lau and Cheng play a divorced couple, Mr. and Mrs. Thief—elite thieves who once stole jewels and hearts as a team. When Mrs. Thief becomes engaged to a wealthy heir (played by Carlos Koo), her ex-husband re-enters her life, not to rekindle romance but to outsmart her in a series of audacious heists .
The film’s brilliance lies in its meta-commentary on love as performance. Each theft becomes a metaphor for their emotional tug-of-war—stealing jewels becomes a language to express unresolved longing. One iconic scene sees Lau’s character leaving cryptic clues for Cheng in the Italian countryside, blending Hitchcockian suspense with poetic symbolism .
- Andy Lau & Sammi Cheng: Chemistry Redefined
This marks the third collaboration between Lau and Cheng under To’s direction (following Needing You and Love on a Diet), and their synergy is electric. Lau’s Mr. Thief is a charming rogue masking vulnerability, while Cheng’s Mrs. Thief balances sharp wit with quiet melancholy. Their dynamic transcends typical rom-com banter; it’s a dance of equals where every glance hides layers of history and unspoken regret .
In one unforgettable sequence, they debate whether love is “real” while planning a jewelry robbery. Lau delivers a line that encapsulates the film’s soul: “The best lies are the ones we tell together.” It’s a testament to their acting prowess that even during slapstick moments (like evading detectives in matching trench coats), their emotional authenticity never wavers .
- A Satire on Materialism and Mortality
Beneath its glossy heist exterior, the film asks provocative questions: Can love survive without secrets? Is happiness a commodity to be stolen? The couple’s obsession with jewels mirrors society’s fixation on status, yet the story subverts this by revealing the ultimate “treasure” to be far more ephemeral .
A heartbreaking twist midway through the film—Mr. Thief’s terminal illness—transforms the narrative from playful caper to meditation on mortality. Without spoiling the climax, the final act delivers a masterstroke of emotional ambiguity, leaving viewers to ponder whether the characters’ elaborate ruses are acts of selfishness or selfless love .
- Johnnie To’s Signature Style: Minimalist Yet Profound
To’s direction here is uncharacteristically whimsical compared to his crime epics like Election. He employs wide shots of Hong Kong’s neon-lit streets and Italian villas to frame the couple’s adventures, creating a storybook aesthetic. Yet, his trademark philosophical edge remains: scenes of chaotic chases are juxtaposed with moments of stillness, such as a quiet conversation in a cemetery that questions the meaning of legacy .
The film also critiques capitalism through darkly comic subplots. Mrs. Allen (Elaine Wu), the groom’s mother, embodies corporate greed, staging insurance frauds while lecturing about “family values.” Her hypocrisy mirrors real-world critiques of wealth-driven relationships .
- Why Global Audiences Should Watch
While rooted in Hong Kong culture, Yesterday Once More speaks a universal language. Its exploration of love as a collaborative illusion resonates in an era of curated social media personas. For Western viewers, it offers a fresh alternative to Hollywood’s formulaic romances—think The Thomas Crown Affair meets Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, but with sharper social critique .
The film’s jazz-infused soundtrack and Cheng’s haunting theme song If You’re in Trouble add to its timeless appeal. Notably, the 2018 re-release introduced it to a new generation, proving its themes remain startlingly relevant .
Final Verdict: A Love Letter to the Art of Deception
-Yesterday Once More* isn’t just a movie—it’s an intellectual puzzle wrapped in romantic nostalgia. Lau and Cheng’s performances, combined with To’s genre-defying vision, create a work that challenges viewers to question where performance ends and truth begins. As the credits roll, you’ll find yourself asking: Is the greatest act of love the willingness to be fooled?
Where to Watch: Available on select streaming platforms with English subtitles. For non-Cantonese speakers, the subtitled version retains the film’s wit and emotional nuance.
-P.S. Keep an eye out for the film’s cheeky cameo by Hong Kong cinema legends like Kenneth Tsang—a nod to the industry’s golden era.