

A City of Sadness
The story of a family embroiled in the "White Terror," the Kuomintang government's anti-communist political repression that was wrought on the Taiwanese people from 1947-1987.
Where to watch A City of Sadness in United States
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About A City of Sadness
A City of Sadness is a 1989 Chinese-language drama and history film directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien. The cast is led by Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Hsin Shu-Fen, Chan Chung-Yung. It has a runtime of 2h 38m. Viewers rate it 7.5/10 across 200 ratings.
A City of Sadness was produced by ERA International and 3-H Films and made in Hong Kong and Taiwan. It was released on October 21, 1989, and carries a NR certification.
- Director
- Hou Hsiao-hsien
- Writers
- Wu Nien-jen, Chu Tien-Wen
- Release date
- October 21, 1989
- Original language
- Chinese
- Age rating
- NR
- Status
- Released
- Country
- Hong Kong, Taiwan
- Production
- ERA International, 3-H Films
A City of Sadness cast & crew
A City of Sadness was directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien and written by Wu Nien-jen and Chu Tien-Wen.
The cast features Tony Leung Chiu-wai as Wen-Ching, Hsin Shu-Fen as Wu Kuan Mei / Hinome, Chan Chung-Yung as Wen-Heung, Jack Kao as Wen Leung, Tai Bo as Ah Jia, and Li Tian-Lu as Ah Lu.
Behind the camera, cinematography is by Chen Hwai-en and it was produced by Yau Fook-Sang.
Is A City of Sadness worth watching?
A City of Sadness holds an audience score of 7.5/10 from 152 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed drama films.
At 2h 38m, it's a full-evening commitment.
If you enjoy drama and history, A City of Sadness is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch A City of Sadness
A City of Sadness isn't currently available on major streaming services in United States. We track availability continuously — add it to your watchlist and we'll keep an eye out.
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Cast of A City of Sadness

Tony Leung Chiu-wai
Wen-Ching

Hsin Shu-Fen
Wu Kuan Mei / Hinome

Chan Chung-Yung
Wen-Heung

Jack Kao
Wen Leung

Tai Bo
Ah Jia

Li Tian-Lu
Ah Lu

Grace Chen Shu-Fang
Meidai

Wu Nien-jen
Mr. Wu

Tsai Chen-nan
Singer

King Shih-chieh
Mr. Huang

Su-Yun Ko
Sister-in-law
Wou Yi Fang
Wu Kuan Rong / Hinoiei
A City of Sadness — FAQs
▸Where can I watch A City of Sadness in United States?
A City of Sadness is not currently available on major streaming services in United States. Availability changes often — check back soon.
▸What language is A City of Sadness in?
A City of Sadness is originally in Chinese, with audio tracks including Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is A City of Sadness?
A City of Sadness runs 2 hours 38 minutes (158 minutes).
▸What is A City of Sadness rated?
A City of Sadness is rated NR. It holds a 7.5/10 audience score from 152 ratings.











