Hou Hsiao-hsien had gradually gained in name recognition, beginning with his nostalgic films about "the experience of growing up" from the New Wave film period, as he took his work alone to participate in film festivals. By the time of City of Sadness, "Hou Hsiao-hsien had already achieved a considerable status in Europe, and was included in the 'ranks of the masters.'
從在新電影浪潮時期拍攝多部「成長經驗」的片子，個人單打獨鬥到各地參展，侯孝賢的知名度一直在累積中；到悲情城市時，「侯孝賢在歐洲已經具有相當地位，被列在『大師行列』。