Lau then expanded to films. She was nominated at the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actress for her role in "Her Beautiful Life Lies" (1989). She received acclaim for her role in "Days of Being Wild" (1991), one of her many collaborations with film director Wong Kar-wai. Despite being embroiled in tabloid scandals, Lau's impressive turn as vivacious cabaret dancer in the film put the focus back onto her talent. She continued to showcase her versatility with impressive performances in martial arts epic "Saviour of the Soul" (1991), biopic "Center Stage" (1991), cross-dressing comedy "He's a Woman, She's a Man" (1994) and offbeat romance "Gigolo and Whore" (1994). Following parts in the wuxia classic "Ashes of Time" (1994) and James Bond pastiche "Forbidden City Cop" (1997), Lau once again attracted the attention of various awards juries with her measured portrayals of bisexual silk factory owner Wan in "Intimates" (1997) and a prostitute in 19th Century epic "Flowers of Shanghai" (1998).