Movie Review: Infernal Affaires (2002)

Review: Infernal Affairs

1 h 38 min of crime, suspense, and drama

Starring: Andy Lau, Tony Leung, Anthony Wong, Eric Tsang, Edison Chen, Shawn Yu, Lam Ka Tung, Chapman To, Sammi Cheng, Kelly Chen, Elva Hsiao

Directed by Andrew Lau, Andy Mak

A non-stop cerebral thriller...

Like the double helix of biology, the divided lives of two undercover agents are entwined in this dramatic picture. Eric Tsang – i.e. Sam, a boss of the Triads – toasts the future success of his latest recruits in their covert roles in the justice department of modern Hong Kong. Newlywed Ming climbs his way through the ranks of the Hong Kong CIB (Criminal Investigation Bureau), but is at the same time under the employ of Sam as a mole. However, Sam is not the only one playing this game of espionage: hidden among the Triads is a lone wolf, Yan, who serves as a contact and mole for the police. Only his superior (SP Wong) knows of Yan’s true identity as an undercover police officer, and so Yan’s identity hangs delicately in the balance.

After a cocaine deal gone horribly wrong (with Sam ditching all his goods to the sea) and a confrontation between the coppers and the gangsters, both parties are ill at ease and anxious to find the defect in their ranks. And so the story thickens...

Plot:

One thing this film definitely isn’t lacking is its attention to detail. One thing you cannot have walking into this movie is any form (minor or not) of ADD. Missing a minute of this movie (esp. in the starting scenes) could potentially ruin the entire film due to perplexity. This movie is simply stuffed and overflowing of cleverness. There are so many implied pieces of information that require much of the viewer’s thought that a second dosage of I.A. may be in order.

There are many plot twists and revelations that occur in the film, more than enough to please the intellectual in you. Plots and ideals are deep and metaphorical. Yan and Ming both undergo self-scrutiny, debating whether they are one of the baddies or one of the goodies. All in all, you’ll be rapt from the opening scene to the credits.

Characters:

With the story focusing on the events and thoughts of Ming (Andy Lau) that take place throughout this dangerous time, a good deal of character development takes place with Ming making a decision that will determine his future with absolution. However, an equally large amount of screen-time is given up to the development and inquiries of Yan (Tony Leung). Both men play their parts wonderfully to tell a dramatic story of two lives destined to cross as they try to find their true identities.

Music:

The tracks and their scenes blend together perfectly to create the desired mood and atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed the rare and delightful instances (Ex: during one of the opening scenes) where there was grudge-like/slightly heavy guitar riffs tearing it up in the background, oddly reminiscent of “When Worlds Collide” or "Going Under or even “Hash Pipe”.

The bottom line is that if there is an Infernal Affaires Official Soundtrack, I’d buy it in a heartbeat.

Overall:

Infernal Affairs is a must watch for anyone who’s anyone who can either understand Chinese or Mandarin OR is content with reading subtitles. As a testament to this film’s excellence and appeal, an English remake is secretly planned for the very near future. Obviously, the remake will have nothing on the original, but Leonardo Di Caprio is allowed to try >_O. I personally own IA, IA2, IA3 (Director’s Cut/Extended Version) on DVD and I watch them all whenever I can. Infernal Affairs is quite possibly THE best thriller/crime/drama ever made, but that’s only my opinion.