Review of Infernal Affairs (2002) by Ernest L — 13 Aug 2009
Infernal Affairs is the first in a trilogy that was remade by Martin Scorsese into "The Departed." And what wonderful source material he had to work off of: Infernal Affairs is a beautifully crafted and tense tale about identity and truth.
At the beginning, we're quickly thrown into the story, and while confusing at first, the audience will get it. A brief non-spoiler summary of the plot: there's a gang mole in the police force and a police mole in the Triad Society, a real-life mafia-like group. A suspenseful cat and mouse chase ensues. The ending is quite an impact and seems to lead one way only to go yet another.
When I heard singer & Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau would not only be acting as the mole place in the police but directing, I wondered if he'd be good in either role. Lucky enough, Lau pulls it off the dual-task well. His character's opposite, the police officer undercover in the Triad, was skillfully played by Tony Leung Chiu-Wai. Everything about the film boasts big solid production value.
If you like gangster films, suspense, or The Departed, make Infernal Affairs a must see. I have not viewed the sequels but from what I've heard they aren't necessary. Just get into one affair.
This review of Infernal Affairs (2002) was written by Ernest L on 13 Aug 2009.
Infernal Affairs has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
