Infernal Affairs

This really delivered. Ever since I watched The Departed, I kept telling myself I had to add Infernal Affairs to my list of films to watch, and now I finally got around to it. To be honest, this might be the first full-fledged Chinese film I’ve ever seen. I wasn’t entirely sure about the high ratings, as films from this region had eluded me so far, and the actors weren’t particularly familiar to me. But all of that disappeared within the opening minutes, which confirmed that Infernal Affairs is an excellent film. From a storytelling and detective perspective, there’s nothing to criticize. Even though the film only features a single shootout, and not a particularly grand one at that, the atmosphere throughout the entire runtime is gripping and, at times, chillingly intense, leaving the viewer on edge. I found the characters more appealing here and better developed than in The Departed, which I definitely didn’t expect. The only minor issue, which the film can’t really help, is that the characters can sometimes be a bit hard to follow. The ending, accompanied by powerful and emotional music, reaffirmed that this film stands on par with even the most grandiose Western productions. I give it 84%. (08/04/2017)

I dare to review this remarkable gem only after watching the entire trilogy, and it won't be a surprise when I say that the first installment is also the best. A cruel game takes place before the viewer in the genre of a police thriller, so gripping that at times you can hardly breathe. When everything is also performed by an amazing quartet of actors (Yan and Commander Wong on the side of the positive heroes, and Ming with boss Sam on the evil side), no one can blame me for not being able to hold back tears during the intense moments, and for sitting with my jaw dropped for a long time after the absolute end. (08/04/2007)

Infernal Affairs is a high-quality crime drama with standard subject matter, but with an unexpected outcome. The motif of a duel between two men on opposite sides of the law, each empowered by the other, is Woo-esque, albeit without amazing Woo-eque action. The characters are thoroughly well developed, as is the dynamic visual aspect, even in the peaceful scenes. One of the exemplary works of its kind, enhanced with an intellectual dimension that won’t exactly put a smile on your face. (26/04/2005)

Scorsese's version got to me. After all, it's a powerful film with a great plot and is excellently directed. The original Infernal Affairs is directed with a slightly less sure hand, but that's simply because Scorsese is a genius in this regard. However, the Hong Kong creators were definitely not far behind him; on the contrary, I was incredibly surprised by how self-assured this film is, and I'm a bit surprised that it didn't even earn a nomination for a foreign Oscar. The musical aspect is absolutely excellent, the story is original, and above all, it has a good pace. Some of the shots surprised me. If I gave Scorsese's version 100%, I can't go much lower here. A visually stunning film, but the story is simply good. (02/05/2014)

A little bit The Departed... by which I just mean this much: it's really a shame that I saw that movie before the "original". I guess even the ratings would have turned out differently. Perhaps. I really liked it and I'm glad I finally sat down to watch it. If I had been standing... :-) Definitely for those who like crime and aren't afraid of a familiar story. In short, a complete acting concert by the famous "four" (Andy, Tony, Anthony, Eric). (02/01/2009)