Review: Infernal Affairs

Infernal Affairs 無間道

"I dare you to talk about my mother again..."

Everyone has a preconceived notion in the back of their mind of the Hong Kong film industry...when you think of Hong Kong cinema, what do you see? Recycled storylines? Endless sequels? Flying swordsmen with wires showing? If you said yes to any of the above, you'd be right.

You'd be wrong, however, when speaking about Infernal Affairs. Director Andrew Lau Wai Keung got the formula right with this project. He was able to combine not only an all-star cast, but an amazingly complex plot with brilliant cinematography. Lau is an incredible story teller when given the right tools...Infernal Affairs is not your typical, run of the mill Triad film. Lau has matured from the 273 Young and Dangerous films that he helmed in the 90's and shows that he was always talented, albeit overworked. Perhaps that can be said about all Hong Kong films, the actors are overworked and underpaid. Take, for example, Infernal Affair's co-star Andy Lau Dak Hua(Not to be confused with the aforementioned Andrew Lau), since his debut in 1982, Andy Lau has starred in over 120 films. On top of that, he also has a prominent singing career. One has to wonder how these entertainers can distort the number of hours in a day to fit in all that they do.

So, it's been established that Infernal Affairs is brilliant visually. Let's dissect the casting and storyline a bit, without spoiling it for everyone of course. The tale begins with Lau Kian Ming, portrayed in youth by Edison Chen and in maturity by Andy Lau, being enrolled into the Hong Kong Police Academy to act as a mole for crime boss Sam, played by the ever-lovable Eric Tsang Chi Wai. At the same time, Chen Wing Yan, who in youth is played by Shawn Yue Man Lok and by Tony Leung Chiu Wai as an adult, is expelled from the Police Academy. However, Chen's abilities as a policeman catches the eye of Detective Wong, depicted by Anthony Wong Chau-Sang (they didn't really get all that creative with the names), who seeks out Chen Wing Yan and gives him a chance to "be a good person" by becoming an undercover agent. With that, the tragic conflict is set and the story is off and running.

Things progress well for the double agents until the fated night that Sam makes a drug deal with a gang of Thai smugglers. Coincidentally, Chen Wing Yan has gained the trust of Sam, ensuring that Chen is present as the deal goes down. On the flip side, Detective Wong has requested the aid of Lau Kian Ming, who has shown exemplary progress in his police work, and his staff in raiding Sam's drug deal and dismantling his crime circle. As it turns out, with both Chen and Lau helping their respective "sides", a deadly game of Chess ensues. With neither side coming away with what they desire, a frantic search within their respective organizations begins. Simultaneously, both Sam and Wong call out to their moles to discover how the deal goes sour. At this point, the cast is completely embroiled in the suspicion, deception and betrayals that makes Infernal Affairs the masterpiece that it is.

In a way, Infernal Affairs is Hong Kong's first Hollywood style blockbuster. It has action; it has romance; it has suspense; most importantly, it has a cast full of well-known popular actors and actresses. Look for appearances by Kelly Chen Wai Lam, Sammi Cheng Sau Man, and Chapman To Man Chat. Beneath the surface of Infernal Affairs, there lies a deeper religious satire that serves to testify to the strength of the movie's script. Be wary, and it will reveal itself to you as well. Infernal Affairs is not something you would expect, and there are times that the storyline takes turns that you wouldn't expect. It can be said that when this movie was released in Hong Kong, the film industry there was in a slump. Immediately following its release, countless knockoffs of Infernal Affairs were produced, as well as genuine sequels. However, the buzz generated by the movie has traveled over the Pacific, and perhaps an American version or translation of the movie may be brought over. Let's hope not, there's nothing that could sully this movie's worth more than Quentin Tarantino watching the movie and slapping his name on it so that trendy, Jackie Chan lovers can go out to watch it at their local Megaplex 8. I will say this with all due respect, America at large will NOT get it. Not because Americans are dumb, I would never say that, but because Infernal Affairs is a metaphor about Buddhism, not only an analogy but a satirical representation.


out of 5 Riddicks.

Must experience at least once in your life.