Infernal Affairs

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. (2005-04-26)

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. (2007-04-09)

The scales we apply when evaluating a film are different for each individual, so we cannot blame anyone for being enthusiastic about something that others do not like. However, if the Hong Kong movie Internal Affairs narrowly surpasses Martin Scorsese's The Departed, it is not evidence of great cinephilic erudition among users of FilmBooster. Internal Affairs is definitely not a bad film. It is a professionally directed gangster flick with very decent performances and if I hadn't seen Scorsese's remake beforehand, I would seriously consider giving it four stars. However, The Departed overwhelmingly surpasses Internal Affairs in every aspect, as it is more elaborately developed with well-drawn characters and logically functions much better in its plot. Internal Affairs is significantly more popcorn-like, with more dynamic editing, and moves towards its goal at a much faster pace. It doesn't burden itself with the psychology of the characters and is only interested in providing a fair amount of entertainment. Especially with its pathetic ending, Internal Affairs perfectly aligns with the expectations of the audience in line with the studio system, where the American version is dirtier and rawer. Where the villain Ming promises redemption to his girl and desires to do good, his American counterpart would reluctantly, but without hesitation, kill his love... Overall impression: 65%. (2010-04-24)

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. (2014-05-03)

There’s hardly any action, which I consider a fatal flaw in an action movie. And it’s not even saved by the interestingly constructed, though in essence banal, plot. The characters are well portrayed and you’ll whether you like Eastern mysticism and gimmicks or not, but that is the only positive aspect I found, the rest is boredom and mediocrity. Very average movie, I don't understand the high ratings, but that's normal here. (2010-02-28)