Infernal Affairs (DVD)

In this gangster thriller the cops and the Triads have something in common: each has a mole in their midst. Ming (Andrew Lau) and Yan (Tony Leung) have been leading parallel lives: Ming is a Triad mole who has infiltrated the police department, and Yan is an undercover cop who has, over the years, risen to a position of authority in the Triad gang. Both are dissatisfied with their position, wishing they could put their false lives behind them. Then one night the two men’s paths finally cross during a police raid. Both the police and the Triads realise they have informers amongst them, and the race begins for Ming and Yan to get out alive. With Infernal Affairs, Hong Kong filmmakers Wai Keung Lau and Siu Fai Mak have successfully taken a smart script and a great cast, added some stylistic cinematography, and dual-fistedly given a new twist to a formulaic genre. Lau Kin Ming (Andy Lau), a young, loyal gangster, is ordered by his Triad boss Sam (Eric Tsang) to join the police force. While on the inside the young mole can keep a close eye on police activity, ensuring the gang’s activities will not be interrupted. Police Superintendent Wong (Anthony Wong Chau-Sang) has a similar plan. He takes a bright, ambitious police cadet Yan (Tony Leung Chiu Wai) and makes him an undercover cop with plans to get him inside the Triads. Years pass and both are now deep into their assigned roles. Undercover cop Yan, more or less living the life of a gangster, is now a member of Boss Sam’s group, and “Officer” Lau has all the appearance of a good cop trying to bust up the Triads’ drug ring. During a bust that could finally bring down Boss Sam, the moles inadvertently become aware of each other’s existence, and each is left wondering who is on the inside. What follows is a unique and exciting twist on the classic cat and mouse chase in which each man is not fighting for his life, but for his anonymity. In addition to its plot twists, what lifts Infernal Affairs above the standard cop story is its subtle exploration of the relative nature of good and evil. Part action, part psychological examination, Infernal Affairs is a sharp and fresh take on the classic crime story, and the inspiration for a 2006 Martin Scorsese remake (The Departed).

• Actors ‏ : ‎ Andrew Lau, Anthony Wong, Tony Leung, Eric Tsang, Chapman To