Infernal Affairs

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). (01/01/2009)

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. (27/02/2010)

I dare to comment on this remarkable gem only after watching the entire trilogy, and it won't be a surprise when I say that the first part is also the best. In front of the viewer, a cruel game takes place in the genre of a police thriller, so gripping that at times one can hardly breathe. When everything is additionally 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 intense moments, and for sitting with my jaw dropped for a long time after the absolute end. (08/04/2007)

Scorsese's version impressed me. After all, it is a powerful film with a great plot and it is exceptionally well-directed. The original "Infernal Affairs" is a bit less certain in direction, but that's simply because Scorsese is a genius in this aspect. However, Hong Kong creators are definitely not far behind, on the contrary, it astoundingly surprised me how confident this film is, and it's a bit surprising to me that it didn't at least earn a nomination for the foreign Oscar. The music is absolutely excellent, the story is original, and most importantly, it has a good pace. Some shots even surprised me. If I gave Scorsese's version 100%, I can't go much lower here. Visually stunning film, it's just the story... it's simply good. (02/05/2014)

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. (25/04/2005)