An incredible crime-thriller, with an intense, perfectly-paced, well-thought out plot that's thoroughly gripping due to the incredible character dynamic between the two leads, each giving excellent performances.
The inspiration behind Scorsese's Oscar-winning The Departed, this Hong Kong original contains the core fabric of that story but few of its offshoots. It's strictly the tale of two double-agents, working both sides of the law in a desperate race to be the last man discovered, as the stakes climb steep and swift. Rapid and concise, it speeds impressively through some very tricky waters, effectively ratcheting the tension to an almost-unbearable level through both plot and cinematography.
As a non-Mandarin speaker, it's often tough to keep pace with the lightning-quick subtitles, but strong performances from the two yin-and-yang leads saves the day on more than one occasion. Ballsy and cold-hearted, I wish the American adaptation hadn't spoiled so many of the twists for me. I have a hunch the ending would've been twice as jolting if it hadn't.
Beginning with an immediate lob into both cheese and action, I was caught off guard and genuinely wondered whether I was watching the same movie as everyone else...because I really wasn't liking the 80s commercial-type editing and the horrific use of music, but despite these two aspects not necessarily getting any better, the movie does somehow become an engaging crime mystery.
Even though Martin Scorsese 'borrowed' way too much from this film, to the point where it's an almost identical story, I still think The Departed was a much better movie, and that's because that propelled everything that was wrong with this version. This one was incredibly rushed, giving almost no time to build characters. This one had lots of music but it was just terrible and took me away from the emotion at points. Infernal Affairs also had a very on-the-nose screenplay that almost felt like a first draft. Scorsese corrected all these things in his version with a longer run-time, a more patient pace, better use of music, a more realistic script and a terrific casting choice of Jack Nicholson!
There's a few parts I preferred about Infernal Affairs, but the majority of my preference leans towards The Departed. Great film though and very different to Scorsese's picture anyway, purposely feeling more like a cheesy b-movie action flick. I guess I liked it.
It's definitely better than the remake (which is The Departed, in case you didn't know... ;) ). And that means something because I consider The Departed a very good movie, too!
Watch this movie not the Hollywood remake!
Why do people hate on a movie JUST BECAUSE it's a remake? While it's true that most remakes don't turn out as good as their originals, its completely wrong to make that assumption 100% of the time. I've seen this movie as well as The Departed and I must say the latter's story was fleshed out a bit more and believable. Don't get me wrong, this movie deserves all the praise it received, but the remake took its story and made subtle improvements to its betterment. All this "watch this and not the remake" talk is just nonsense.
Yes of course Martin Scorsese, you haven't seen Internal Affairs before The Departed. There are simply scenes where the shots were taken over almost 1 to 1. If you like The Departed, you should watch the original
Amazing, great acting, great storyline, and of course I was one of those that seen the Departed first, and I still love the film, but this is equally as good and better in other areas, however the departed also is better in other areas. Its a win win situation the chance to watch either, and unlike the departed there is a 2 follow up movies to enjoy.
Classic Hong Kong film.
It is also an epoch-making work.
The original title of the film is Mou Gaan Dou.
Great acting and ofcourse the biggest advantage of this movie is perfect plot.Really enjoyable!
Does anyone have this in Chinese audio version instead of mandarin?
better than the HOLLYWOOD one
If u like I recommend the Infernal Affairs Chronological Edition, the best for watch a second time the trilogy ;)
One of the best movies of all time and like mortstar said... watch this one NOT ther american version.
Shout by AlexanderZBlockedParent2017-01-27T17:35:57Z
A seriously refreshing police thriller that cranks up the tension to the max. There's no overblown gunplay or buddy cop crap here, this baby is tight as a drum and will have your nails down to the quick. Superb performances, a tight script and tense direction make this a winner in every department. Pick it up if you can, it's fantastic.