Review of Infernal Affairs

(April 7, 2013)
Mou gaan dou (Infernal Affairs) (Dec 2002)
Directed By: Wai-keung Lau , Alan Mak
Written By: Alan Mak, Felix Chong
Drama, Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense
Andy Lau- Ming
Tony Leung- Yan
Eric Tsang- Sam
Anthony Wong-SP Wong
Setting: HK

Plot:
The story was centered about two cops. One, Ming working for a triad boss, entered police and got his career soaring, the other, Yan an expelled officer, worked for the superintendent as an undercover. They both worked as an accomplice with their real identities hidden, telling off their bosses when a trade is occurring. Ming, got tired of his unknown identity and threw off his boss, remembering what he said that they always have a choice. Yan, avenging the only person who knows his identity, tried to reveal Ming’s betrayal to everyone, got shot by another Sam’s undercover.


Direction:
The first quarter bothered and bored me…if I am going to watch this when I was younger I will surely be cutting it off. It's too complicated. Full of edits, transition from black and white, very shaky, the freezing action also kind of put me off. Though the two lead younger selves were sure as hell eye candies. (Esp Ming)
I think I became habituated with the American movies I’ve watched the past few days. They didn't let me think at all.
The speaker thing was also kind of a put off. I can’t think of any reason why it has to be revealed that way. They don’t have to meet that way. What’s the point of these people having the same taste for music?
Another thing, the romance…the family, the daughter. It is not developed that well. How can you put something that isn’t that developed. It’s very bitin. It’s like a commercial. It didn’t make sense. The crying at the end..why can we sympathize with you.
Less actions. I think it’s kind of necessary to show why Yan was chosen of all the people…or I am just used to badass characters again. Don’t you think? I am being formulaic.
On the other hand, Sp Wong’s death made me cry..as well as the whole crew crying because of his unexpected death.
The continuity of unpredictability was of no comparison. It always left me hanging and proving me wrong. It was really great in that aspect.
The character development was so poor. Except maybe for the relationship of SP wong and Yan but still it’s lacking. The relationship of Ming and his gf was appropriate in showing his soft side…but it was a little bit contrived in Ming’s side.I don’t know. This has sequels. I might see that there.

Writing
The script was well-written. It was on a right mix of intricacy and simplicity that wouldn’t bore and confuse you. Scripts nowadays are too common, I can finish their sentences…I like the Buddhism references as well as the last quote in the end..
It wasn’t cheesy, it wasn’t too emotional, and it wasn’t all trying to be badass. I really think it’s awesome. What more if I can understand Chinese? It was simple yet intelligent.



Editing
Editing was appropriate. I guess? But it was obviously artificial, too gimmicky and flashy . But I think it’s appropriate.

Thoughts
It was amazing. I really liked how it kept me guessing until the end of the movie. The last movie that did that to me was Old Boy. And I haven’t experienced that since. And It wasn’t as cliché as Old Boy. I really liked it. However, I will still wait for a couple weeks to see if it’s still as good to be my favourite.

Theme:
Goodness. In what state should you be to be considered good? Do you really need to be in company of good to be good or to be in company of bad to be considered bad? Or must you walk away and be brave enough to take side to where you really belong.