Hong Kong, 2002
Directors: Andy Lau and Alan Mak
Cast: Andy Lau, Tony Leung
Score: ****

Infernal Affairs is the biggest Hong Kong hit in decades, drawing a record HK$7 million when it opened during the Christmas of 2002. Not only does the film boast two of the city’s hottest stars (Andy Lau and the more recognizable Tony Leung of Happy Together, In the Mood for Love and other Wong Kar Wai films) but it has a multi-layered plot skillfully executed by its two directors in a film that is as entertaining as it is handsome to look at – a rarity in Hong Kong films.  (Infernal Affairs has already spawned a prequel and a sequel.

Lau and Leung play moles, one planted in the police force and the other in a gangster triad.  The film begins with the two young men training in the force.  Leung is expelled but secretly hired to infiltrate the triad while Lau clandestinely reports to his triad boss while serving in police uniform.  The rest of the film interweaves the action of the two culminating in a confrontation as both discover each other’s identity.

Directors Lau and Mak develop a compelling tale by focusing on twin parallels - reflected in the nature of the two bosses – the chief inspector and drug king-pin; in the similarities encountered in the tasks performed by the two moles and again in the emotional trauma resulting in the prolonged playing of an uncomfortable role.  It is clear that the play in the cops and robbers game is interchangeable as it is ambiguous.  The loyalties that the moles develop as a result are as disturbing as it is real in life.  The action sequences (car crashes, chases on-foot and gangland executions) are sufficiently exciting, complementing the moody nature of the crime drama.

As a bonus, there are some magnificent looking shots, for example, in the shoot-out sequence in the covered car park - the floor scattered with puddles of dark water reflecting the action taking place.  Master cinematographer Chris Doyle (mentioned in the opening credits) clearly must have left in his imprint here.  On the other hand, cheap theatrics like the elevator doors opening and closing on a slain body look too staged.

But it is the darkness and moodiness of the film that finally captivates.  There are no heroes in this story – just survivors.  The Chinese title, which translates to Wujian Path tells it all.  Wujian is the name of an ancient form of hell – a continuous hell, the one in Buddhist mythology of the worst kind.  It also reflects the torment particularly faced by Leung as the traitor in the triad.  Only two high ranking officers in the police force know of his undercover.  When one is killed and the pressure mounts, he has to seek psychiatric help to retain his sanity.

Lau and Leung are charismatic in their leads, portraying both a vulnerability and strength in their characterizations.  Their mentors (triad boss and police chief) are also brilliantly played by Eric Tsang and Anthony Wong.  Pity the female roles are under-written.  The psychiatrist (Kelly Chen) helping Leung through his trauma appears to be just going through the motions and Lau’s fiancée (Sammi Cheng) is more irritating, whining and complaining most of the time.

For all the praise that can be bestowed on Infernal Affairs, one can only wish the film will reach local screens.  Miramax has bought the North American rights.  This might not be a good thing as their other Asian films notably Shaolin Soccer and Hero are still idling on the shelves. Still, Infernal Affairs is definitely worth viewing and it is available on DVD at present.

Review by Gilbert Seah.